In a first of a series of deleted scenes, Luke watches the famous opening of A New Hope from Tatooine, as an Imperial Star Destroyer chases down and captures Tantive IV, controlled by the fledgling Alliance to Restore the Republic (also called the Rebel Alliance). The Rebel Alliance has grown since its inception, primarily through the efforts of dissatisfied Senators in the new Imperial Senate. Unable to limit the Emperor's absolute power in any official capacity, they have slowly begun gathering forces to oppose the Empire.
Later (in another deleted scene), Luke meets up with an old friend, Biggs Darklighter, who has returned from the Imperial Academy while training to be a pilot. He plans to "drop ship" as soon as possible and join the Rebellion instead. Trying to convince Luke, who hates the Empire, to join, Biggs notes the steady growth Imperial involvement in economic affairs.
"You know they're starting to nationalize commerce in the central systems...it won't be long before your uncle is merely a tenant, slaving for the greater glory of the Empire."
Luke's uncle, a small-time moisture farmer, may soon face the threat of directly working for the Empire. The nationalization of key industries, and greater government regulation and control, is a staple for budding totalitarian regimes. The Emperor had already begun nationalization (or, as it sometimes referred to, "Imperialization") immediately following his rise to power, absorbing the commercial apparatus of the former Separatists.
Emperor Palpatine recognizes the importance of economic affairs to the galaxy. In his constant quest for more and more power and control, he has begun to stifle the free economic activity of individuals throughout the galaxy, except those whom he rewards with special favors and contracts.
The Imperial Economy is a classic example of crony capitalism or cronyism, where the market allegedly functions freely, but is in fact heavily influenced and controlled by the government. In this case, the Empire might Imperialize competition, so that one politically favored firm should have an advantage.
Luke eventually does join the Rebellion, flying off Tatooine with the assistance of a famed smuggler, Han Solo. Smugglers like Solo have been on the rise in the Age of Empire, as many seek to engage in economic activity outside of the control of the Imperial bureaucracy in black markets.
In addition to economic controls, growing bureaucracy, and centralization, the new Empire has also channeled immense resources into military buildup. Most famously, as seen in A New Hope, they have constructed a superweapon capable of destroying an entire planet, the Death Star. The Death Star, and the previous military buildup, are the deliberate designs of the Emperor, hell-bent on complete control of the galaxy.
Grand Moff Tarkin, commander of the Death Star, elaborates on the Emperor's plan.
"The Imperial Senate will no longer be of any concern to us. I have just received word that the Emperor has dissolved the council permanently. The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away forever....The regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
As enough time (nineteen years) passes, even the trappings of the Old Republic are swept away. The Emperor, confident in his power, no longer keeps up the pretense of a republican government. Though written well before the prequel trilogies, the Imperial government in A New Hope fits in well with the standard pattern of totalitarian empire.
Furthermore, the Emperor plans to rule the galaxy through fear. The massive military buildup, the Death Star, the constant threat of Imperialization of commerce. All of it serves to further Palpatine's power and control. Though lauded in his early political career as a great man, one strong enough to "get things done", his creation of Galactic Empire is a perfect illustration of where "greatness" in politicians often leads. The cliche, but true, quote of Lord Acton sums it up.
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."
Throughout A New Hope, the dangers of nationalization and government control of an economy, along with the the military buildup and continually increasing power of a totalitarian empire, are well illustrated. Formed under the guise of peace and stability, the Empire has become an instrument of fear and destruction. As with the prequel trilogies, these issues are not necessarily the main focus of the film, but serve as a necessary backdrop in order for the action of the film to take place.
(Analysis continued for The Empire Strikes Back HERE.)
No comments:
Post a Comment