In the second installment of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, the rampant force of the dark side is both insidious and powerful. This darkness is hard to track, much less resist. In fact, by the time war commences between the different galaxies in the Federation, the powers of the dark side are already nearly unstoppable.
Even Yoda, the wise sage-like Jedi master, realizes too late the pollution of the dark forces in their midst, clouding his own perception of events and halting his ability to make right judgments.
Along with Jar-Jar Blinks, Yoda makes the fatal mistake of supporting Senator Palpatin in his bid to put down the separatist movement through military means, using clone armies.
Unbeknownst to them, the inter-galactic war that ensues is exactly what the forces of evil have planned.
On an individual basis, Anakin Skywalker also demonstrates the subtle yet potent influence of the dark side. His profound love for his mother and her tragic death leads him to extreme acts of revenge, murder, and hatred. In one night, Anakin massacres the savage creatures that enslaved and brutalized his mother. Within this single individual -- the possessor of the Force --- lies the propensity to commit incredible wrongs.
We see this darkness all around us today.
From schoolyard bullies to military conflicts, the influence of the dark side impinges on our thoughts and actions, sours relationships, and corrupts the best of intentions.
Even the presence of good does not erase nor diminish the effects of wrongdoing, injustice, and hatred. At best, it only makes us more aware of how much we've come short.
Unfortunately, Star Wars fails to present any answers to the problem that the dark side poses. For those of us left sitting in the theatre after the lights come back on again, the question still remains. Can we hope to be rescued from the influence of the dark side in our lives?
Dilys goes to the University of British Columbia in Canada where she is learning to write and think about movies in an analytical way. She is a rabid Star Wars fan who is also rabid about rabbits. Copyright 2002 iamnext.com.
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