"There Has Been an Awakening"
With the latest installment of the Star Wars saga, The Force Awakens, poised to eclipse just about every box office record known, the film is encountering a scrutiny that is virtually unmatched in cinema today. Die hard fans analyze every frame, every line, every detail and nuance- hungry to take in every last detail of this franchise, which continues to be relevant, thirty-plus years since it’s inception. There are also those seeking to unlock any hidden secrets or clues, set to be revealed in forthcoming films; always eager to be the “first” to suggest these revelations on their social media outlet of choice. There are also critics and other filmmakers and writers, clearly looking to glean some idea of how to mirror this film’s success and transplant it into their own work, or more commonly, try to trivialize the film’s appeal and dismiss it with upturned noses and fluttery waves of the hand. These dismissive critics have spanned the spectrum from reasonable and thought provoking, to the downright ludicrous and banal- claiming dozens of “unforgivable plot holes”. (article) The latter clearly being a case of the author either not actually paying attention to the movie, or assuming the readers did not. The other major theme recurring in criticisms of The Force Awakens, is that it’s a “remake” or “rip-off” of prior installments. Still others have claimed that the story is guilty of the dreaded f-word of cinema, “formulaic”.
In an effort to glean readers, these click-bait criticisms of The Force Awakens demonstrate two clear deficiencies in many peoples understanding of film and screenwriting. The first is an understanding of what a “plot hole” actually is and the other, understanding the difference between a writing form and being “formulaic”.
These Aren’t the Plot Holes You’re Looking for… Move Along.
What is a plot hole anyway? We hear this term being thrown around constantly and few ever really stop to take a moment to confirm its definition. A plot hole is where an element of the story is vastly inconsistent with the logical progression of the film or contradicts previously established truths or norms. Most of the time when people cry, “plot hole!” it’s for neither of these things. For instance, in the previously mentioned “unforgivable plot holes” article, the author states, “How do the Rathtars on Han's freighter get loose?” This is simply a case of the author not paying attention to the film and realizing that in an effort to close selected doors to protect Han and Chewie, Rey ends up accidentally opening the cells where the Rathtar monsters were being kept- thus allowing them loose in the ship. Not a plot hole, the critic simply was not paying attention to the dialogue.
In addition, just because something is not explained fully, does not make it a plot hole. Many critics of the film have expressed displeasure in the speed in which Rey is able to learn and command her growing Force abilities. It’s clear from the first moments we meet her, that she has a hidden backstory. Until we learn the totality of that backstory, we can’t scream “plot hole” every time there is an element that we don’t fully understand. In fact, it’s a common pitfall for new writers to over explain everything and to show all their cards at once. A good writer will hold elements back, and reveal only the most essential details at the most critical time in the film. This is good writing. A plot hole is also not a character choice you don’t happen to agree with. Some seem to have a problem with Luke seemingly placing himself in self-exile after Kylo Ren attacked and reportedly wiped out his newly formed Jedi Academy. Once again, this is a case of not having all the information yet- clearly setting us up for further details to be revealed in future films. However, more to point, Luke’s choice to disappear was a character choice, not an inconsistency with the plot. An audience member might not like it, or understand the reason for it, but it’s not an “error”. (Let’s also not forget that Yoda basically did the same thing!) A character plot hole would be something like, establishing Superman’s intense aversion to Kryptonite and then later in the film, suffering no ill affects to exposure to the substance. That would clearly contradict an established element of his character.
It’s a wonderful thing for people to be so analytical of a film. This level of scrutiny will only breed better writers, directors, actors and yes, audiences. However, in the egotistical race to be first, or anti- anything popular, a new breed of critic has surfaced. One that is neither educated nor even truly critical… it’s simply ignorant cynicism with a contrary headline. It’s some of this same attitude that has led to the frequently seen notion that The Force Awakens is some sort of “rip off” or “remake” of A New Hope and other prior films. Next time, well examine the difference between a screenwriting form and being formulaic. Now… Back to One!