Reflecting on Jar Jar Binks

Nice interview. On other places, a lot of people felt the need to point out that George was "wrong" and "nobody" hated Yoda or even 3PO in the first films after listening to this interview. For whatever reason they felt the urgency to claim that their experience was "more true" than that of the man who created the whole thing and - just probably - had a better impression of the global response to his creations compared to what those commenters remembered from when they were, most likely, kids in the 80s. It's strange (yet familiar) to see how important it is for people to somehow "prove", even if it's only to themselves, that what they remember is the only truth and not just a very subjective construction of their brain.

Anyway, I still like Jar Jar and he clearly is a key factor. He's never been my favourite character, those have always been Anakin and Padmé. I'll even admit that some of his antics are getting a bit tedious on repeated viewings, but that's only natural. Yet, he is just a good character and that in every sense of the word. He is well realized, just from a technical standpoint alone. He's is memorable and recognizable. He is relevant to the plot and does go through an arc. And he ist definitely a good being, he's got heart and courage and he fights for what he believes in, even if it's clumsy.

The fact that this creature, that has no bad qualities apart from being clumsy, is still of the few things of the Prequels that are almost universally panned (the Love Story is another one) speaks volumes about our world and the people who inhabit it. Just not friendly.

jtn90
Well people started hating Threepio in TESB

Here's an interesting moment in the Phantom Menace novelization I forgot about, which I think encapsulates the point Lucas was trying to make.

Kenobi switches places with Jar Jar.
"Here, take over", he snapped at Jar Jar. He moved out of his seat to kneel close to Qui-Gon, “Master,” he said, unable to help himself. “Why do you keep dragging these pathetic life forms along with us when they are of so little use?”

Qui-Gon Jinn smiled, faintly, “He seems that way now, perhaps, but you must look deeper, Obi-Wan.”

“I’ve looked deep enough and there’s nothing to see.” Obi-Wan flushed with irritation. “He is an unneeded distraction.”

“Maybe for the moment, but that may change with time.” Obi-Wan started to say something more but the Jedi Master cut him short. “Listen to me, my young Padawan. There are secrets hidden in the Force that are not easily discovered. The Force is vast and pervasive, and all living things are a part of it. It is not always apparent what their purpose is however. Sometimes, that purpose must be sensed first, in order that it may be revealed later.”

Obi-Wan’s young face clouded. “Some secrets are best left concealed, Master.”
He shook his head, “Besides, why must you always be the one to do the uncovering? You know how the council feels about these... detours. Perhaps, just once, the uncovering should be left to someone else.”

Qui-Gon looked suddenly sad. “No, Obi-Wan. Secrets must be exposed when found. Detours must be taken when encountered. And if you are the one who stands at the crossroads or the place of concealment, you must never leave it to another to act in your place.”

“I respect your judgment in this Master," Obi-Wan said quietly, "but that doesn’t stop me from worrying.”

“Be patient with me Obi-Wan”, he replied softly. “A little faith sometimes goes a long way.”

Some people say they'd be fine with Jar Jar if his voice wasn't so annoying. And there's even some videos with redubs. But Jar Jar needs to be seen right away as trustable, humble and good-hearted. Clumsy and annoying, ok, but without pretense or ulterior motives.

With this dub in particular, he comes across as an all-too streetwise bloke, who could possibly be a grifter of some kind.



They also rewrote a bit of the dialogue, which takes away from the overall affect Jar is supposed to carry.

In other words: the polar reverse of most human beings.