http://www.starwarsringtheory.com/ I have been reading up on ring theory lately in order to get hype for the new films. Completely changed the way i view the prequels and the series as a whole. For those of you who havent heard about ring theory it is an interpretation of the trilogy that views it; "Not [as] a series of narratively independent sequels and prequels (the normal mode in movie sequelization), focused on film genre conventions and/or on specific actors/roles, nor an old-fashioned serial with (merely) narratively interlocking episodes, but "an epic mythological saga—full of exotic locales and monsters, like the sagas of old—consisting of at least six mutually-dependent parts interrelated in an intricately designed narrative, mythological, and metaphoric whole". Supposedly George Lucas made the series in the form of an ancient, circular story telling technique, known as ring composition. I highly recommend giving the whole link a read if you have the time and enjoy film analysis but for those that don't the gist is that the prequels and original trilogy are made to physically and thematically reflect each other. "The story is organized into a sequence of elements that progress from a beginning to a well-marked midpoint. Then, the ring turns and the first sequence of elements is repeated in reverse order until the story returns to the starting point." The level of detail covered in link is immense, it appears as if every single shot was composed with an insane amount of artistic vision. What I find most fascinating about this is the fact that this ring story happens both on an individual level and on a political. It tells the story of the rise and fall of characters and governments. With the same theme of emotion and the quest for power ultimately leading to down fall and corruption. This connection of personal and political themes rang particularly true to me especially in light of recent real world events. Just the fact the political and social structures rise out of particular consciousnesses whose reason is slave to its passions. Also the visual language of clones supposedly represents the fall, the camera keeps moving downwards as it were. A good example of this can be found in the intro chase scene where Anakin falls around the flying cars. Don't take me at my word though as its been about a week since i read it all and there's a lot of info in there so i may have mis-remembered.
A classic example of "Ring Composition" is, funnily enough, Wagner's Ring Cycle. You touch on one of the reason I like the prequel storyline. In my mind, it shows a potential repeating of history, or perhaps better symbolized as one choice diverting into two potential story conclusions that are both hashed out in one family lineage. Both Anakin and Luke are affected with deep emotional trauma, and are forced to choose whether or not to embrace the resulting grief, anger, and hate to join the dark side, or to rise above, and live beyond themselves for the greater good. Anakin makes on choice, and Luke makes the other - at least, so it seems. we'll see if the new movie expands on the fallout of his decision.
Interesting link. I'm going to give it a read.