Key Takeaways:
– George Lucas revolutionized the film industry with Star Wars, which became the highest-grossing film of its time in 1977.
– Robert Zemeckis, an innovative director known for special and visual effects, got the opportunity to view Lucas’s directorial debut film in his early days at USC School of Cinematic Arts.
– Zemeckis defied expectations by using only 30 VFX shots in the classic time-travel film, Back to the Future.
The Stellar Influence of George Lucas
Everyone in the film industry knows the impact of George Lucas, the creator of the renowned Star Wars franchise. His storytelling genius sparked creativity across the world, with Star Wars topping box-office records in 1977. Part of Lucas’ legacy rests on inspiring future filmmakers, like Robert Zemeckis, who would later create cinematic greats like Back to the Future.
An interesting tidbit is that Lucas’s first directorial venture, THX 1138, didn’t make a splash at the box office. But even this film held the potential to inspire. At USC School of Cinematic Arts, Lucas’s alma mater, THX 1138 was screened for students, one of whom was the young aspiring director, Robert Zemeckis.
Presenting Visual Spectacles: Robert Zemeckis’s Journey
Zemeckis is now a reputed figure in Hollywood, known for his creativity in films like Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and the iconic Who Framed Roger Rabbit. He has a knack for special and visual effects, blending them seamlessly into his storytelling.
Before he became a force to reckon with, Zemeckis shared a common ground with Lucas—their alma mater. Their experiences at USC School of Cinematic Arts played a significant role in their journey and the boundaries they’d later push in the film industry.
A Glimpse of Lucas’s World: THX 1138 Screening at USC
Lucas’s THX 1138, despite not creating ripples at the box office, was shown to Zemeckis’s class at USC. It served as an example of the sort of filmmaking that could find success. Zemeckis recollects, “the lights went down, and they projected [George] Lucas’ THX 1138. The teacher said, ‘This is one of our films; this is by a student. So this is what you guys have to do now: Make movies like this.’ They were wild times.”
Breaking the VFX Mold: Back to the Future
Lucas’s Star Wars set the stage for special effects-driven films. Zemeckis, inspired by this trend, further pushed the envelope of visual effects in cinema.
Surprisingly, Back to the Future, one of Zemeckis’s most acclaimed films, used just 30 VFX shots. This is quite a deviation from modern sci-fi films that heavily rely on CGI. Zemeckis shared with DGA, “There are 30 effects shots in Back to the Future, and most of them are lightning… There are only a few: the flying DeLorean at the end, some fire trail stuff, maybe ten shots of time travel effects. The rest is all lightning in the sky.”
Conclusion: The Power of Influence and Innovation
While Lucas’s Star Wars changed the course of global cinema, it also had a profound impact on film students like Zemeckis at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. And Zemeckis, influenced by Lucas’s innovative work, later went on to imbue his films with a distinct touch. Whether it’s the impressive special effects timelines or creative storytelling, both directors have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. This tale of influence and innovation is a testament to the everlasting power of cinema that transcends generations. This is the magic of films—the ability to inspire, outlast time, and create a ripple effect through cinema history.
