“Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” is a film that gets debated by countless sci-fi fans around the world. While many accept it for what it is, others see it as damaging to the original “Star Wars” trilogy’s legacy. However, “The Phantom Menace” remains a uniquely interesting film to watch.

George Lucas directed the first “Star Wars” film back in 1977. At the time, nobody could have predicted how iconic the movie and the galaxy it created would be. Cast and crew would disagree with Lucas at times and Lucas had more financial constraints. Lucas did not actually direct the other instalments in the original trilogy but he was still heavily involved in their production. Despite some more freedom both artistically and financial, Lucas still faced some pressure from those around him.

By the time the prequel trilogy was in the works, Lucas was being hailed as a cinematic master. Suddenly, he had more money and more freedom than ever before despite the fact he hadn’t actually done any directing since the first movie. “The Phantom Menace” was when Lucas got given virtually unparalleled creative freedom. If there had been more resistance from those involved in production, would Jar Jar Binks have ever made into the film?

After “The Phantom Menace” hit theatres, there was some backlash from “Star Wars” fans. Criticisms of the movie included changes to the “Star Wars” mythology, the overuse of C.G.I. and the inclusion of characters such as Jar Jar Binks. Lucas took some notice and made some alterations to his plans for the rest of the prequel trilogy. This means “The Phantom Menace” is really the only time we got to see Lucas completely unfiltered. I can’t think of another movie this big where a director was given such freedom.