Star Wars: The Critical Role of Communication

Strong with The Force, this one is not. Hopefully Solo’s title is prophetic. If a sequel is made, there may not be a Galaxy left to save.

No revealing spoilers—nothing is memorable enough to recall. Whether an ardent fan of the Star Wars canon or a recent convert to the franchise, prepare to be equally disappointed. As Master Yoda teaches, “do or do not—there is no try”.

This film does not try.

Complimentary components define quality filmmaking. While each are distinct entities within a film, they function as individual components of a stylized whole.

1.      Wardrobe. 

Follow the wardrobe changes of Emily Clarke’s Qi’ra. They’re more likely found in Breakfast at Tiffany’s than In a Galaxy, Far, Far Away.  

Above: Qi’ra’s wardrobe; bargain bin at Audrey Hepburn’s rummage sale.

Wardrobe Grade: F-

2.      Acting. 

Magic is stolen when a prequel revisits characters doing just fine in future films. Stakes are lowered; outcomes predictable. The problem here: our cast seem obliviously aware of it. There’s no convincing sense of urgency, tangible consequences, or imminent danger in these performances. In spite of non-stop action, absent are blood, sweat, or tears. With scant character development our cast are given little to work with. It shows.

Above: One of countless scenes where death is “imminent”; appropriate time for witty banter and sarcastic one-liners.


Acting Grade: F-

3.      Lighting.

This is the unforgivable sin. The film’s lighting does nothing to serve the story, standing in depressing contrast to the popcorn thrills onscreen. From beginning to end, a washed-out pallet of dull grey and dirt suffocate every scene. There’s no break from it. Faces are unlit; characters are shadowed silhouettes against a glaring backlight. This style is more appropriate for a gritty noir piece or WWI documentary. It does not work here.

Above: Well-lit or not, this movie sucks.

Lighting Grade: F-

Wardrobe. Acting. Lighting. None of these departments appear to have met. Each component fails within itself; compounded together? Exponentially worse.

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

Three wrongs?

Disaster.

The leadership lesson is this.

Incongruent components dismantle your collective effort. The gears will not fit. It is critical all contributors serve a singular guiding principle—and do not waver.

Different roads? Yes.

But all must end at the same location. All must steer towards the goal the entire way there.

The solution is surprisingly simple.

Communicate.

Include all stakeholders, define the objective, plan accordingly; meet early and meet often. Make sure all contributors steer towards a singular goal.

Communicate.

Do so with relentless frequency. A modest misfire in only one component of a project can cripple the outcome. Make sure all contributors steer towards a singular goal.

Communicate.

Demand (and accept) honest dialogue and open feedback; critical course-correctors for a unified goal and team cohesion. Make sure all contributors steer towards a singular goal.

The result of not doing so?

The Solo effect: a collaborative effort where none make an effort to collaborate.

Heed the warning.  

Mark Joseph Huckabee