Those are the famous lines spouted by actors for decades.
They always want to thank “the little people”, those inconsequential actors,
extras and crew members who make the star shine. But rarely do we ever hear
about them and they never receive the accolades that the stars do. No one even
makes movies about them. Until now.
STAR WARS is perhaps the biggest cultural event film made in
the last 50 years. It was released, sequels were made, all were re-released,
prequels followed, we got an all-new movie last year, a movie tie-in is coming
as well as a sequel to the new movie. And while all had a handful of stars in
major roles what most don’t consider is the number of bit players and costumed
actors that are found running around in each of these movies.
ELSTREE 1976 takes a look at those actors. If you were in a
mask or played a small role in the original film you were there watching it all
happen at Elstree Studios in 1976. The film makers here have gone back to those
actors now and discussed with them the experiences they had in making that
first movie. Matched with their appearances in that film we see them as they
are now, masks off or a little aged for those who didn’t have to wear masks.
Each of them talks about their time and it makes for a nice backstage look at
movie making.
Not only do we get to hear them talk about the making of the
film we get to find out how it influenced their lives moving forward as well.
Various cast members went on to roles in other films or TV projects, some of
them recognizable when it is pointed out. For them you’ll be watching and
saying “Oh yeah! I didn’t realize that was him/her!” We see where they are
today and what they’re doing as well as those no longer with us.
I’ve read some reviews of this film that take its makers to
task for focusing on the minor bit players while ignoring some of the bigger
name stars that were made who also wore masks. I find it difficult to side with
those complaints seeing as how many of those stars have had programs made about
them already as well as their appearing at numerous conventions to sign
autographs to this day. The focus of the cast members here were those who
aren’t as recognizable, who didn’t jump onto other major projects in starring
roles, who haven’t gotten the recognition that those others did. For me that
makes the movie even better, giving them a chance for the recognition they
deserve as well.
Understand going in that this is not an action packed film.
We don’t see tons of clips from the original movie. We get glimpses of these
people in their roles, see them now and get the chance to listen to them talk
about their experience. It is a documentary not a narrative film. And yet it is
still interesting to watch. Fans of STAR WARS will find themselves listening to
these tales with rapt attention. Others might find it interesting as well. For
me it was a treat and worth watching.
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