George Lucas is making headlines on two fronts: the imminent opening of his narrative art museum in Los Angeles and the rediscovery of a long-lost original print of the 1977 'Star Wars'. Both events are generating significant buzz and excitement among fans and art enthusiasts alike.
Lucas Museum: A Futuristic Oasis in LA
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a billion-dollar project designed by MAD Architects, is set to open in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. The museum focuses on visual storytelling, showcasing everything from comic art to movie concept designs and paintings by renowned artists. But the building itself isn't the only attraction.
George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, commissioned Mia Lehrer and Studio-MLA to design the 11 acres of landscape surrounding the museum. The goal was to create a landscape that also tells a story, drawing inspiration from how directors, illustrators, and painters use topography to evoke emotion and sequence. The landscape will include foothills, groves, canyons, and mesas, all built atop a parking garage using innovative foam technology. Crucially, the landscape will be open to the public, even without a museum ticket, offering a unique green space in the heart of Los Angeles.
'Star Wars' Original Print: A Rediscovered Relic
In other news, a rare, original print of the 1977 'Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope' has been discovered and screened at the British Film Institute in London. This is the first print ever released, and it's been unseen by the public for 47 years due to George Lucas' preference for later, modified versions. Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm president, introduced the screening, calling the print “that rare.”
While some modern viewers, including a film critic from The Telegraph, found the original version “terrible” compared to the polished, tweaked versions, the screening offered a unique glimpse into the raw, unfiltered creation of a cinematic masterpiece. The original print highlights the practical effects and set design that were groundbreaking at the time, showcasing a different aesthetic than the heavily CGI-enhanced versions familiar to contemporary audiences.
The rediscovery and screening of the original 'Star Wars' print provide valuable insights into the film's evolution, while the Lucas Museum promises to be a cultural landmark, showcasing the power of visual storytelling in all its forms. Both events solidify George Lucas' lasting impact on art and entertainment.