A new documentary in theaters and on demand called "Elstree 1976" focuses on the largely unknown bit players from the original Star Wars. Time Warner Cable News' film critic Neil Rosen filed the following review.
The latest Star Wars movie, "The Force Awakens," is now available on demand. But fans take note; there's also a new documentary about the original film. It's called "Elstree 1976."
If you're one of those people who believe that there couldn't possibly be anything new to be learned about the first Star Wars movie, filmmaker Jon Spira has found a different angle.
You see, this is not a behind-the-scenes peek at the making of "Star Wars: A New Hope." This is a look at the lives of 10 bit actors and extras who appeared in the iconic movie. They're minor players whose faces, in most cases, were completely obscured by helmets, rubber masks or heavy prosthetics.
These actors never really made it big, or even made it to the middle. Their only claim to fame is that they appeared in the most successful movie of its time. And even though they're unrecognizable in real life, their characters have been immortalized as action figures. Plus, there are legions of fans who pay good money to have them sign memorabilia at Star Wars conventions. It's how many of them make a very comfortable living today.
You'll meet David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in the film, but whose voice was later dubbed over in post production by James Earl Jones.
Then, there are the actors who played Boba Fett and Greedo. We learn how they got their small roles and what acting, if any, they've done since. These people are extremely lucky to have been in this particular film, in shoes that could have easily been filled by countless others. I say good for them that they've capitalized on it.
It's also kind of funny that there's a hierarchy at these conventions, as the bit players get furious when uncredited actors who were in the film show up trying to also cash in.
"Elstree 1976," named after the studio outside of London where the film was shot, could have been shorter, as it wears out its welcome after about an hour. It also raises a few questions that are left unanswered. But there's still enough here to make it worth a look for fans.
Neil Rosen's Big Apple Rating: Two-and-a-half stars, but diehard Star Wars aficionados will probably grade it a bit higher