Why Star Wars Takes Place in a ‘Long Time Ago’ Galaxy – Unveiling the Cultural Context Behind Its Setting

**A little cultural context is perhaps needed. It's basically asking the viewer not to take it all so seriously.** In the 1970s, films were a lot edgier and more gritty, often reflecting the turbulent political and social times. Titles and content often signaled that audiences could expect films to tackle serious topics, especially in the aftermath of events like Watergate, Vietnam, and other global conflicts. With a title like 'Star Wars' and an emphasis on 'war,' a viewer might reasonably assume the film would deal with serious issues, not just entertainment.

The Rationale Behind "A Galaxy Far, Far Away"

To clarify and differentiate Star Wars as a fantasy adventure, creator George Lucas set the movie's events "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away." This emphasis on fantasy elements prevented the audience from expecting a gritty, serious narrative. The phrase "once upon a time" rings in the audience's ear, signaling a world of make-believe where the rules of physics and reality can be bent. This allowed Lucas to avoid explaining the science of a galaxy different from our own, encouraging viewers to simply enjoy the spectacle of lightsabers, space battles, and quirky aliens.

Strategic Reasons Behind the Setting

Lucas also sought to sever Star Wars from the real world for strategic reasons. In the mid-1970s, a lot of Americans were ardent anti-communists, even during the detente period. The conflict in Vietnam, a war where rebels fought against American forces, left many with a lasting distrust of anything that resembled communist sympathies. By stating that this was all a fun, fantasy, and untethered to reality, Lucas might have sought to shield himself from accusations of communist sympathies or being a 'pinko commie.' This irony is that later, Lucas would admit he based the aesthetics of the Imperial forces on a blend of Nazi Germany, Imperial Japanese militarism, and the United States.

Evolution of the Story Concept

There's a deeper layer to the galaxy far, far away concept. Originally, the story was going to be recounted by R2-D2 after arriving on Earth to talk about his adventures long ago in a galaxy far, far away. This early draft emphasized that Star Wars was meant to be a fantasy akin to fairytales. Only later did Lucas tone down this aspect, making the film a blend of dark and light elements. Even the imperial trailer for A New Hope began with the words 'somewhere in space…' which added a layer of fun and imagination to the story, inviting the audience to visualize a universe that had already happened.

Historical Acceptance and Rejection of Star Wars

It just goes to show how much films were expected to be gritty and serious in 1977. Star Wars, with its fantasy elements, flashy lights, and fun special effects, was initially expected to be a flop as it was seen as too bouncy, colorful, and funny for that era. However, these very qualities made it a beloved success. It was seen as a breath of fresh air and a film that "appealed to the kid in everybody." The Empire Strikes Back faced criticism partly because it was perceived as abandoning the fun elements of A New Hope, catering instead to a grittier, more serious aesthetic in 1980.

In conclusion, the setting of Star Wars in a "long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" serves multiple purposes: it clarifies the film's fantasy elements, shields the creator from political accusations, and transports the audience into a world of imagination and spectacle, free from the realism and gravity of the 1970s.