STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE – FILM STUDY GUIDE

Directed by George Lucas - Release Date: 1977

 KEY CHARACTERS
Darth Vader Uncle Owen

Luke General Tarkin

Skywalker

Obi-wan The Jawas

Kenobi (Ben
Kenobi)

C3-PO Stormtroopers

R2-D2 Han Solo

Princess Leia Chewbacca
Glossary

● Alderaan – A terrestrial planet covered with mountains. The home world of Princess
Leia.
● Death Star – A moon-sized deep space mobile battle station constructed by the
Galactic Empire. It boasted a weapon that could destroy an entire planet with a
single shot.
● Devastator – An Imperial Star Destroyer. Used by Darth Vader to pursue and capture
Princess Leia.
● The Force – An energy field that connects all living things in the galaxy. The power of
the Force could be used by individuals who were sensitive to it.
● Jawa – A species of meter-tall humanoids native to the planet of Tatooine. They are
scavengers, selling anything they can find to anyone who can pay. They were not
known for their honesty and often sold faulty goods.
● Millennium Falcon – A freighter (used for carrying cargo), piloted by Han Solo and
Chewbacca. It features a hyperdrive engine, which supposedly made it ‘the fastest
ship in the galaxy’ and sensor-proof smuggling compartments.
● Mos Eisley – A large spaceport town on Tatooine.

● Stormtrooper – Imperial Army soldiers.

Synopsis:

The Imperial Forces -- under orders from cruel Darth Vader, hold Princess Leia
hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke
Skywalker and Han Solo, captain of the Millennium Falcon, work together with
the companionable droid duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue the beautiful
princess, help the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the
Galaxy.
Stages of the Hero’s Journey
● The ordinary world
o The hero, uneasy, uncomfortable or unaware, is introduced sympathetically so the audience
can identify with the situation or dilemma. The hero is shown against a backdrop of
environment, heredity, and personal history. Some kind of polarity in the hero’s life is pulling
in different directions and causing stress.
● The call to adventure
o Something shakes up the situation, either from external pressures or from something rising
up from deep within, so the hero must face the beginnings of change.
● Refusal of the adventure
o The hero feels the fear of the unknown and tries to turn away from the adventure, however
briefly. Alternatively, another character may express the uncertainty or danger ahead.
● Meeting with the mentor
o The hero comes across a seasoned traveller of the worlds who gives him or her training,
equipment, or advice that will help on the journey. Or the hero reaches within to a source of
courage and strength.
● Crossing the threshold
o The hero commits to leaving the ordinary world and entering a new region or condition with
unfamiliar rules and values.
● Tests, allies and enemies
o The hero is tested and sorts out allegiances in the special world.
● Approach
o The hero and newfound allies prepare for the major challenge in the special world.
● The ordeal
o Near the middle of the story, the hero enters a central space in the special world and
confronts death or faces his or her greatest fear. Out of the moment of death comes a new
life.
● The reward
o The hero takes possession of the treasure won by facing death. There may be celebration,
but there is also the danger of losing the treasure again.
● The road back
o The hero is driven to complete the adventure, leaving the special world to be sure the
treasure is brought home. Often a chase scene signals the urgency and danger of the
mission.
● The resurrection
o At the climax, the hero is severely tested once more on the threshold of home. He or she is
purified by a last sacrifice, another moment of death and rebirth, but on a higher and more
 complete level. By the hero’s action, the polarities that were in conflict at the beginning are
finally resolved.
● Return with the elixir
o The hero returns home or continues the journey, bearing some element of the treasure that
has the power to transform the world as the hero has been transformed.

INTRODUCTION:
‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….
Episode IV
A New Hope
It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships, striking from a hidden base, have won their first
victory against the evil Galactic Empire.
During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire’s ultimate
weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armoured space station with enough power to destroy an
entire planet.
Pursued by the Empire’s sinister agents, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship,
custodian of the stolen plans that can save her people and restore freedom to the galaxy…’

Film viewing questions:

1. How does this introduction prepare the audience for what they are about to watch?
2. How does the use of language in this introduction help the audience become
accustomed to the narrative and genre?
3. Describe the music used in the opening. What is its effect?
Quick Pause:
1. What is a civil war?
2. What is an empire?
3. What type of rebellion do you think the film will be based on?

SCENE 1 - Aboard the Tantive IV

● Princess Leia and the plans for the Death Star are aboard the Tantive IV. They are
being pursued by the Imperial Destroyer Devastator.
● Leia’s ship is boarded by stormtroopers under the command of Darth Vader.

● Princess Leia manages to give the stolen plans to the droid, R2-D2. R2-D2 and C3-PO
use an escape pod to flee the starship.
● The princess is captured by Darth Vader and refuses to give him the location of the
plans.
● Darth Vader orders a search for the escape pod, thinking that Leia must have hidden
the plans inside.
Film viewing questions:
1. How does the director establish Darth Vader as the villain of the film? Think of
camera shots and sound in this scene. Describe important aspects of Darth Vader's
costume that shows he is a villain.
2. Why do you think Darth Vader's costume involves a mask? What might this
symbolise?
SCENE 2 - Tatooine – R2-D2 and C3-PO

● The two droids leave the escape pod behind and go in search of civilisation. The two
argue about which direction to take and they go their separate ways.
● They are captured, separately, by jawas.

● Stormtroopers find evidence of droids near the abandoned escape pod and follow
the tracks.

Film viewing questions:

3. What camera shot has been used in this scene (above) and what do you think it aims
to convey?
SCENE 3: The Lars

● C3-PO and R2-D2, along with other droids, are offered for sale to the Lars, a family of
moisture-farmers.
● As they have a need for a translator droid, Owen Lars buys C3-PO. A second droid is
selected but breaks down. Luke and his uncle purchase R2-D2 instead.

Film viewing questions:

1. What camera angle has been used in this scene (above) and what do you think it
aims to convey?
2. This is the first time we meet Luke Skywalker. What does this scene tell us about him
and his way of life?
SCENE 4: Cleaning up the droids

● While cleaning up the two droids, Luke complains about his life on Tatooine.

● He learns that the droids have been in Rebel battles.

● Luke removes a blockage from R2 and discovers a hidden recording of a mysterious

woman (Princess Leia) asking Obi-Wan Kenobi for help.

Film viewing questions

1. What happens when Luke tries to play back the whole message? How does this add
suspense to the film?
2. Why do you think R2 suggested that Luke remove the restraining bolt?
SCENE 5- Dinner

● Luke explains to Uncle Owen that R2 had a message for an ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’.

● Owen instructs Luke to have R2’s memory erased.

● Luke expresses his wish to join the Academy in the next semester, but his uncle tells
him he can’t go until the following year.
● Luke returns from dinner to find that R2 has run away to fulfil ‘his mission’. It is too
dangerous to look for him now that it’s dark.
Film viewing questions:
1. Why do you think Uncle Owen wants R2’s memory erased?
2. What information does Owen give Luke?
3. Describe Luke's home planet from this shot. How might the harshness of this planet's
landscape contribute to Luke being a potential hero?
Think about why people hence may rebel – do you think oppression and harsh living
conditions lead to rebellion?

4. Look at this shot closely. What shot has been used and what do you think it might tell us
about how Luke is feeling?
5. Describe the kind of music used in this scene
6. There is also an editing technique used in this scene – where the director shows Luke
and then the setting sun. Why do you think the composer did this?
SCENE 6 - Looking for R2
● Luke and C3-PO leave early to look for R2.

● They find him, but Luke is attacked by sand people.

● A mysterious stranger scares away the attackers and reveals that he is Ben Kenobi.

Film viewing questions:

1. What is the purpose of this scene?
SCENE 7 - Luke and Obi-Wan
● Obi-Wan reveals that he and Luke’s father were once Jedi Knights. He describes
Luke’s father as being ‘the best starfighter in the galaxy and a cunning warrior.’
● Obi-Wan gives Luke his father’s lightsaber and explains how Luke’s father died.

● Luke learns about the Force. – Jedi knights before the empire / dark times – Darth
Vader turned to evil – he used to be a Jedi who betrayed and Killed Luke’s father –
Vader was seduced by the force (energy field) and so turned evil
● R2-D2 plays the recording of Princess Leia in its entirety. Leia asks that Obi-Wan take
R2 to her father, saying that he will know how to retrieve the information that she
has hidden in the droid. The information is needed by the Rebels.
● Luke refuses to be part of a mission to Alderaan, where Leia’s father is.

Film viewing questions:

1. Look at this close up shot of Obi Wan. Why is this whole scene full of close ups? How
is Obi Wan feeling? Why

2. Describe Luke's costume. How might it symbolise that he is a potential hero? How is
Luke’s costume different to Darth Vader’s and what do you think this conveys?
3. The film relies heavily on the ‘Hero’s Journey’. Identify the stage in Luke’s journey
that this scene represents.
4. In this scene we find out about Darth Vader’s history – how do you think he
highlight individual rebellion?
SCENE 8 - Aboard the Death Star
● A council of Imperial commanders and generals discuss the vulnerability of the Death
Star.
● We learn that the emperor has dissolved the Imperial Senate.

● Conan Antonio Motti, an Imperial officer, mocks the Force and angers Darth Vader.
Vader shows him what the Force is capable of by Force-choking him.

Film viewing questions:

1. In this scene, you can hear a sound that is not the characters talking. What is this
sound? Why is it important in this scene?
2. Consider the lighting used in this scene. What is this technique called and what is its
effect?

3. Identify the camera angle in this scene

4. How are the audience meant to feel about Darth Vader in this scene?
 SCENE 9 - Burning Homestead
● Luke returns home to find it destroyed and his aunt and uncle dead. The destruction
was made to look like the sand people were responsible.

Film viewing questions:

1. What camera shot is used here and why? What might it tell us about the stage of the
hero’s journey that this scene corresponds to?
2. What does the black smoke possibly represent?
SCENE 10 - Confronting Princess Leia
● Darth Vader interrogates Leia. He needs to locate the secret Rebel base.

Film viewing questions:

1. Look at the contrast between dark and light in this scene. What is the purpose of
this? Explain
 2. Identify the camera angle used above and its purpose

SCENE 11 - ‘I want to learn the ways of the Force’

● Luke returns to Obi-Wan and the droids. He agrees to go with Kenobi to Alderaan.

Film viewing questions:

1. What stage of the hero’s journey does this scene correspond to?
2. Describe the music in this scene

SCENE 12 - Mos Eisley

● ‘Mos Eisley spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.
We must be cautious.’ – Obi-Wan Kenobi
 ● Stormtroopers are patrolling the town. Obi-Wan uses the Force to keep the
stormtroopers off their trail. He explains to Luke that ‘the Force can have a strong
influence on the weak-minded.
Film viewing questions:
1. Why do you think the stormtroopers are dressed in white as opposed to black
costumes?

SCENE 13 - The Cantina

● The cantina (or tavern) is filled with all manner of creatures from all corners of the
galaxy.
● Luke is hassled by two men, but Obi-Wan intervenes, using his lightsabre. (blue)

● Outside, stormtroopers continue to question people about the two droids.

● We are introduced to Han Solo, a pilot who might be able to take Luke, Obi-Wan and
the droids to Alderaan.
● As he is about to leave, Solo is stopped by Greedo, a bounty hunter, who threatens
him. The two argue about money that is owed to Jabba the Hut, a notorious
crimelord. Han shoots the bounty hunter.

Film viewing questions:

1. What are your first impressions of Han Solo?
2. Identify the stage of the hero’s journey that this scene represents.
SCENE 14 - Threatening Leia
● Darth Vader explains to Motti and Tarkin that he has been unable to get any
information out of Leia. Tarkin suggests they use the Death Star on her home planet,
Alderaan. This may force her to them the information they need.

Film viewing questions:

1. Why do you think Tarkin is the one to suggest they test the Death Star out on
Alderaan and not Darth Vader?

SCENE 15 - The Millennium Falcon

● Jabba the Hut is waiting for Han Solo outside the Millennium Falcon. Solo owes him
money, but negotiates a deal.
● Luke is unimpressed with the Millennium Falcon, calling it ‘a piece of junk’.

● Stormtroopers are tipped off as to the whereabouts of the droids, but Han and
Chewbacca are able to get the ship off the ground in time.
● The Falcon is pursued by Imperial cruisers. A jump to lightspeed allows for their
escape.

Film viewing questions:

 1. What do we learn about Han Solo in this scene? What does this tell us about him –
how does his character connotate Individual Rebellion?

Scene 16 - Destruction of Alderaan

● Leia, threatened with the destruction of her home planet, names Dantooine as being
the location of Rebel base. The planet had been used as a base in the past, but was
no longer operational.
● Governor Tarkin is not fooled by Leia and gives commands to destroy Alderaan.

Film viewing questions:

1. What does this scene suggest about the Galactic Empire?

SCENE 17 - Learning the Ways of the Force

● On board the Millennium Falcon, Obi-Wan senses ‘a great disturbance in the Force
as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced.’
● Luke trains with his lightsabre and practises trusting his intuition.

● Han expresses his feelings towards the Force. In order to prove to Han that the Force
is real, Obi-Wan asks Luke to train wearing a helmet with the blast shield down.
● As it approaches Alderaan, the Millennium Falcon enters what looks like an asteroid
field.
 ● They spot the Death Star and are caught by the space station’s tracking beam.

Film viewing questions:

1. What is the disturbance in the Force that Obi-Wan senses?
2. How does Han feel about the Force?

3. How does the above scene foreshadow danger?

4. Discuss the camera shot used in the above scene and its effect
Scene 18 - The Death Star
● Darth Vader is told that there are no life-forms aboard the ship and that several of
the escape pods had been jettisoned.
● Vader senses a presence that he ‘has not felt since…’

● Luke and Han manage to get past the scanning team and stormtroopers.

● R2-D2 attempts to hack into the Death Star’s control system in order to locate the
position of the tractor beam. Obi-Wan leaves to dismantle the system.
● R2-D2 identifies the location of Princess Leia. Luke insists that they must save her.

Scene 19 - The Detention Block

● Luke and Han, disguised as stormtroopers, escort a shackled Chewbacca down to the
detention block.
 ● Darth Vader identifies the presence that he felt as that of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

● After releasing Leia from her cell, Luke, Han and Leia are under fire from
stormtroopers.

Film viewing questions:

1. How does Princess Leia challenge gender stereotypes in this scene?

SCENE 20 - ‘There’s something alive in here!’

● Luke, Leia and Han are trapped in the garbage compactor of the Death Star.

● C3PO and R2-D2 attempt to help them.

Film viewing questions:

1. What ordeals do the three characters face in the garbage compactor? How do they
overcome these ordeals?

SCENE 21 - Escaping the Death Star

● Obi-Wan successfully turns off the tractor beam.

● Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca and the droids have to get past a contingent of
stormtroopers to get to the Millennium Falcon.
● Obi-Wan comes face-to-face with Darth Vader.

● The Millennium Falcon escapes, but the ship is engaged in a skirmish with Imperial X-
Wing fighters.

Film viewing questions:

1. Why does Darth Vader say that things have come ‘full circle’?
2. What happens to Obi-Wan?
3. What has Vader put on board the Millennium Falcon?
SCENE 22 – Yavin 4
● The Millennium Falcon arrives on Yavin 4, where the Rebel base is located.

● The plans provided by Princess Leia suggest that there is only one way that the
Rebels can destroy the Death Star. The pilots are briefed.
● Luke joins the Rebel Alliance as a fighter pilot, but Han refuses to stay and help.

● The Rebel squadron is under attack from Imperial fighters. Luke and fellow pilot,
Wedge Antilles, are the only members of the squadron to survive the attack.
● Han Solo appears in the Millennium Falcon just in time to cover Luke.

SCENE 23 - Celebration
● Luke, Han, and Chewbacca are rewarded for their services to the Rebellion.

Film viewing questions:

1. List the camera angles that are used throughout the scene. Identify why they have
been used.
2. Why do you think Luke has been dressed in yellow and not Han Solo?
3. Describe the music in this scene and what does it convey?
4. How does this ending link back to the hero’s journey?