I watched the second Star Wars teaser today. It awakened memories long since buried. Memories of how I felt the first time I watched the films. Before The Matrix opened my mind circa the 7th grade, it was Star Wars that made me get up off the couch, watch the TV from two feet away and marvel at its peculiar setting and characters, namely C-3PO and R2D2. I was enamored at the movie magic that brought them to life. And the music was so entirely captivating. It not only bolsters the emotions you feel while watching, it effortlessly transports you into this world that you forget about everything else.
I rarely watch teaser trailers anymore, they just reveal too much. I have a friend who watches them before me and then we consult. I tried to resist watching this one, waiting an agonizing two minutes after hearing about the release. I guess I like being surprised, but I couldn’t resist. Of course I started crying as soon as the X-wings jet over the water. The teaser was just that, a tease, which I love and appreciate. I suppose I could analyze every frame or read the reddits and the io9 articles to discern the secrets the trailer hints at. But I’ll resist this time. I wonder if the Star Wars stories will continue premiering on the big screen for the rest of time.
Other powerful teasers that brought tears to my face…
The theme used from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, “The Bridge of Khazad Dum” brought back memories of Gandalf falling into dark depths and hobbits sobbing. The hope in Russel Crowe’s gravely voice also helped the drops flow.
Oh Jim Gordon, you’re in a hospital bed and I can’t handle your pain! And the way he’s talking into the oxygen mask foreshadows what’s to come with Bane.
I was in the theater when I was first exposed to this trailer. I closed my eyes to avoid spoiling the film, but I heard it. And I was sobbing by the end. I know it’s because of my longtime love of Sir Patrick Stewart and X-Men.
The use of the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey kills me. And the tunnel vision view from the helmet of one of the divers made me tear up out of sheer terror.
The account of history leading up to the end sets an emotional foundation, and then the inspiring reminder from the narrator “that our destiny lies above us” lets loose the floodgates.
Leonard Nimoy. LLAP!
