Star Wars originally premiered at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre around 50 years ago. (Courtesy of IMDb)
May 4, known to Star Wars fans as “May the Fourth” after the famous Star Wars line “may the force be with you,” brought a filled audience to Pollock Theater, where the Carsey-Wolf Center screened “Star Wars: A New Hope” to honor the film’s legacy and community.
Before the screening began, Carsey-Wolf Center interim director and film and media studies professor Ross Melnick touched on the impact “Star Wars” has maintained since its original release in 1977.
Melnick noted that when “Star Wars” originally premiered at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre around 50 years ago. Among the few California theaters that had 70mm screenings was Santa Barbara’s own Granada Theatre. He explained the historical significance of the Granada being the only theater in California’s Central Coast with 70mm and having the ability to show the film in high resolution.
After the brief history, he reiterated the influence and impact of the “Star Wars” films. The love from the fans has led to the building of Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a LA museum dedicated to George Lucas, new movies and TV shows to build on the story and even themed promotional Burger King meals — prompting laughter from the crowd.
Melnick then shifted the conversation’s amusing tone to explain the serious purpose of the screening. It was not only a celebration of May 4 but also was a continuation of Carsey-Wolf Center’s “Connectivity” series. The “Connectivity” series aims to examine the meaning of connection and how it shapes critical thinking and shared experiences. He explained that they are entirely dedicated to human connection and that “Star Wars” being so globally beloved made it a perfect addition to the series.
“Everywhere you turn is fandom, stardom and connectivity,” Melnick said when describing the fan culture. The audience clapped in agreement with this sentiment as he went on to explain the importance of movie theaters.
He turned around to face a video clip of famous actor and filmmaker David Lynch saying, “If you’re playing the movie on a telephone, you will never in a trillion years experience the film.” The clip continued with various humorous jokes about watching a movie on a phone which made the audience erupt in cheering.
Emphasizing the theatrical experience, Melnick told the audience, “This is how ‘Star Wars’ is supposed to be seen,” furthering the mission of “Connectivity.” He commended the audience for choosing to watch the movie in the Pollock Theater instead of on a streaming service. Melnick was proud that the community came together with lightsabers and costumes to celebrate May the 4.
As the introduction wrapped up, Melnick thanked the audience and played a final video clip of anonymous interviews with people who disobeyed movie theater etiquette. The video made the crowd chuckle as these anonymous people were silhouettes of “Star Wars” characters. The clip ended with text on the screen reading: “Don’t Talk. Don’t Text. Or Kicked Out You Will Be.” This was a reference to the way the Jedi Master, Yoda, speaks in the films and gave the crowd one final laugh from the introduction.
Then as the film started, the audience reacted enthusiastically to iconic moments — Princess Leia giving R2-D2 the message for Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker gazing at the two suns’ sunset. Laughter and applause erupted through the theater as the cantina scene and final climatic fight played — showing their shared excitement. By the end of the screening, the Carsey-Wolf Center’s goal of fostering connection was fulfilled, as fans happily experienced “Star Wars” together and on the big screen.
