Part 5/12:
A hallmark of effective filmmaking in the Star Wars saga is the use of editing to heighten stakes and emotional resonance. For instance, Return of the Jedi expertly shows betrayal and loss through quick, tense cuts—Lando’s betrayal, Han’s capture, and the ensuing suffering are built up with subtle reactions and well-timed shots that create a visceral impact.
In The Last Jedi, this approach is sorely lacking. Finn and Rose’s failure to capture the codebreaker results in no real consequence or emotional payoff. Their mission feels pointless, with no direct repercussions for the Resistance. The betrayal by DJ could have been a pivotal moment, but it’s undermined by insipid pacing, lack of tension, and a failure to build anxiety through character reactions or quick editing.