Writer Mike Klimo may have stumbled upon a major storytelling concept in Star Wars.
In his well-researched essay, “RING THEORY: The Hidden Artistry of the Star Wars Prequels,” Klimo tackles the very form, function and meaning of George Lucas’ six-part saga, and posits that it follows an ancient and fully formed narrative structure known as ring composition. Many have heard Lucas discuss how his films rhyme, but the structure and intricacy go far deeper than you may have ever thought. Here’s a tiny, tiny excerpt:
Mind blown yet?
There are few scholarly works that tackle Star Wars with this level of rigor, and through it all it remains a very accessible read. After taking it all in, I’m convinced there’s something here.
Now, if only we could get Lucas to comment…
You can find the Star Wars Ring Theory here. Do yourself a favor and take the time to read it all. It deserves your attention, and you deserve to challenge yourself with some of the ideas presented here.
Enjoy!
-JT
Joseph Tavano is the owner and editor in chief of RetroZap. Born just months before Luke found out who his father was, he has been fortunate to have had Star Wars in his life as long as he can remember. Growing up just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, he can remember substituting sticks for lightsabers and BMX bikes for speeders. He loves comics, retro games, vintage sci-fi paperbacks, and maps. Though an accomplished drummer, he doesn’t crave adventure (as much) any more, and prefers his old haunts north of Boston, Massachusetts, where he resides with his family. Buy him a glass of whiskey and he’ll return it in kind.