Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (TCF, 1980), Fourth Draft Screenplay/Continuity Script....

Description

Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (TCF, 1980), Fourth Draft Screenplay/Continuity Script. Original fourth draft Empire Strikes Back screenplay, dated October 24, 1978, and written by Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan. This draft highlights the collaborative and visual-first approach to storytelling that was integral to the film's development. Housed in a black 7-ring binder, it comprises 163 screenplay pages, including revisions spanning from December 1978 to January 1979. It features 39 additional photocopies of Ralph McQuarrie and Joe Johnston's illustrations, which were pivotal in inspiring the screenplay's content. These visuals, highlighting scenes from Hoth and Cloud City, and concepts for the film's concluding shots, were integral from the outset. Before scripting, George Lucas rehired artists like McQuarrie and Johnston, whose concepts directly inspired the screenplay with Lucas incorporating their envisioned scenes into the film. This script was originally in the possession of Bunny Alsup, assistant to producer Gary Kurtz, and it showcases the evolution from Lucas' handwritten second draft through Kasdan's contributions. Kasdan added depth to character dynamics and Yoda's unique speech patterns. This draft highlights a distinctive screenwriting method of planning complex scenes with the art team before script integration, allowing Kasdan to articulate the visuals through descriptive action or direct use of the images. Reflecting Lucas' image-centric scripting method, this screenplay served as a blueprint for the visual effects team at Industrial Light and Magic and provided clear direction for the actors and director Irvin Kershner. It stands as a crucial precursor to the final visual and practical elements of the film. Lucas kept the fact that Darth Vader was Luke's father from the cast and most of the crew, and this draft reflects this secret. The draft also features a longer exchange between Leia and Han in the carbon-freezing chamber. Instead of the now-famous "I love you" and "I know" exchange (which Harrison Ford changed the day of shooting), Kasdan wrote: Leia: ...I love you. I couldn't tell you before, but it's true... Han: ...just remember that, 'cause I'll be back... Included with the script are four additional McQuarrie photocopies and an Empire Strikes Back brochure with the movie logo and a comprehensive cast and crew list, all showing signs of age and production use. Binder measures approx. 9" x 12" with 8.5" x 11" hole-punched pages within.

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