The GREATEST VILLAIN of All Time

[@schnee1]

Apologies to prequel fans!! I know there's a LOT added to the character with those movies, but those movies bother me too much to spend much time with them (although ep1 will always have a special place in my heart). And also, similar to the last video, I'm interested in what initially made the character so compelling and beloved, which was a status he had already achieved solely through the OT.

[@iamacatinthejungle]

I think hannibal, specifically from the TV show is better than darth, thanos too

[@AceHufflepuff]

That's why I just focus on clone wars. You get the added context without the terrible plot or acting

[@kikijewell2967]

I saw Empire in theaters. NO ONE SAW IT COMING. Everyone everywhere was talking about how no one saw it coming. It was definitely the first of this trope. There was even a period when no one would talk openly about it because we were _protecting_ those who hadn't had a chance to see the movie! People got angry at others who blurted it out without asking first "have you seen Empire Strikes Back yet?" We, as parents, withheld this info the first time our children saw these movies, hoping to give our children this first experience. I'm guessing, Schnee, that your parents also protected you so your first experience was innocent. (And again, how could you forget to mention Luke seeing himself in Vader's mask in his vision on Degobah??)

[@Heightren]

Imagine being a character so compelling they made a prequel series about you

[@based4560]

@@AceHufflepuff How? Anakin was a generic guy in clone wars. Ahsoka had more of a character arc than him.

[@alexspain9103]

Vader's breath serves the same function of a villain's theme in the score, except that the characters can hear it.

[@VadBlackwood]

Huh. It's like Wolf's from The Last Wish whistling then

[@The_Artist_Official]

“Why do I hear boss music” moment

[@AnotherOfChososLittleSibs]

There’s a name for that actually! It’s called diegetic sound. Diegetic sounds (whether it be music, effects or themes) are sounds that are in the internal world of the narrative (so characters can hear it, like the “Catchy Song” in Lego Movie 2). Meanwhile, non-diegetic sounds are basically the soundtrack and themes that are outside the narrative, so only the audience can hear it.

[@brianjohnson5272]

The force is strong with this one.

[@RunToEternity]

Yes, Vader's air recirculator sound is used in conjunction with the score to stunning effect. The score keeps you cued in emotionally, while the breathing sounds add that extra menace to the scene in question.

[@alexandersuperapple]

My favourite part with Vader is when a coworker annoyed him during a staff meeting and Vader choked him to death. That's where the saying "this meeting should've been an email" came from.

[@danikm10yt81]

He didn't kill him though. Tarkin ordered Vader to release the officer. Vader just wanted to prove the point that the force is more powerful than the Death Star so he choked someone to prove a point

[@callmev3531]

@@danikm10yt81, Which ties into the Force later being use almost as an element of destiny, it guiding events and characters to conclusions that bring the galaxy back into "balance", freed from the stifling order of the Empire.

[@mysteriousmemethief]

Imagine having the gall to denounce your boss's religion to his face in front of your co-workers

[@motorcycleboy9000]

"Your Mormon ways can't exceed the power of this espresso machine."

[@stevencoardvenice]

I find your lack of faith

[@agodcalleduvindi]

“By seeing the good in people around me, they become good” Holy shit dude. You never miss

[@esforever1790]

What does this mean?

[@smartalec2001]

@@esforever1790 If you constantly look down on people and see themselves as bad, lesser people, they will often lower themselves to meet your judgement of them. On the other hand, if you look at someone in terms of their best self, they will often want to try and be the person you see them as.

[@plasmabat718]

@@smartalec2001 But I’m sure you also believe that you need to view people clearly, not just the best parts of them or the worst parts. Treat people as the best possible version of themselves as you can safely, but also be aware of the worst parts of them and protect yourself from it As wise as serpents and as peaceful as doves

[@i.j.dragonfly3123]

The hero must confront their own fear of becoming a monster, so they can help the monster remember what it was like to be a hero.

[@JohnSmithAaargh]

And yet Monsters were rarely Heroes at all, like old Palps there. 💀

[@jonahduesman4779]

Who is here after James Earl Jones dies Rest in peace you absolute legend, thank you for everything

[@jrr2480]

James Earl Jones is the father of our childhoods 🥲

[@toddholland7511]

That’s what brought me here.

[@CleanCT-]

Amen.

[@hypefinn]

Yeah 😔

[@M4TCH3SM4L0N3]

Until this video, I never made the connection just how ironic Vader's line from _A New Hope_ really was: "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed." I think that because he immediately follows it up with the point about destroying planets being insignificant next to the power of the force, placing him squarely in opposition to the mechanical, it's super easy to gloss over the fact that he himself is a mechanical monstrosity and a technological terror. Effectively, that one line presages the entire story of the OT.

[@Gaetano2005]

its incredible how one can know star wars by heart and still find out depth that never struck him. Love there movies

[@oneshotprestige]

@@Gaetano2005yea it’s crazy. I’ve seen all of them countless times and still catch new things.

[@alchemystudiosink1894]

Its why it resonates with so many people. People can watch it and get different things from it, and even the same people can get different things from watching it at different times in their life. Unlike a lot of more modern stuff that trys very very hard to force a specific train of though.

[@DarthRayj]

@@alchemystudiosink1894 I feel like this is something true of most truly great stories, they don't force a specific conclusion. They bring up concepts and ideas in ways the audience might not have considered, and then they just let the audience think about them.

[@MichaelMedici61W2]

Brilliantly done. Good on you!

[@gonkdroid8279]

I loved the "this is getting out of hand" joke

[@schnee1]

yesssssssss someone got it!!!!

[@gonkdroid8279]

@@schnee1 Happy my prequel meme knowledge came in handy. Keep up the great videos! I'm a big fan!

[@stevencoardvenice]

NOW THERESA TWO OF THEM

[@cartersmith6628]

Something great about Darth Vader’s breathing noise is that it makes him feel closer. When we hear someone else’s breathing like that it’s normally ONLY because their mouth is right next to our ear. So to be able to hear that same sound from across a room makes Vader feel so much closer to you than he actually is. If he looks at you it feels personal. It makes him feel closer. It makes him feel bigger, makes his presence bigger. But most importantly it makes him feel a little invasive. Like he’s too close. He’s inVADING your personal space from across a room. It makes you uncomfortable. Combined with his force powers, which most often takes the form of choking, it feels like it’s just not safe to be in a room with him at all. Because if you’re even that close you might as well practically be right next to him. There’s no difference.

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

What I Iove the most about Darth Vader is that if he can become good, anyone can. In real life, we aren't in the presence of a mass murderer and dictators. But most us do deal with bullies, unfair leaders, or toxic bosses. We ultimately can't change these people, but we, like Luke, can put our best selves forward when we interact with them. And if Luke could change the greatest of evil doers and cause him to become good, there is certainly hope for these lesser evil doers.

[@jackllewellynkramer]

So real

[@thegamingprozone1941]

Hello there

[@advancedstupidity5459]

This is my favorite thing about Star Wars. It's a redemption story of biblical proportions. Not to get too religious here, but the level of love and grace Luke shows Vader is Christ-like and it's inspiring.

[@nodus7853]

Yes I agree with your statements

[@JohnSmithAaargh]

@@advancedstupidity5459 Well, to be fair, both Vader and Luke are deeply religious characters - both in the internal context and as a real-life allegory.

[@gobsleigh5871]

Funny that, when you said at 26:12 "SW doesn't value the flashy powers", I realized that Jedi's power are actually very simple (just pulling/pushing without effect) while the dark side is very flashy (lightnings and fireworks everywhere). The idea of simplicity, calm & self-control is in every detail, that's impressive ! Thaynk you for your work and videos !

[@ericherde1]

Meanwhile, Vader’s most iconic force power, while still obviously dark, is not flashy. Perhaps an indication of him still having some Jedi in him?

[@sooyster4033]

"I will now flashily electrocute you!" -Buggy the Sith Lord

[@Gokou3036]

It’s just amazing to me. The guy who came up with this masterpiece of a character and story is the same guy who had material written and Disney said “nah, we’re good”. (They were in fact not good)

[@shinre]

@@Gokou3036 There was a scene in the Acolyte where Jedi Master Vernestra Rowe walked into a room and waved her hand to activate the automatic door. It reminded me of when I used to do that when going into a supermarket and pretending to use the force to do the same thing.

[@thispersonwriting1889]

You know what's hilarious? Nobody used the Force to push or pull until Empire Strikes Back. The original Star Wars doesn't have that move. In 1977, the Jedi's powers were even more simple and subtle.

[@tonythetyger99]

Once went to an exhibition of Star Wars props and costumes and they had the Vader costume in a room on its own with low red lighting and the breathing really loud coming from hidden speakers.... it was amazing

[@rubenduenas5881]

I will never forget Darth Vader's hallway scene from Rouge One. Chilling...

[@sebastianoleary2743]

This is a subtle reason why Rogue One is a perfect prequel to the OT. Even in ANH, we get some hints that Vader was once a real person, Obi-Wan talks about how he was a pupil of his, and later on, they have a conversation about their past. Now, granted, all of this is in the past, and even back then, he was killing Luke's father, so it is questionable how much of a person he truly was, but the foundation is there. There are hints. In Rogue One, however, we get none of that. Only a cold, menacing, distent presence, who doesn't even meet or know about the film's heroes. He is an unfeeling, killing machine, and he the only time we see him talk is to intimidate the film's main villain and spread the lies of the Empire, as if he's a literal extension of it. If that's the idea you have of Vader before going into the OT, I think it really adds to his story.

[@rubenduenas5881]

@@sebastianoleary2743 All of this just proves that Rouge One is absolutely Goated

[@LyudmilaÖdi]

The scene was executed like a horror movie scene. It starts with a loud commotion, then everything falls silent. Then the monster reveals its presence, this case with his Iconic breathing, and everyone starts to get mowed down. I felt absolute fear and awe watching that for the first time.

[@stephencowie696]

agreed - Rogue one is the perfect example of how to add to a story

[@minestar2247]

yeah, and it is pretty impressive BUT, it's useless in the context of rogue one by itself

[@minedantaken1684]

One thing I wanted to add. Anakin is bearly alive, as You said, and He's still the most intimidating, dangerous and competent person in most, if not all rooms He's in. Just imagine if He was somehow healed. That's terrifying

[@fantasticbirdblue]

Somehow, anakin was healed

[@RunToEternity]

Heal Vader fully, and it's, bye bye Palps.

[@uhwaykin]

If Thanos is inevitable, Vader is terminal. He’s slouching toward death, lumbering, laboring for breath, and looming so great in the Force that he threatens to drag everything in his wake with him.

[@ticijevish]

Darth Vader as an embodiment of death has a completely mechanical breathing apparatus. He is death, artificially made animate, just so it can come after you.

[@joyc.e.7511]

Damn, what a concept 😔

[@The_Lord_Vader]

By all accounts I agree with everything this man has said. Immediately promote him to the highest rank of trooper and a luxury class apartment in the Death Star.

[@thegamingprozone1941]

The man himself 😂

[@SBrundle]

The pace of Vader’s breathing DOES change a few times. It quickens when he exerts himself at several points during his duels with Luke, and there’s one quick breath (indicating fear) when Admital Piett informs him that the Emperor is asking to speak with him in EMPIRE.

[@DarthVader0001]

“Move the ship out of the asteroid field so that we can send a clear transmission”

[@stevencoardvenice]

Example he's barely able to breathe During battle with Ben kenobi. He has no cardio

[@kingt0295]

@@stevencoardvenice being set on fire and your lungs burned out by smoke will do that to a mf, he can’t get his laps in for cardio 😭

[@stevencoardvenice]

@@kingt0295 Yeah but it's SAD that Vader gasses out after 90 seconds even against a 70 year old Ben Kenobi on the death star! Watch that scene. He starts sucking air as soon as the fight moves into the hallway, "HawwwwwKhi HawwwwwKhi HawwwwwKhi." It's sad. He still can't beat his master. After all those decades

[@stevencoardvenice]

@@kingt0295 It's sad. He still can't beat his master. After all those decades. Such a pathetic life for annakin

[@metrux321]

Obviously it can't be seen on only this trilogy, but it IS interesting to see Vader changes his point in history, but he NEVER changes his motivations or morality. He was ALWAYS willing to do ANYTHING for the ones he loves. For as horrible as it might be.

[@crammothy]

Exactly and by the end of the prequels he lost everyone he loves and by the time he learnt he had a son, he was in a very difficult position being torn between his love for his son and his role in the empire and being the apprentice of Palpatine, especially since he knew he could be replaced by his son. In the canon comics he tries to kill Luke at one point in a space battle post episode 5 despite his love for his son for example but it was right after Palpatine essentially made the point that he was replaceable. And in the end he sacrifices himself for his son after a long enough moment of hesitation, staying true to his character and how he would do anything for his loved ones.

[@TehKarmalizer]

I think that's clearly not true. When he loses everyone he loves, he takes on different motivations for 20 years.

[@metrux321]

@@TehKarmalizer Is it? Or is he following the one person left who he trusts? It may not be family, but it's still the same principle.

[@TehKarmalizer]

@@metrux321 I don’t know that he would trust Palpatine after that.

[@Merisu_Sheep]

I'm here right after James Earl Jones's sad passing. He truly was an amazing actor

[@KatherinaBathory]

What a great analysis. I love the mindset of actually trying to imagine how the twist hit back them. My mom used to tell me about her seeing this and being blown up. I think that's too easy to forget.

[@RoyalFusilier]

One of the most magical genres of KZbin videos are people experiencing Star Wars for the first time.

[@jediknight131]

Because only George Lucas, and Irvin Kershner knew about the "I am your father" twist, when they told Mark Hamill about the twist, they swore him to secrecy, for what amounted to over a year until 1980 when Empire Strikes Back came out. The twist in Empire floored every audience member that heard it. The voice of Vader himself, James Earl Jones, who read different lines over the ionic scene, when he heard "the line" in the finished film reflected after the movie, "He (Vadar) is lying."

[@minestar2247]

well, you are kinda forgetting that lucas wasn't part of the creative team for empire, so it was mostly irvin kershner that's to thank for this amazing twist

[@noheroespublishing1907]

RIP James Earl Jones 😞 "Goodbye old friend and may the Force be with you."

[@locutusofnubz]

I still think Vader's best scene is at the end of ESB after the Falcon jumps to hyperspace and he looks out the window, turns away, looks back, then heads to his chamber. His behavior and everyone on the bridges' reaction to him are pure gold. And there's absolutely no dialogue.

[@cassiopeiasfire6457]

"I can awaken as a protagonist of my own story at any point I choose. I can look at a past that was truly ambiguous, and decide 'I'm telling you it's this way. I'm telling you my story was leading here the whole time. I'm the one who gets to decide what my journey is.'" (22:47) My god. That's it. These movies were a fixture of my childhood, but I didn't really connect with them on a deep personal level back then, but now... that's maybe one of the most beautiful and profound ideas I've ever heard. I worry about my journey sometimes, where it's going, whether I'm headed in the right direction, because I tend to see it as inevitable. But to see ambiguity in my own story not as a threat but as possibility, knowing that I can choose what my own life means, that the complexity of who I am means I can define myself... that's deeply beautiful, and a weight off my soul. Thank you. And for Luke, "By seeing the good in people around me so strongly that they become good, that they choose to see themselves with all the love that I have when I look at them." (26:35) Yeah, this is one of my favorites now. Thank you for opening up this classic to me, for highlighting the profound meaning in something that was too familiar to see it clearly myself.

[@Wax_Man]

Just had a conversation with my brother about the “Mount Rushmore” of characters in fiction. It was Dracula, Darth Vader, Bond, and some other one I forgot. Funny coincidence Edit: It was Gandalf, he has inspired so many other characters. Though thinking on it now I think it might need to go to Merlin but idk if he was a real person or not

[@schnee1]

oof that's a good question, i need to come up with my own now 🤔

[@AresHoax_9]

My collage class had to write essays on this, I went with Bond Dracula Darth Vader and someone else, so now I feel like I am just copying this

[@alexandrac6177]

Maybe it’s too topical, but I’m thinking either Batman or Spider-man, Sherlock, Vader, Frankenstein’s Monster (I choose this over Dracula personally), and Dorothy Gale.

[@Wax_Man]

@@AresHoax_9I mean if you’re right you’re right

[@Wax_Man]

@@alexandrac6177huh, I would never have thought to put Dorothy up there. Interesting choice. Why’d you pick her?

[@SeyhawksNow]

Arcane episode 3 was what i hope audiences in 1980 felt when they walked out of Empire. I had Vader spoiled for me because my parents wouldn't stop quoting that movie.

[@DarthRayj]

One of very few other "depth twists" executed at a similar expectation-shattering level as the Vader scene. I was watching Arcane as it released, three episodes at a time, and I vividly remember sitting there after episode three and thinking, "Shit. I have no idea where this is going to go, but I can already tell it's going to be a masterpiece."

[@TheSsjJoker]

RIP The Legend JAMES EARL JONES 😢❤

[@LISA.WANG.]

Kinda reminds me of Death too from Puss in Boots right? The relaxed, memorable whistling, man this stuff is so cool 😆

[@cosmicspacething3474]

Eh, there isn’t really much vulnerability in their character

[@LISA.WANG.]

@@cosmicspacething3474 Doesnt have to be vulnerability, it's about a change. There was a change, from malicious stalking to relaxing

[@rpgcraftsman520]

Extra relevant today. James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, passed today.

[@ts25679]

I don't know, I wonder if because of my complicated emotional relationship with my dad that I internalised that this is a father an son. In the scene when Luke allows himself to be captured it was all the same excuses for why they can't do certain things or are letting you down, and even though you tell yourself it's important grown-up stuff it's still little comfort to a wounded child. Then during the throne room showdown you're experiencing some of the evils of the world he's sheltering you from, as well as revealing some of your shared similarities. In the end, it's a father standing up to protect his son, becoming a person again instead of some distant machine.

[@Bloopus_Gerbilson]

Dude i just watched your other star wars video last night, and i subbed, and then you dropped this banger the next morning. Let me say, in the words of palptine, we will watch over your career with great interest!

[@schnee1]

lol you have no idea how much i've anxiously awaited specifically a first time viewer quoting that line in a comment 😆 you made my day!!

[@Samstar369]

I will forever miss Mr. Jones. That iconic voice.

[@blu3sk13s5]

That "small picture" theme just put into words something that I've been trying to figure out for years!!!! I saw someone critiquing Encanto by saying that the climax was low stakes and "of course they rebuild the house" and it bothered me so much because that wasn't the point! The point was Abuela's decision to change her mind about Mirabel and the miracle as a whole. Its a small decision being more important than the big picture! Not exactly the type of scaling that you described, but its similar enough that I got to put something into words that I've been feeling for a long time. So thanks

[@Tenebrous227]

RIP James Earl Jones. We lost the voice of Vader yesterday. Truly sad

[@douglasaburton]

Dang dude! I got emotional watching this video lol. This is such an excellent and fresh new look at Vader. Well done, sir!

[@yummi3st]

I actually cried watching this. To think that a father gave everything that he had to save his son. To defy everything that he was. It killed me to think that people could do that. Because of someone without a father, I would never expect that from anyone.

[@MoryDiane-e4t]

The way you described Vader makes me love him more.❤🥶😱

[@cpob2013]

"They say Vader is more machine than man. I hope they are right, because I pray no man can do the things I saw that day."

[@kikijewell2967]

What about _Luke in Vader's mask?!?!_ Also: Vader's breathing does change - when fighting Luke. Also, Vader's breathing is: labored in, relaxed out, which has many symbolisms.

[@Smuggs75]

Luke in the cave is a telling scene where Luke is seeing a potential future where he fails and becomes the monster the galaxy is telling him to destroy. It's fear personified

[@minestar2247]

luke in vader's mask is foreshadowing, that luke is related to vader, and that he might be doomed to end up like him

[@karlangelonavarroperez4769]

RIP James Earl Jones...Thanks for being a great part of my childhood

[@Sheshoo47]

Rest in peace James Earl Jones.

[@bufftankington7349]

Hearing his breathing in the cinema, when I watched Ep 3, was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had, Im sure cinemas all over the world was the same, you could hear a fuckin pin drop

[@travishoyt1068]

I did what KZbin man told me to do with Vader breathing and I just listened. Closed my eyes and listened it, and the chills went up my spine despite hearing his breathing a million times

[@thadsaylor8726]

I think one of my favorite descriptions of Vader is "Star Wars is a fantasy world and Vader is a horror movie monster"

[@marlowesbarlowes]

god, rest in peace James Earl Jones, you will be missed

[@zirothehero8270]

watching this after the news. R.I.P. James Earl Jones

[@ziachung4547]

Is this the dawn of your star wars era? Is it safe to hope you'll cover Andor someday?👉👈

[@schnee1]

The plan is to do star wars until arcane s2 (although i've been a bit slow with these videos so I have no idea how many videos that means). People keep recommending andor! It is on my list!

[@shadowgamer4306]

@@schnee1Please make a video about Andor if you have time Schnee!

[@annoyinggaster]

@@schnee1I would personally recommend The Clone Wars, purely because of the way it fleshes out the clone army and therefore re-contextualises order 66.

[@danikm10yt81]

Do a video about "I can't swim" line from Kino

[@shadowgamer4306]

@@annoyinggaster This is also a good suggestion. There is so much to talk about during the Clone War era.

[@dado8467]

The GOAT of analysis talking about his GOAT of villains. Almost cried lol

[@Bowiiihowdy]

Popped up at good time.. RIP James Earl Jones

[@4984christian]

With all this dichotomy... that reminds me of Anakins thesis on the great use of dichotomy in the sith legend of the tragedy of Darth Pleagus the wise.

[@jer103]

1. Sometimes less is more. Just hearing something ominous is all you need. 2. As a child watching the original 3 Star Wars movies, you don't get any backstory of why Vader breaths like that. It wasn't until the last prequel movie, Revenge of the Sith in 2005, do we know WHY he sounds that way. He has 3rd degree burns on most of his body, trachea, and lungs. He's even madder because of his burns. Obi Wan turned his back to him, and watched him burn almost to death. Darth Vader is death, because he was so close to death.

[@Lucifer_Abysseum]

i love this analysis ! it's very nice to remember how something is supposed to be looked at *before* the rest was added, and its very interesting to see how the conclusion is the same as last video, proving how consistent the story was on this point. neeeerrrd

[@JeffWiersma]

In your concluding section, you put into words what I’ve intrinsically felt about Star Wars vs other IP’s but never had the framework to express. Bravo

[@BlazeStorm]

I yelped when the dichotomy was mentioned. Anakin's thesis never really left him

[@St.Ellachick]

Yeah! I was half loughthing and half convincing myself it couldn't be intentional

[@sppj3140]

I think one of the things that made Vader a great villain is that when he was first introduced there had never been another villain like him before

[@motorcycleboy9000]

This is amazing. Also: *"I am a Jedi, like my father before me."*

[@havlusu]

Whıild watching the video my mom from the other room yelled and said "the voice is so loud as if Darth Vader's in the room with you". I guess that's how iconic that sound is...

[@ZuzNewsReviews]

In Darth Vader's introductory scene his breathing does everything you said, but it also has another purpose. The first major characters the audience sees are 2 robots. But Vader and his underlings have somewhat robotic appearances as well. The breathing is a signal to the audience that the villain that they see before them has some shred of humanity.

[@sydney2396]

I’m old enough to remember thinking “oh no he must be lying” when I saw EMPIRE in its original theatrical run and I’m still learning things & getting new insights from your videos. That speaks to the richness of the story but also to your wisdom as an analyst. I’m very pleased to be a supporter (even if I notice new videos a month late - at least this is good timing as I try to finish my prequel reboot fanfic).

[@jonathanryan9946]

Just a minor quibble, Jedi weren't portrayed as monks so much in the Original trilogy, as much as they were KNIGHTS in hiding. Them becoming monk was a retcon the Prequels made, basically by making them wear the same wore down robes they wore in the Original trilogy and making it into a monks uniform. Even though if you really think of it, Yoda never told Luke to wear robes and was perfectly fine with him wearing black when he returned.

[@Mdougherty8054]

Some truly poignant analysis, and well said. The combination of slow zoom on vader and the crescendo of the music when he turns on the emperor made me fall in love with Star Wars as a kid. I wish they never over-dubbed the “no…no…nooo!” in later editions. One of the all time great movie scores.

[@SwivelAxl]

Vader’s breathing is like a mask that hides his true abilities and personality, it’s just calm spaced breathing that keeps the listener wondering what he’s thinking.

[@billygranzow1331]

I found this video the same day we found out about James Earl Jones' passing. RIP

[@Ballpython50001]

ya, it's almost as if some kind of algorithm knows every word in this videos transcript, and also who James Earl Jones is, and scanned to see if there is any news about him, and then decided to recommend this video in lots of peoples feeds in the hopes that people click on it to generate ad revenue............. Do you still believe in free will ?

[@billygranzow1331]

@@Ballpython50001 I thought the *before the news dropped* went without saying but yeah be a snarky asshole I guess

[@kickytink]

I started off with a "Oh yeah, I'm fascinated with Vader's breathing, too (how he talks while breathing at same time), I'll check the video out." and became, "holy shit, this guy really gets me, and why I loved the original trilogy so much growing up!" The real threads of the story between Luke and his father etc, so well articulated and understood. I teared up at the end, lol. I do not think I've heard anyone articulate the essence and intent of the original trilogy as succinctly as you have. It rings loud as fuck, that this lightning in a bottle has never really been captured ever since. I was lucky enough to have been born in the late 70's, and this was my life growing up. So, I stand with you, lol. The prequels and everything else just don't hold a candle. Freaking awesome video, man! Glad I clicked on it ;)

[@sleepyhyrule6894]

That moment of reflection after Vader sends Luke to the Emperor, that’s Anakin. Vader has no conscience to be bothered, but Anakin, he felt the weight of his choices there, and in that moment his armor cracked. The setup is subtle, and yet, impeccable.

[@tcalamars6962]

I'm so thankful for this video because it expresses things I’ve had a hard time expressing and it puts them into words and shows me that others feel the same way.

[@MrMatthias]

That scene at the landing platform is my personal favorite scene in RotJ. When Vader tells Luke "It's too late for me, son...", you can hear the sadness in his voice. It's amazing how you can almost see the sadness on his face despite it being a mask

[@AceHufflepuff]

Even with the really bad inconsistency of Disney Star Wars, one thing that HAS been consistent is Darth Vader. You gotta give Disney props for that. They knew to give him respect.

[@crammothy]

Rogue One Vader and Kenobi Vader were both great depictions of Vader. He was perfectly in character and that hallway scene in Rogue One is one of the most iconic scenes of Disney Star Wars and maybe even all of Star Wars. I’d say Obi-Wan was also portrayed well in Kenobi because his character story felt quite natural and pretty realistic. Of course the events of episode 3 would break him. You can say what you want about the writing but Disney Star Wars has been pretty good when it comes to treating these important characters although Luke is more debatable although his story is quite realistic.

[@dutchmansmine9053]

James Earl Jones is with us no more. May he rest in peace.

[@H20No]

RIP to the voice of a generation and to the most badass sith lord ever, James Earl Jones

[@isaiahjoyce4783]

Im late to this but man, your expression and eloquence is something to be admired. The way you navigate the complex annals of such a massive and influential character is truly magic man. As a philosophy buff its so refreshing to hear someone speak words with life behind them!!

[@MrWhiskers65]

The Vader father reveal was revolutionary at the time. Empire is my favourite movie of all time!❤

[@nightlight-zero]

In the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order game, there is a moment at the climax of the game where you just start to hear Vader’s breathing, and it is probably one of the most terrifying sequences I’ve played through - absolute testament to the power of that sound and this character.

[@baryony]

Definitely agree with how devastating it was for Luke. At this point, he almost had no one who connected him to the past. No aunt and uncle, no Ben, just what he imagined his dad to be, which was an ideal version of himself. I think that was one of the reasons he saw his own face under Vader's mask in the dark side cave. It was a premonition and his greatest fear in one package.

[@Inside_The_Madness]

RIP James Earl Jones...😭

[@whatwherethere]

Thank you so much for recovering Star Wars for me. It was lost to me but now I feel it to my bones.

[@renaigh]

Vader and the Xenomorph competing for the least amount of screentime, whilst being the most intimidating villains' in cinematic history.

[@jackaiken7333]

Love your videos man, especially the arcane ones

[@makkuram272]

Thank you very much for this video ! The "I am your father" plot twist has become such an iconic and rooted image that we usually speak of it only to joke about. And I naver took the time to try and understand why I still love it so much. So thank you 🌸

[@AquarianAgeApostle]

Although I had already watched this upload a mere two days ago, the KZbin algorithm thought it necessary to suggest I watch it once again.. It's not often the algorithm gets it right, but on this occassion it was spot on. A fantastic character analysis. I cant get enough of it now. Thanks OP.

[@tyschirmer6127]

RIP JAMES EARL JONES

[@Individualthatisabsorbant]

Benjamin K.!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love that you keep coming up with clever nicknames for these characters!

[@porter7647]

Rest in peace James Earl Jones

[@the_nerd1011-b]

Rip James Earl Jones

[@TheStarscream555]

My brother in The Force! What a great video! I love hearing other fans take on the O.T., it helps me see new things and see old things differently. Please keep going on the Star Wars train! Subbed!

[@cesarmedina7080]

The character design is just way too cool. Blows away just about any other villian character design with very few exceptions. As a kid I had multiple bad dreams of standing on the Bespin Cloud City catwalk where Luke got his hand chopped off, with Vader rapidly approaching me with bad intentions. I always managed to wake myself up before he got to me.

[@hunorszekely1171]

Man, the last part about stories needing to go deeper instead of bigger and the importance of the throne room scene explained, brought into the light, why I loved the climax of Return of the King, and how similar it really is to the climax of Return of the Jedi. Both have the great battle scene play a secondary role, to the intricate and personal conflict the characters have to face: Frodo finding the power to throw in the ring and Luke saving/defeating Vader. And they both (kinda) fail, Frodo can't let go of the power of the ring and Luke can't kill Vader nor can he defeat the Emperor. But at the last second the supposed "hero" of the story is saved by their parent/best friend but also the villain technically, because without Gollum the ring wouldn't have fallen into the pit. Both heroes are saved by an incredible gesture of love and empathy, camaraderie and humanity. I still tear up at Sam saying to Frodo while hanging on to the side of Mt. Doom: "Don't you let go!" In a sense Frodo's insecurity and pain takes the role of the final obstacle/villain in the finale being corrupted and tired out by the ring, he could have just let go and fallen in, ( like how Vader could've just stayed and line and obey his evil master) but Sam, as throughout the entire trilogy never gave up on him, just how Luke didn't give up on his father. At the end of the day, both movies are about the small actions of regular people and the connection/fellowship between them, and how they can impact the biggest events in history or the galaxy. Your analysis really made me think what makes such great stories so great. It's not the scale or grandeur, but the deep and personal connections found within that scale and grandeur that makes those stories so memorable

[@elitegamer21005]

Rest in Peace James Earl Jones

[@kobaltmyst8074]

"dichotomy" NOOOO DONT SAY THAT WORD ANAKIN WILL BORE YOU TO DEATH WITH HIS THESIS

[@allusionsxp2606]

Rest in Power James Earl Jones

[@SenyiKimmo]

When you were talking about his breathing it made me think about something else. We all know Vader is one of, if not THE, most powerful force users of all time. This man's aura would be overpowering, his mere presence is an announcement. Obviously we, as the audience, can't feel his presence in the Force, but his breathing helps communicate him to us as well. Everything about Vader is _big,_ really. His figure, his ability, and well his breathing.

[@sooyster4033]

Love the Wolf cameo. 2nd greatest villain of all time. I've just started One Piece and yes, Nami's "Luffy, Help me!" is by FAR the most powerful piece of cinema I've seen this year.

[@purplesky2369]

oh man cheers on starting the one piece journey. hope you get to take it in blind, there's plenty of cinema to go around

[@sooyster4033]

@@purplesky2369 Doing my best to avoid spoilers! thank you!

[@myronballard1520]

It's a story about identity. It's a story about "what or how do you see yourself and others." Basically, the story asks the audience, what do you see and where will that "seeing" take you next. Another great video Schnee!

[@georgesandoval307]

RIP James Earl Jones ♥️

[@heartscapesreiki1496]

Thank you for this ❤ This analysis means a lot to me, and I want to share why that is. I was born 2 months after the original SW was released in 1977, and by the time I was 2 months old, my parents had taken me with them to see it 3 times. And I should put "see it" in quotes, because of course I couldn't see anything. I could feel the energy of the crowd seeing this for the first time. Could feel the vibrations of the sound effects. And I could hear it. I heard every moment of those sound effects, that incredible score, the voices of the characters, and of course, Vader's iconic breath from the loving arms of my parents in my first weeks of life. I napped and nursed and snuggled through it 3 times. Those sounds, the feeling of them, got into my psyche and my body in ways that are difficult to describe. It is the most powerful feeling og nostalgia, tied up intimately with the feeling of being loved and cared for. And so when I saw the trilogy as a child, not knowing really that I'd already spent time with as an infant, I wasn't really prepared for the way it would effect me. I've been unpacking it ever since. But to the point of this video, that iconic sound of Vader's powerful abd vulnerable breath? It has always felt to me like love. There's no other way to say it. And it was so difficult to reconcile that feeling with what I witnessed of the character on screen. I didn't understand why I felt so conflicted about Vader, immediately from his first scene. And so when his story arc resolved the way it did, it felt like exactly what was supposed to happen. You said it so beautifully here, Schnee: He chose to take control of his story by becoming the father he always was. That choice really matters. And it is one we can all learn from. Again, thank you for sharing this framing with us. You have me crying here on a Sunday morning 😂

[@bkm8556]

Hearing you talk about being a kid and seeing Vader throw Palpatine and being so confused, thinking "He can't do that!" took me right back to being 7 years old thinking the exact same thing. Even further I'd seen the prequels when I was a toddler and the pieces of understanding left me thinking "he doesn't even deserve to do that!", I still get those feelings today and I love the space it puts me in but your video took me back to it so vividly it made me laugh.

[@ABPutney]

I think the last point about the relationships driving the story is why Rise of Skywalker felt so empty. Rey and Ben Solo's relationship just didn't have the same resonance and even if they reconciled at the end that wasn't the main relationship that we were using for Rey. So the sacrifice beats at the end just didn't really carry weight like they did in Return of the Jedi.

[@dameanvil]

00:08 🎬 The sound of Vader's breathing is one of the most iconic in movie history, representing his menacing presence. 01:17 🎧 Vader's slow, measured breathing underscores his calm, inevitable, and terrifying nature as a villain. 02:00 ⚔️ Vader's breathing highlights his deadly, focused, and predatory character traits, contrasting his calm demeanor with his violent actions. 03:24 🧘 Vader's breathing symbolizes a blend of inhuman mechanical quality and martial artist-like control, reflecting his warrior monk persona gone evil. 04:00 🧊 Vader's breathing represents a cold, heartless machine-like presence, enhancing his role as a symbol of death and destruction. 05:00 📉 The revelation that Vader is Luke's father is a massive plot twist, significantly altering the narrative's complexity and depth. 07:24 💔 The twist also shatters Luke's understanding of his past and future, adding existential weight to his struggle. 09:57 ⚡ A major shift in storytelling complexity occurs with Vader's revelation, elevating the narrative beyond a simple good vs. evil dynamic. 12:05 🎭 Vader's breathing symbolizes a dichotomy between menace and vulnerability, revealing the internal conflict within the character. 13:15 🤔 Vader's mask and breathing reflect both inhuman coldness and hidden human emotion, showcasing his deep internal conflict. 15:43 🎭 Vader's mask serves dual functions: expressing coldness and emotional complexity, indicating his profound internal struggle. 20:06 🎭 Vader’s Redemption is seen as a profound moment, transforming him from a villain into a savior of his son, highlighting a deeper narrative shift. 21:00 🧩 Vader’s Redemption redefines his character, revealing hidden vulnerability and compassion, which retroactively alters the viewer’s perception of past scenes. 22:13 👨‍👦 Vader’s choice to save his son reflects a personal transformation, prioritizing his role as a father over his identity as a Sith Lord. 23:41 🌟 Star Wars emphasizes personal morality over grandiose stakes, focusing on individual choices and relationships rather than cosmic battles. 25:27 🧘‍♂ Star Wars values personal growth and moral integrity, making its themes relatable and applicable to everyday life, unlike other grand spectacle-driven stories.

[@nathantyrrell3824]

Thankyou for the bookmarks! and the summary of analysis points. Very helpful!

[@andykazoo]

Awww yeaaah. This is going in my playlist. Schnee, you are awesome!