Thursday 29 August 2019

THE 'PHANTOM' AT TWENTY: AWAITING FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS


In the desert surrounding the Naboo Royal Cruiser, Obi-Wan confers by comlink to Qui-Gon Jinn about the Hyperdrive generator, in a scene ultimately re-filmed to an interior shot at Leavesden. Additionally, a building sandstorm and a strange message from Naboo will soon capture Obi-Wan and Captain Panaka's worried attentions.

"I cast him (Ewan McGregor) because he's a really good actor. That's the primary thing. And then I looked for somebody who is physically right for the part and has the personality that is right for the part. I wanted Obi-Wan to have a little mischievous nature, which is what Alec Guinness had, and I wanted him to be strong but also kind of impetuous and impatient with his mentor. And I think Ewan qualifies in all those areas. But the actor has to play it his own way. He's not playing Alec Guinness. He's playing Obi-Wan Kenobi."

George Lucas - Film Review magazine - 1999

Ewan McGregor enjoys the sun, and a quick ciggie, on location.

"Some of the dialogue (as Obi-Wan) was absolutely impossible to say. There's not a great deal of soul-searching going on when you're playing this kind of character. It's fighting and a kind of Jedi frown, which I mastered quite well using my eyebrows."

Ewan McGregor - Radio Times magazine - 1999

"It was his voice that was essential to get right. I didn't want to imitate him (Sir Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan) - it has more to do with the shape of his phrasings and his tone. I still don't know if it's going to work, or if I'll just look like an arsehole."

Ewan McGregor - Premiere magazine - May 1999

Background footage featuring Naboo technicians that didn't make the final cut.

News of a message from home reaches Obi-Wan and Panaka.
Time for some fun with George Lucas.

"George says he doesn't know how to talk to actors, which is being a bit hard on himself. He directs more in pitch: "We need more of this; that was a bit better; let's do better now."

Ewan McGregor - Premiere magazine - May 1999


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