“There is no danger. The fighting is over, and this is personal.” – Padme Amidala
The power of silence, it has an immense energy like no other source. It has the ability to allow us to rationalize and to act, it can (sometimes) help ease the mind and quiet our emotional storms, and it is a powerful ally like no other…it is, in a sense, a personal prayer.
Not only is silence an important key in our own daily lives, but it’s also a significant element in movie making. George is no exception to this; in fact he embraced that influential power and incorporated it throughout the Saga.
One scene in particular is when Padme leaves her safe haven on Coruscant, as what she constitutes as a “Personal Mission.” What we see next is so emotionally compelling, that it leaves us, the viewer to feel Padme’s intimate anguish of despair. Her world, as she knew it had reached a crescendo; Shatter-point.
As the Naboo skiff lands on Mustafar, it begins; Padme’s Prayer. All that has transpired with the Republic, the downfall of the Jedi, the birth of the Galactic Empire, and worst of all (to her, personally) are the words that still echo in the back of her mind…. “Padmé, Anakin has turned to the Dark Side. I have seen a security hologram… of him… killing Younglings.”-Obi-wan Kenobi
The visage we are given on the screen is priceless, its magnitude speaks volumes and suddenly the poignancy of a past description rings ominously true… “She was very beautiful… kind … but sad.” This was an ingenious way of connecting two moments with such empowering significance. And in my opinion, it worked.
She perches her forehead upon her hand and takes a ragged breath. As her eyes look up, we see two dark ebony pools ready to spill over and flood her flushed cheeks, she is already….broken. This is it, its’ do or die. The Politician exterior no longer exists, she is completely exposed, vulnerable; she has let go. Conceal don’t feel has no meaning to her at this point, it’s all or nothing. There’s nowhere to run, she reflects and her incarnation begins. Through her silence, those seconds of prayer, she embodies her faith and doesn’t look back.
As Anakin’s silhouette emerges, she instinctively runs to greet him. Unknowingly, delivering herself to the clutches of a Sith Hell and willingly, resting her heart, her soul, her unborn child(ren), and her fate in the hands of her seduced husband. She has made a choice, she won’t leave without him, there is good in him, she knows…there’s still…
Self Reflection
This is why Star Wars lives on, it hits home to all of us that love it so. Whether it’s a character that we relate to, or a catch phrase, line or dialog, a specific scene, some aspect of it connects with us on an individual level that it becomes personal. For me, this is that moment. When I look into Padme’s eyes, it’s a mirror into my soul. I’ve been there, sitting in that exact seat, facing my own fiery pits of hell. How to choose is the most difficult decision to make. What’s at stake and at what cost? The fear of the unknown is scarier than any hell you’re already living in. In fact, the beaten path is always easier to take than the less traveled. It took me 13 years to allow that inferno to build walls around me, until one night, like Padme I reached my Shatter-point.
Some of you, those that are close to me, know my connection to this scene. For those that do not, I am a survivor of DV; Domestic Violence. Those years, those are my Dark Times, my personal Clone Wars. If it weren’t for Star Wars and this amazing community, I probably wouldn’t be here today writing this blog. I thank the Maker each day for giving us this gift, for without it, I’d be lost. The fandom is forever expanding and there’s no better time to be a Star Wars fan than right now!
Again, I appreciate you stopping by to read my musings. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t be shy, I enjoy the feedback. If you wish to reach me directly, do so here: beccab@coffeewithkenobi.com
I’m also on twitter @urangelb
And coming soon, to a Cantina not so far, far away… The Cantina Cast Podcast! Yes, it’s true! I’ll be joining forces with Mike and Joao at their wretched hive of scum and villainy as they re-launch their website. More details coming soon…. On twitter @thecantinacast and www.facebook.com/TheCantinaCast
Remember, this IS the podcast you’re looking for!
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