Hoping Hayden Hears the ‘Voice of the People’
UPDATED 5/20 with an Editor’s Note. I was able fully nourish the wonder that came from the space soap operas of George Lucas. And now that I was an adult, I was also able appreciate the intellectual influences of Star Wars. These included anthropologist Joseph Campbell, Eastern spirituality, and the samurai movies of Akira Kurosawa. In addition, I finally understand why critics had hailed the original trilogy and bashed the prequels. Being aged 8, 11, and 14 respectively when they were released, they were simply my favorites because they were newer. Kids always think what is new is de facto better.
As I finished my senior year at Xavier High School, I experienced a renaissance: Star Wars.
My passion had returned for the adventures that took place a long time ago in that galaxy far, far away. I sought to live according to the unwritten rules of being a teenager, which forbade fandom of sci-fi and fantasy.
But as my second semester began, the scales fell from all our eyes. We realized the popularity contest was nonsense. We spent our whole lives longing for the days when we would be top dogs as seniors. Instead, we found ourselves casually conversing with those we once considered social lepers.
Throughout 2009, I rewatched the movies constantly. I picked up on the merited criticisms, no doubt …
But something stuck out to me: Hayden Christensen, the actor who played Anakin Skywalker.
I was well aware that older fans were critical of his performances. but after many re-watches I realized that these criticisms went too far. It all came down to the delivery of his lines. His tone of voice and his intonation were lifeless. But his facial expressions and the physicality of his performance were impressive when Anakin was not speaking.
One day it finally dawned on me: the poor performance was not Hayden Christensen’s fault. It was George Lucas’ writing and directing.
For all the praise I can heap on Lucas, I do have criticisms. I cannot deny that the man was better fit as the creative executive force driving the productions rather than directing.
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford never hesitated to roast Lucas for his unnatural dialogue. They claim his direction was simply “Faster and more intensity.” Hamill boasts that he can still recall the cheesiest line of his audition to this day. The raw footage of the original movie is quite cringe-worthy. The editing saved the movie (and also won an Academy Award). For the remaining films of the trilogy, he opted to hire directors. He chose Irvin Kershner and Richard Marquand to helm The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, respectively.
But when Lucas finally got to work on the prequels, he directed all three, himself. The editing room saved A New Hope, and Kirschner and Marquand were able to able to bring produce quality content. Now that Lucas was giving acting advice, the guardrails were down. Any actor, regardless of their potential talent, would be subject to Lucas’ direction.
By 2001, Hayden Christensen, was a rising star in Hollywood. He had appeared in a variety of material, including Canadian youth television (Are You Afraid of the Dark? is among the credits). He received a Golden Globe nomination for acting alongside Kevin Kline in Life as a House. He also portrayed defiled journalist Stephen Glass’s fall in Shattered Glass. He was certainly on the trajectory for a long and respected career. Lucas even compared him to James Dean.
But when Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith were excoriated by the critics, so were Christensen’s performances. While the rest of the cast was also criticized, it was mostly directed towards Christensen. As a result, he appeared to experience the “Yips” and was unable produce better performances after Star Wars. He has mainly kept to independent films since.
But in recent years, Christensen has been shown much love and appreciation. He has always been happy to appear at conventions. He has received love for reprising the role of Anakin for Disney’s canon of Lucasfilm with Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ahsoka. This exposure has led to appearances on The Tonight Show.
Additionally, there have been promotions with WIRED and GQ. These appearances and promotions have accumulated millions of views online.
Much to my delight, it appears that Star Wars fans are experiencing a Hayden Christensen renaissance. I am grateful for the stock I bought all the way back in 2009.
The 20th anniversary of Revenge of the Sith arrived today.
I must ponder: “Why should this renaissance be confined to just Star Wars?” Did he not bring his talent to other movies and shows? Does that mean he can’t contribute to projects that fans of pure entertainment can enjoy? Perhaps he can lead a miniseries, as seems to be the trend now? Why has he not been considered for at least cameo appearances in any upcoming projects by A-list filmmakers?
If Lindsey Lohan can experience a second act, then why can’t Hayden Christensen?
I believe he still has much to bring to the table. I hope he can read the signs of the times and hear the voice of the people.
Editor’s Note: For the record, the publication day of this article—Monday, May 19—is the 20th anniversary of the release of ‘Revenge of the Sith.’
About the Author: Having lived in Old Lyme and Lyme since the age of three, Kevin has always had a passion for movies that is beyond simply watching, but understanding the craft of cinema and and experiencing films as if they were a musical album. Kevin also has his own website devoted to movie analysis, CityOfCinema.com, and also co-hosts a podcast, Moviehouse Mystics, with Koda Uhl (available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.)
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