If Michael Haneke Directed A Star Wars Movie
Director Michael Haneke has never shied away from stories that depict aspects of pain and agony, whether in the satirized random violence of Funny Games, the masochism of The Piano Teacher, or the uncomfortably meta murder of Benny’s Video.
Plus Michael Haneke’s acclaimed film, Amour, was a critical darling and used heartbreak as its source of pain, winning all kinds of awards in the process. For these reasons and more, Haneke is one of the most respected filmmakers out there, and is completely removed from all conversations involving Star War. Well, all conversations except the one that led to this spoof.
During the 38th Annual César Awards — the French equivalent to the Oscars — this video popped up, applying Michael Haneke’s understated, depressing style to the next Star Wars sequel.
By using elderly characters, it certainly references Amour more than any of his other films, seeing that film isn’t necessary to be amused by this strange homage, though knowing the Star Wars universe, even just the few major familial details, is a plus.
Check out the aging Luke and Leia caring for their beyond ancient father in Michael Haneke’s Star Wars: The Obscure Side of the Force.
Known for his exacting directorial style, static camerawork, and refusal to provide easy answers, Michael Haneke’s uncompromising, morally complex films have made him both an influential and polarizing figure in world cinema.
Would Michael Haneke work in a galaxy far, far away? Of course not. But that’s kind of the hilarious point and why it is so great seeing the clear juxtaposition between the styles in the video above. Frankly, it’s almost surreal in the way it is constructed. Heck, maybe we do need more of a style shift for this franchise.
Leia’s awkward curtsy upon being re-introduced to father Vader is worth the watch alone. Now I’d like to watch someone spoof Michael Haneke’s take on the end of the Ewok civilization.
Hell, it could be Tommy Wiseau’s take on Ewok extinction and it would be worth it. Let’s walk away from this thankful that no bidets were harmed in the making of this video.
Let Michael Haneke make a Star Wars movie? Maybe it’s not such a bad idea.
