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9781932100891

Star Wars on Trial : Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Debate the Most Popular Science Fiction Films of All Time

by Unknown
  • ISBN13:

    9781932100891

  • ISBN10:

    193210089X

  • Format: Trade Paper
  • Copyright: 2006-06-28
  • Publisher: Benbella Books
  • Purchase Benefits
List Price: $20.95

Summary

Debates on the authenticity of theStar Warsfranchise and the hero-or-villain status of George Lucas are at the heart of these essays by bestselling science-fiction authors. The incredible popularity of the movies has led to the formation of strong emotions within the science fiction community on the strengths and flaws of the films, exemplified here by David Brin's attacks and Matthew Woodring Stover's defense of the movies. This intense examination of the epic works addresses a broad range of issuesfrom politics, religion, and the saga's overall logic to the impact of the series on bookshelf space as well as science-fiction film. The questionIs George Lucas a hero for bringing science fiction to a mass audience or a villain who doesn't understand the genre he's working for?is discussed before a final "Judge's Verdict" on the greatnessor weaknessof the franchise is reached.

Author Biography

David Brin is the author of 15 novels, including Earth, Startide Rising, and The Uplift War, and numerous short stories. He is the recipient of three Hugo Awards and one Nebula Award. He lives in Encinitas, California. Matthew Woodring Stover is the author of the film novelization Stars Wars: Revenge of the Sith, as well as Blade of Tyshalle and Star Wars: Shatterpoint. He lives in Chicago.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1(6)
David Brin
Introduction 7(8)
Matthew Woodring Stover
OPENING STATEMENTS
15(354)
For the Prosecution: David Brin
17(38)
For the Defense: Matthew Woodring Stover
55(26)
Charge #1: The Politics of Star Wars are Anti-Democratic and Elitist
81(16)
For the Defense: Keith R. A. DeCandido
83(14)
Charge #2: While Claiming Mythic Significance, Star Wars Portrays No Admirable Religious or Ethical Beliefs
97(38)
For the Prosecution: John C. Wright
99(22)
For the Defense: Scott Lynch
121(14)
Charge #3: Star Wars Novels are Poor Substitutes for Real Science Fiction and are Driving Real SF Off the Shelves
135(48)
For the Prosecution: Lou Anders
137(14)
For the Defense: Laura Resnick
151(8)
For the Defense: Karen Traviss
159(10)
For the Defense: Kristine Kathryn Rusch
169(14)
Charge #4: Science Fiction Filmmaking Has Been Reduced by Star Wars to Poorly Written Special Effects Extravaganzas
183(34)
For the Prosecution: John G. Hemry
185(14)
For the Defense: Bruce Bethke
199(18)
Charge #5: Star Wars Has Dumbed Down the Perception of Science Fiction in the Popular Imagination
217(28)
For the Prosecution: Tanya Huff
219(14)
For the Defense: Richard Garfinkle
233(12)
Charge #6: Star Wars Pretends to Be Science Fiction, But Is Really Fantasy
245(58)
For the Prosecution: Ken Wharton
247(16)
For the Defense: Robert A. Metzger
263(16)
For the Prosecution: Bruce Bethke
279(8)
For the Defense: Adam Roberts
287(16)
Charge #7: Women in Star Wars are Portrayed as Fundamentally Weak
303(38)
For the Prosecution: Jeanne Cavelos
305(24)
For the Defense: Bill Spangler
329(12)
Charge #8: The Plot Holes and Logical Gaps in Star Wars Make It Ill-Suited for an Intelligent Viewer
341(28)
For the Prosecution: Nick Mamatas
343(14)
For the Defense: Don DeBrandt
357(12)
CLOSING STATEMENTS
369(14)
For the Prosecution: David Brin
371(8)
For the Defense: Matthew Woodring Stover
379(4)
The Verdict 383

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