Eastern Cultures Enter Hyperspace

Abstract

The article discusses inspirations from Far Eastern cultures present in George Lucas’ Star Wars saga. This cinematic story is treated as a postmodernist text, in which references to earlier cultural works appear. More attention is given to the sequel trilogy, not explored in academic circles as much as the two earlier trilogies. These inspirations are analysed through the lens of Edward Said’s concept of orientalism, with additional focus on the specific ways in which it was employed in the United States of America. In the conclusion, some reflections are devoted to audience reactions to the newest trilogy and the Eastern elements present therein.

Keywords

• Star Wars
• orientalism
• George Lucas
• science-fiction
• Far East
• post-Saidian orientalism