Star Wars: Episode VII: The Nerd Rage Awakens

[Awesome Possum]

Isn't Serkis the narrator for the first teaser? I had figured he was playing a villain, but would be some sort of alien that wouldn't work as a puppet.

But there's no reason to have a CG Vader, it's cheaper to hire a tall guy and stick him in a suit. Plus if Vader comes back, why would he even be in a suit? It would make more sense to have a healthy Anakin. Anakin seemed to be more powerful before he got burned, Vader seemed to be limited by his suit and prosthetic limbs. What are they going to do? Pop him out of the clone pod and toss him in a fire for the sake of the coolness and intimidation factor?

 

[fireproof78]

Isn't Serkis the narrator for the first teaser? I had figured he was playing a villain, but would be some sort of alien that wouldn't work as a puppet.

But there's no reason to have a CG Vader, it's cheaper to hire a tall guy and stick him in a suit. Plus if Vader comes back, why would he even be in a suit? It would make more sense to have a healthy Anakin. Anakin seemed to be more powerful before he got burned, Vader seemed to be limited by his suit and prosthetic limbs. What are they going to do? Pop him out of the clone pod and toss him in a fire for the sake of the coolness and intimidation factor?

Well, they are evil-do they even need a reason beyond intimidation?

Also, I can see no story reason to bring Vader back, especially when they are trying to put the focus on the new cast.

 

[Doctorwhovian]

Certainly Vader's legacy will have something to do with the films-we've seen the melted helmet (salvaged from Endor, I guess).

Funny thing is, I'm kind of reminded of the old EU novel Dark Apprentice (part of the Jedi Academy trilogy) where Kyp Durron-an apprentice of Luke's-goes to the dark side (under the guidance of an ancient Sith lord force ghost) and digs up Vader's helmet on Endor for some reason.

Adam Driver/Kylo Ren, without the mask, does kind of resemble slightly the artistic representations of Kyp in a few ways (plus the names are a bit similar), although I think it's just a case of similar ideas. I know Abram's Star Trek incorporated some concepts from the non-canon novels but I think that's mainly due to Orci and Kurtzman's influence; I seriously doubt Abrams/Kasdan/Ardnt would seriously take ideas from an old (and not well-regarded really) novel series.

Kind of like how the new Jurassic World isn't really paying tribute to the old Jurassic park EU which featured functioning parks (Operation Genesis) or other hybrid dinos (The comics) but following a similar concept all the same.

 

[HIjol]

"A Little Less Than A Long Time Ago..."


nuStar Wars: Anything's Possible

 

[Mr Light]

<<Funny thing is, I'm kind of reminded of the old EU novel Dark Apprentice (part of the Jedi Academy trilogy) where Kyp Durron-an apprentice of Luke's-goes to the dark side (under the guidance of an ancient Sith lord force ghost) and digs up Vader's helmet on Endor for some reason.>>

I totally forgot that happened! EU reference!!!

 

[Mach5]

http://www.starwars.com/news/captur...ith-annie-leibovitz-exclusive?linkId=14572105

Spoiler: Andy Serkis' character

Spoiler: image is high res

Supreme Leader Snoke

 

[BeatleJWOL]

I'm sure he's pleased he gets to sit this time.

 

[Ithekro]

Title sounds Imperial. His expression is unamused. His name is alien. Not sure what to make if it. For all we know he could be a Gungan leader who diposed the Bosses and runs Naboo with an iron fist while old Senator Binks tries to help keep the Resistance going.

 

[davejames]

Sigh, not really crazy about having another fully CG character in this, but I guess JJ realizes audiences are still going to want this to look at least a bit like a modern scifi blockbuster.

 

[Ithekro]

Use a man's talents and Serkis is a master now. It might be just the head that is CGI for reasons.

 

[Venardhi]

Sigh, not really crazy about having another fully CG character in this, but I guess JJ realizes audiences are still going to want this to look at least a bit like a modern scifi blockbuster.

That is some pretty questionable reasoning. If he wanted more CGI he has plenty of other opportunities. Fully CG characters are generally kept to minor or supporting roles for a reason. If they decided that CG was the best option here, it is probably for a very good reason (or several) that couldn't be accomplished with practical methods.

 

[Mr Light]

I'm sorry, but Snoke sounds almost as stupid as Sheev...

 

[davejames]

That is some pretty questionable reasoning. If he wanted more CGI he has plenty of other opportunities. Fully CG characters are generally kept to minor or supporting roles for a reason. If they decided that CG was the best option here, it is probably for a very good reason (or several) that couldn't be accomplished with practical methods.

Well I hope so, but it's hard to think of any character that would absolutely need to be CG for story purposes. And even complicated characters or creatures that nowadays directors would prefer to use CG for (like the Rancor, Jabba, the Space Slug, etc), the OT managed to pull off perfectly well using practical effects.

I certainly have no problem with CG being used in the new SW movies, but I was hoping some of the more obvious or show-offy CG effects like we saw in the prequels would be kept to a minimum (especially since they tend not to date as well).

 

[Venardhi]

Could be a character with extensive disfigurements like Two-Face in The Dark Knight or something along those lines where the practical effects are limited in what they can "take away" from a human form. He might be biomechanoid/cyborg with significant mechanics on his face. There are plenty of reasons that aren't as simplistic as 'he needed an opportunity to show off some CG to the audience.'

I'd also say that The Rancor in particular didn't age very well compared to most of the effects in the OT. It certainly wouldn't pass muster in a theater today.

 

[Hound of UIster]

No it's a CGI character

Spoiler: ...

probably from Episode VII's equivalent of the Cantina/Jabba's palace

.

 

[Venardhi]

No it's a CGI character

Spoiler: ...

probably from Episode VII's equivalent of the Cantina/Jabba's palace

.

Spoiler: Nope.

Based on his title he would seem to be the First Order equivalent of the Emperor

 

[fireproof78]

That is some pretty questionable reasoning. If he wanted more CGI he has plenty of other opportunities. Fully CG characters are generally kept to minor or supporting roles for a reason. If they decided that CG was the best option here, it is probably for a very good reason (or several) that couldn't be accomplished with practical methods.

Well I hope so, but it's hard to think of any character that would absolutely need to be CG for story purposes. And even complicated characters or creatures that nowadays directors would prefer to use CG for (like the Rancor, Jabba, the Space Slug, etc), the OT managed to pull off perfectly well using practical effects.

I certainly have no problem with CG being used in the new SW movies, but I was hoping some of the more obvious or show-offy CG effects like we saw in the prequels would be kept to a minimum (especially since they tend not to date as well).

There are a couple of differences that I think are significant. First of all, digital technology at the time of the Prequels was still new enough (not completely new, but new enough to be expensive) to require a pretty full commitment to make it work properly. Lucas definitely wanted to push the digital bounds, and the results reflect this fact.

Secondly, and more on the point, is attitude. Abrams is far more practical in his effects projects, at least were he can afford it. Lucas all in on the digital age, wanting digital footage, effects and sets. Abrams has demonstrated an interest in practical effects, as evidenced by the practical X-wing model, and droid model.

Finally, Andy Serkiss is becoming a real master of mocap acting, and is among the finest out there for the job. The idea that his character is CGI is likely informed by story need (such as an alien that would be limited by in expression by make-up), and not showing off on the part Abrams.

 

[davejames]

I'd also say that The Rancor in particular didn't age very well compared to most of the effects in the OT. It certainly wouldn't pass muster in a theater today.

I think the Rancor itself has aged beautifully and still looks as amazing as it did 32 years ago. The problem is just with the primitive and obvious matte lines around it any time Luke is in the same picture. But thankfully that's not in every shot it's in.

Secondly, and more on the point, is attitude. Abrams is far more practical in his effects projects, at least were he can afford it. Lucas all in on the digital age, wanting digital footage, effects and sets. Abrams has demonstrated an interest in practical effects, as evidenced by the practical X-wing model, and droid model.

Yeah that's a fair point. If there's any director I trust not to get overly carried away with CG, it's probably Abrams, who managed to keep the Trek movies looking very practical and old school despite the tons of CG being used.

And CG can certainly do some amazing things and deserves to be used in a SW movie. I'm just hoping it doesn't feel at all distracting or out of place in this one.

 

[Mr Light]

I'd be really surprised if the leader of the Empire was an alien. I know the pro-human racism is being downplayed in the new continuity... but... the Empire was all human in the movies...

 

[JD]

I don't really mind CGI characters that much. The fact that so much of the effects will be practical makes me think that the stuff that they are using for CGI is stuff that just won't work as well practically. Don't forget that Lupita Nyong'o's character, Maz Kanata is also going to be CGI, so we are going to have at least two mo-cap CGI characters, and judging by the caliber of actors they hired I have a feeling they're probably going to be fairly prominent roles.