This was the day in 1977 that Star Wars premiered. I heard the famous John Williams opening theme this morning on the radio and was once again transported back to that time. I can still remember it clearly – sitting in the movie theater. The music started and the words started rolling up the screen in large print “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….”. I was completely transported to that galaxy as I have been for every Star Wars movie since. Today Solo: A Star Wars Story premieres. I can hardly wait to see it!
Which brings me to the point – why do I and we as a society enjoy science fiction. Some love the exploration of the universe and the human heart. Some love the science. Perhaps its a way to explore other cultures and traditions in a non-threatening way. A desire to project into the future new places and “things” that may be out there. Maybe its a metaphor for our society today sometimes demonizing it or in some cases idealizing it. For some science fiction can take our culture and put it under inconceivable stress to show what parts the of these new worlds breaks first.
But for me it is just fun! Total entertainment. Some days I really need that. I completely lose myself in the story and forget about the current time and place. . The characters are like old friends, I know who they are and wait patiently (sort of) for the next installment to find out more. I share their adventures, their loves and their losses all while sitting in the movie theater or in my own home. An out-of-body experience that can happen any time it need it.
“Remember…the Force will be with you, always.” Obi Wan Kenobi (A New Hope)
The World According to Laura 