ANH 21: Backstage Jitters (Minutes 101-105)

Star Wars Music Minute

Guest: Alex Cunningham

In minutes 101-105 of A New hope, our rebel friends attend a briefing, rev up their engines backstage, and get ready for showtime on the Death Star. Today's guest is Alex Cunningham, who raises interesting questions about the diegesis of Obi-Wan's voice, the timing of the PA voices, and General Dodonna's accent.

Discussion Guide:

• 00:00 - Hello there!
• 10:14 - Does Luke literally experience Obi-Wan's voice?
• 18:57 - Subjectivity and objectivity in music/language.
• 25:41 - Dodonna's microaggression toward Princess Leia?
• 35:28 - Acting then (1977) versus now.
• 46:15 - Sinking realization.
• 50:12 - What do you think about Biggs?
• 59:04 - A beautiful minute of engines roaring.
• 1:06:51 - Are the PA voices too perfectly timed with the cuts?
• 1:16:45 - "I'd never want to be an ill-behaved guest, but I was kind of curious..."
• 1:27:53 - Gnarliest violin spot in the Star Wars score?
• 1:33:19 - Examples from pop/rock music that remind Alex of these minutes.
• 1:41:20 - SWMM Questionnaire

Things Mentioned:

• Thomas Tallis madrigal "Verily, verily I say unto you" https://youtu.be/KaQ_DRvHqr8
• Yo La Tengo, "Sugarcube": https://youtu.be/_1Dwa68U5os?t=119
• Buffalo Daughter, "Earth Punk Rockers": https://youtu.be/LYZ3y6uOKeQ?t=134
• Sonic Youth, "Stones": https://youtu.be/DAkJO0UcBhs?t=232

Where Are We in the Soundtrack?

• Very beginning of "The Battle Of Yavin (Launch From The Fourth Moon/X-Wings Draw Fire/Use The Force")

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STAR WARS MUSIC MINUTE QUESTIONNAIRE:

1. In exactly 3 words, what does Star Wars sound like?

• John. Ben. James. (Shoutout to Nani from Triad of the Force for saying this answer first.)

2. What's something related to Star Wars music or sound that you want to learn more about?

• Alex would love to ask Ben Burtt what other sound designers he admires.

3. What's a score or soundtrack you're fond of besides anything Star Wars?

• Akira (composed by Geinoh Yamashirogumi)
• Runner-up: The Harder They Come (primarily featuring Jimmy Cliff)

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Alex Cunningham:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muay_tie_fighter/

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