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Rating: 
Summary: light but well researched
Review: This is a fairly academic (but not strictly so) approach to the films of George Lucas. As the author states in the introduction it is not a biography, but rather looks at each major films Lucas has been connected with, exploring the creative process, major themes and other aspects. The book, it seems, it aimed at film students mainly, giving brief overviews of different parts of the production process (scripting, casting, production). It also looks at major themes, the tendency of Lucas' films to go "forwards/backwards" in the story line and the use of music. I am not sure exactly who this book is aimed at. Film school student may find the book a little thin on details, casual fans will find it a little dry. There are plenty of tidbits, trivia and anecdotes, but since the book never decides if it is aimed at the general public or USC grad students, it tends to be unsatisfying. Smith also tends to come off as a Lucas apologist. Sometimes he is correct in pointing out the impossible problem of pleasing rabid fans and snooty critics, but at other times he seems to be arguing that Lucas is just "misunderstood," to me a sign of a weak argument. Smith has obviously done his homework, and his notes about the multiple versions of the film are interesting with out resorting to trainspotting. Speaking of which, his distinctly UK viewpoint is sometimes interesting for it's removed objectivity, but also can get in the way when he must cross cultural barriers to understand the very American Lucas. Good launching pad for the discussion of Lucas' work, it makes a case that Lucas' main contribution to film has been technical not narrative.
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