ANH 21: Backstage Jitters

A NEW HOPE
Written By Chrysanthe Tan

Guest: Alex Cunningham

In minutes 101-105 of A New hope, our rebel friends attend a briefing, rev up their engines backstage, and get ready for showtime on the Death Star. Today's guest is Alex Cunningham, who raises interesting questions about the diegesis of Obi-Wan's voice, the timing of the PA voices, and General Dodonna's accent. 

Discussion Guide:

  • 00:00 - Hello there!

  • 10:14 - Does Luke literally experience Obi-Wan's voice?

  • 18:57 - Subjectivity and objectivity in music/language.

  • 25:41 - Dodonna's microaggression toward Princess Leia?

  • 35:28 - Acting then (1977) versus now.

  • 46:15 - Sinking realization.

  • 50:12 - What do you think about Biggs?

  • 59:04 - A beautiful minute of engines roaring.

  • 1:06:51 - Are the PA voices too perfectly timed with the cuts?

  • 1:16:45 - "I'd never want to be an ill-behaved guest, but I was kind of curious..."

  • 1:27:53 - Gnarliest violin spot in the Star Wars score?

  • 1:33:19 - Examples from pop/rock music that remind Alex of these minutes.

  • 1:41:20 - SWMM Questionnaire

Things Mentioned:

Where Are We in the Soundtrack?

  • Very beginning of "The Battle Of Yavin (Launch From The Fourth Moon/X-Wings Draw Fire/Use The Force")

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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:

1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?

  • John. Ben. James. (Shoutout to Nani from Triad of the Force for saying this answer first.)

2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?

  • Alex would love to ask Ben Burtt what other sound designers he admires.

3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?

  • Akira (composed by Geinoh Yamashirogumi)

  • Runner-up: The Harder They Come (primarily featuring Jimmy Cliff)

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Alex Cunningham:

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Where else to find SWMM:

Chrysanthe Tan

Composer / Violinist

www.chrysanthetan.com
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