“The Director and the Jedi” Documentary Review

The Director and the Jedi is a 2018 documentary by Anthony Wonke that delves deep into Rian Johnson’s struggles to direct 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which has since become one of the most polarising blockbusters of the decade.

The struggle that takes centre stage, however, is Johnson’s creative differences with actor Mark Hamill over the characterisation of Luke Skywalker.

This is a smart move on Wonke’s part, as the intense yet respectful conflict between the two is incredibly interesting and provides the documentary with many of its best moments.

Another struggle that’s given ample screen time is the toll the directing process takes on Johnson, who had never directed a film of The Last Jedi’s magnitude before.

The real highlight of this story thread, though, is producer Ram Bergman, whose genuineness and likeability adds a well-needed layer of humanity to a documentary that sometimes comes off more like a piece of marketing than a real attempt at filmmaking.

The Director and the Jedi also offers up a wide range of interviews with the likes of John Boyega, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and the late, great Carrie Fisher.

Unfortunately, all of these feel fake, sterile and corporately approved, which rob them of any real value or significance.

Overall, Wonke’s documentary is a mixed bag, much like the film it documents.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, somebody looking to learn more about the collaborative nature of moviemaking or both, then there’s enough good here to warrant a watch but for others, you’re probably better off giving it a miss.

The Director and the Jedi is available now on Blu-ray and DVD.