This Star Wars art is a beautiful reminder of the complex character brought to life by the late James Earl Jones. Darth Vader was initially introduced to Star Wars as a hardened villain, and he quickly went on to become one of cinema’s most fear-inducing characters of all. Vader seemed to be the embodiment of evil, appearing more machine than man. It isn’t until The Empire Strikes Back that his humanity is shown in more ways than one, revealing both his human body healing in his bacta tank and his familial relationship with Luke Skywalker.
Artist Warrick Wong posted two animations on Instagram showing a deconstructed Darth Vader, highlighting the human underneath.
In each slide, Vader’s cybernetic components float beside him before the Sith Lord resembles himself using the Force. Vader’s face and skin are briefly revealed, a humanizing detail very rarely shown in Star Wars. Despite this, Vader maintains his intimidating demeanor. The caption pays homage to the late James Earl Jones, saying, “Thank you James Earl Jones for your iconic performance.”
James Earl Jones Gave Vader The Depth Anakin Needed
Vader’s presence sparked fear in every scene he was in. His hulking suit made him even more intimidating, making it seem impossible that he could possibly have once been the flesh-and-blood Anakin Skywalker. However, Jones’ voice helped to make his humanity believable. The effect of Jones’s voice might have been a symptom of Vader’s life support system, but the choice to use an actor with a powerful voice instead of a robotic voice changing effect set Vader up for the incredible redemption that would happen at the end of the trilogy.
Though Vader’s backstory was originally unknown to the actors, James Earl Jones seemed to understand the depth that his character needed. Without facial expressions, his voice was the only thing Vader had to set him up as the father worthy of the sympathy that Luke felt. In order to get the audience to agree with Luke, Star Wars needed an actor that could showcase the human beneath the robot without anyone even realizing it.
Source: Warrick Wong/Instagram
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader
Conceived by the will of the Force itself, Anakin Skywalker was the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring the Force into balance. Anakin struggled to balance competing attachments to the Jedi Order and his wife Padmé Amidala, and ultimately fell to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. For years he served as Palpatine’s right hand man, but he was ultimately redeemed by the faith of his son, Luke Skywalker. Now a Force Ghost, Anakin continues to act as an agent of balance.
- Died
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Star Wars: Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi
- Alliance
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Jedi, Sith
- Race
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Human
