It’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with what people’s thoughts are on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Perhaps it’s the complexity and tone of the film that have caused people to develop a complicated relationship with the Rian Johnson picture. Take JJ Abrams for example, who for months has been showering the film with nothing but praises.
The director of The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker praised Rian Johnson’s creative and bold approach and said that the eighth episode of Star Wars motivated him to step out of his comfort zone when directing Episode IX. Later, Abrams praised Johnson’s ability to subvert our expectations. However, in a recent interview with the New York Times, JJ Abrams did share a problem he has with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. He said:
[It’s great that the film] is full of surprises and subversion and all sorts of bold choices. On the other hand, it’s a bit of a meta approach to the story. I don’t think that people go to ‘Star Wars’ to be told, “This doesn’t matter.”
That’s certainly an interesting take by JJ Abrams, though, it’s not one I necessarily agree with. The Last Jedi isn’t a meta film but a philosophical deconstruction of the universe.
But that’s what’s really interesting about the film, isn’t it? The polarising nature of it. That said, as much as I love The Last Jedi, I do hope Abrams’ The Rise of Skywalker manages to bridge the gap between the divided fanbase.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits cinemas 19 December.
