Having worked in show biz in script development (I have several script writing credits though this is my nom de blog) I can tell you that the most incredible special effect of all is a good story, well told. Everything else is a distant second.
I think Lucas managed to capture lightning in a bottle with the first 2, and Ewoks aside, about 2 thirds of “Return.” I always wondered why he never directed anything else until the abysmal pre-quels 20 odd years later but then again he put all his efforts into the effects end of the business. No crime in that but again, I’m a wirter. The writing, acting and direction come first. When you make the explosions and the hardware the stars of the show, then you get what American film has become for the last 15-20 years.
Paul Schrader recalls a conversation with Lucas asking him why he lives up in Marin County and Lucas answers that “he’s not part of Hollywood,” to which Schrader replies, with a chuckle “…I hate to break this to you George, but you ARE Hollywood.”
