🔥 Vintage 1999 STAR WARS Episode I PHANTOM Menace DARTH MAUL Oil Painting, WOW

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🔥 Vintage 1999 STAR WARS Episode I PHANTOM Menace DARTH MAUL Oil Painting, WOW:
$1350.00

This is a fabulous and visually strikingVintage 1999 STAR WARS Episode I PHANTOM Menace DARTH MAUL Oil Painting on Canvas, created to recognize the May 19, 1999, release of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. This original oil painting is incredibly well rendered, and features Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, spacecraft, Anikan Skywalker, pod racers, and battle droids, etc. In the distance, the looming visage of the ominous Sith Lord, Darth Maul is visible. Signed and dated: "J. Laudiano '99" in the lower left corner. Additionally, this artwork is signed on the verso of the canvas: "Jeremy P. Laudiano, 1999." Aside from being a resident of Southern California, I could not find any information on this artist. Perhaps you know more about him or his work? Approximately 24 x 30 inches. Good overall condition for decades of age, display use, and storage, with some light scuffing and edge wear throughout (please see photos.) Acquired from an old collector's estate in Los Angeles, California. This breathtaking and original vintage Star Wars artwork is Priced to Sell. If you like what you see, I encourage you to make an Offer. Please check out my other listings for more wonderful and unique artworks!
About this Artwork:
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace(also known simply asStar Wars: The Phantom Menace), is a 1999 Americanepicspace operafilm produced byLucasfilmand distributed by20th Century Fox.The film was written and directed byGeorge Lucasin his first directorial effort since the originalStar Wars,released in 1977. The film starsLiam Neeson,Ewan McGregor,Natalie Portman,Jake Lloyd,Ahmed Best,Ian McDiarmid,Anthony Daniels,Kenny Baker,Pernilla August, andFrank Oz. It is the fourth film in theStar Warsfilm series, the first film of theprequel trilogyand the first chronological chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". It is set 32 years before theoriginal trilogy(13 years before the formation of theGalactic Empire), during the era of theGalactic Republic.

The film followsJediMasterQui-Gon Jinnand his apprenticeObi-Wan Kenobias they try to protectPadmé AmidalaofNabooto resolve an interplanetary trade dispute. They also confront the mysterious return of theSithwith the Force-sensitive young slaveAnakin Skywalkerjoining their efforts.

Following the release ofReturn of the Jedi(1983), talks of a follow-up were proposed, but Lucas was unmotivated to return to the franchise. During the hiatus, the backstories he created for the characters, particularly Anakin's, sparked interest in him to develop a prequel trilogy during the 1990s. After he determined thatcomputer-generated imagery(CGI) had advanced to the level he wanted for the prequel trilogy'svisual effects, Lucas began writingThe Phantom Menacein 1993, and production began in 1994. Filming started in June 1997—at locations atLeavesden Film Studios, at theRoyal Palace of Casertain Italy and the Tunisian desert—and ended in September.

The Phantom Menacewas released in theaters on May 19, 1999, almost 16 years after the premiere ofReturn of the Jedi. The film's premiere was extensively covered by media and was widely anticipated because of the large cultural following theStar Warssaga had cultivated. Upon its release,The Phantom Menacereceived mixed reviews from critics. While the visual effects were praised, criticism was largely focused on its exposition and characters—particularlyJar Jar Binks.

The film was a box-office success and broke numerous records. It grossed $924 million worldwide during its initial theatrical run, becoming thehighest-grossing film of 1999, thesecond-highest-grossing film of all-time, and the third-highestin North America(behindTitanicandStar Wars), as well as the highest-grossingStar Warsfilm at the time (not factoring in inflation). The film has been re-released several times, including a 20123Dreissue which brought its overall worldwide gross to over $1 billion.Attack of the Clones(2002) andRevenge of the Sith(2005) followedThe Phantom Menace, rounding out theStar Warsprequel trilogy.

Plot

The Trade Federation has disrupted order in theGalactic Republicbyblockadingthe planetNabooin secret preparation for a full-scale invasion. The Republic's leader, Supreme ChancellorFinis Valorum, dispatchesJedi MasterQui-Gon Jinnand his apprentice,Obi-Wan Kenobi, to negotiate with Trade Federation ViceroyNute Gunray.Darth Sidious, aSith Lordand the Trade Federation's secret benefactor, orders the Viceroy to kill the Jedi and begin their invasion with an army ofbattle droids. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan escape and flee to Naboo. Amid the invasion, Qui-Gon rescues a bumblingGunganoutcast,Jar Jar Binks. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fail to persuade the Gungan leaderBoss Nassto aid the planet's surface dwellers but manage to obtainJar Jar'sguidance and underwater transport to Theed, the capital city of Naboo. After rescuing QueenPadmé Amidala, the group makes their escape from Naboo aboard her royal starship, intending to reach the Republic capital planet ofCoruscant.

The ship is damaged passing through the Federation blockade but spared from destruction byR2-D2, and the group lands for repairs on the outlyingdesert planetofTatooine, situated beyond the Republic's jurisdiction. Qui-Gon, Jar Jar,astromech droidR2-D2, and Padmé—disguised as one of her own handmaidens—visit the settlement of Mos Espa to purchase a new part for the hyperdrive. They encounter a junk dealer,Watto, and his nine-year-old slaveAnakin Skywalker, a gifted pilot and engineer who has built aprotocol droid,C-3PO. Qui-Gon senses a strong presence ofthe Forcewithin Anakin and is convinced that he is the prophesied "Chosen One," who is destined to restore balance to the Force. With Watto refusing to accept payment in Republic currency, Qui-Gon wagers both the required hyperdrive part and Anakin's freedom on apodrace. Anakin wins the race and joins the group to be trained as a Jedi, leaving behind his mother,Shmi. En route to their starship, Qui-Gon is attacked byDarth Maul, Sidious's apprentice, who was sent to capture Amidala. After a brieflightsaberduel, Qui-Gon escapes onboard the starship with the others.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan escort Padmé to Coruscant so she can plead her people's case to Valorum and theGalactic Senate. Qui-Gon asks theJedi Councilfor permission to train Anakin as a Jedi, but the Council refuses, concerned that Anakin is vulnerable to the dark side of the Force due to his age. Undaunted, Qui-Gon vows to train Anakin anyway. Naboo's SenatorPalpatinepersuades Amidala to call for avote of no confidencein Valorum to elect a more capable leader and to resolve the crisis. Though she successfully pushes for the vote, Amidala grows frustrated with the corruption in the Senate and decides to return to Naboo. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are ordered by the Jedi Council to accompany the queen and investigate the return of the Sith, whom they had believed to be extinct for more than a millennium.

On Naboo, Padmé reveals herself as the queen before the Gungans and persuades them to join in an alliance against the Trade Federation. Jar Jar is promoted to general and joins his tribe in a battle against the droid army, while Padmé leads the search for Gunray in Theed. During a battle in a hangar, Anakin flees to a starfighter and accidentally triggers itsautopilot, traveling to the battle against the Federation droid control ship, and inadvertently causes the control ship's destruction from within, which deactivates the droid army. Meanwhile, Darth Maul infiltrates the Theed Palace and engages Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan in a lightsaber duel. Maul mortally wounds Qui-Gon before being bisected by Obi-Wan and falling down a shaft. Before Qui-Gon dies, he asks Obi-Wan to train Anakin.

The Republic arrests Gunray, and Palpatine is elected as Chancellor. Grand MasterYodapromotes Obi-Wan to the rank of Jedi Knight and reluctantly accepts Anakin as Obi-Wan's apprentice. That evening, at Qui-Gon's funeral, Yoda contemplates the likelihood of a second Sith Lord existing beyond Maul given legends about sith lords always having a master. The following day, a celebration of their victory on Naboo and the reconciliation of the Gungans and Naboo is held, where Padmé rewards Boss Nass with a peace-making trophy.

Cast

Liam NeesonasQui-Gon Jinn, aJedi Masterwho discovers Anakin Skywalker and under the belief that he is destined to bring balance to the force as the prophesied "Chosen One", insists that the boy be trained as a Jedi, despite the Jedi Council's refusal to do so. Lucas originally wanted to cast an American actor in the role but cast Neeson (who isIrish) because he considered that Neeson had great skills and presence. Lucas said Neeson was a "master actor, who the other actors will look up to, who has got the qualities of strength that the character demands."
Ewan McGregorasObi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon's twenty-five-year-old Jedi Padawan, who holds his master in high regard but questions his motives at times, especially when it seems he is breaking the rules of the Jedi. McGregor was cast from a shortlist of fifty actors, all of whom had to be compared to pictures of youngAlec Guinness, who portrayed the elderly Obi-Wan, to make a believable younger version.McGregor had a vocal coach to help his voice sound closer to Guinness's. He also studied several of Guinness's performances, from his early work and the originalStar Warsfilms.
Natalie PortmanasPadmé Amidala, the fourteen-year-old Queen ofNaboo, who hopes to protect her planet from the Trade Federation's blockade invasion. Throughout most of the film, she uses her birth name Padmé Naberrie and poses as one of the queen's handmaidens for protection. Over 200 actresses auditioned for the role.The production notes stated that "The role required a young woman who could be believable as the ruler of that planet, but at the same time be vulnerable and open". He stated, "I was looking for someone who was young, strong, along the lines ofLeia[and] Natalie embodied all those traits and more".Portman was unfamiliar withStar Warsbefore being cast butwas enthusiastic about being cast as a character she expected to become a role model. Portman said, "It was wonderful playing a young queen with so much power. I think it will be good for young women to see a strong woman of action who is also smart and a leader."
Jake LloydasAnakin "Ani" Skywalker, a nine-year-old slave boy and a skilled pilot who dreams of becoming a Jedi. Hundreds of actors were tested across the UK, Ireland, Canada and the United Statesbefore the producers settled on Lloyd, who Lucas considered met his requirements of "a good actor, enthusiastic and very energetic". ProducerRick McCallumsaid that Lloyd was "smart, mischievous, and loves anything mechanical—just like Anakin."
Ian McDiarmidasPalpatine / Darth Sidious, a middle-aged senator of Naboo and a secret Sith Lord who orchestrates the invasion of his home planet to get elected Supreme Chancellor. He is the Trade Federation's mysterious benefactor, and the titular "Phantom Menace". McDiarmid was surprised when Lucas approached him sixteen years afterReturn of the Jedito reprise the role of Palpatine, having assumed that a younger actor would play the role in the prequel films.
Ahmed BestasJar Jar Binks, a clumsyGunganexiled from his home and taken in by Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Best was hired after casting director Robin Gurland saw him on aStompperformance inSan Francisco.Best was originally intended to provide motion capture data, but his offer to voice the character was accepted. On the set, to provide references for the actors, Best was clothed in a suit made of foam and latex and a headpiece. Best's filmed performance was later replaced with the computer-generated character.Best frequently improvised movements to make Jar Jar look as clumsy and comedic as possible.
Anthony DanielsasC-3PO, a protocol droid built by Anakin. He lacks a metal covering in this film; R2-D2 humorously refers to it as being "naked". Industrial Light & Magic's Michael Lynch, dressed in a color closely matching the background—in a manner similar to the Japanese puppet theaterBunraku— manipulated a skeletal C-3PO figure attached to his front while Daniels read his lines off-camera. The puppeteer was erased from the film during post-production.
Kenny BakerasR2-D2, an astromech droid from Naboo that saves Queen Amidala's ship when other astro droids fail. Before the film's production started, fans campaigned on the Internet to retain Baker as R2-D2; Lucas replied that the actor would reprise the role.Baker is used for scenes where R2-D2 bends forwards and backwards and wobbles from side-to-side. Robots and a digital model were used in other shots.
Pernilla AugustasShmi Skywalker, Anakin's mother, who is concerned for her son's future and allows him to leave with the Jedi. August, a veteran of Swedish cinema, was chosen after auditioning with Liam Neeson. She was afraid of being rejected because of her accent.
Frank OzasYoda, the centuries-old Jedi Grandmaster and head of the Jedi Council who is apprehensive about allowing Anakin to be trained. Yoda was mostly portrayed as a puppet designed byNick Dudmanbased onStuart Freeborn's original design. Oz controlled the puppet's mouth, and other parts were controlled by puppeteers using remote controls.Lucas fitted Yoda's filming around Oz's schedule as he finished and promotedIn & Out.A computer-generated Yoda is featured in two distant shots.Warwick Davis(who played the part of the Ewok Wicket W. Warrick inReturn of the Jediin 1983) portrays him in the scene where Obi-Wan becomes a Jedi Knight.Lucas said he originally wanted to use a full-time digital Yoda, but the attempts did not work well enough at the time. Beginning with the 2011Blu-rayrelease ofThe Phantom Menace, which was also used for the 3D reissue, a CG Yoda replaced the puppet entirely.
Oliver Ford DaviesasSio Bibble, the governor of Naboo.
Hugh Quarshieas CaptainQuarsh Panaka, Queen Amidala's chief of security at the Theed Palace.
Samuel L. JacksonasMace Windu, a Jedi Master and high-ranking member of the Jedi Council who opposes training Anakin.
Ray Park/Peter Serafinowicz(voice) asDarth Maul, Darth Sidious'sZabrakSith apprentice, who wields a double-bladedlightsaber.
Terence StampasFinis Valorum, the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic who commissions Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon to negotiate with the Trade Federation viceroy. Lucas described the character as a "good man, but he's beleaguered—a bit like[Bill] Clinton".
Keira KnightleyasSabé, one of Queen Amidala's handmaidens who serves as her decoy throughout the majority of the film.

Themes

Like previousStar Warsfilms,The Phantom Menacemakes several references to historical events and films that George Lucas watched in his youth. TheStar Warsfilms typically mix several concepts from different mythologies together, drawing heavily from thehero's journey, an archetypical template developed bycomparative mythologistJoseph Campbell.The film also notably borrows fromBen-Hur(1959), including the podrace sequence, which mirrors thechariot racescene; additionally, the end celebration scene closely resembles a Roman parade inBen-Hur.

There are many references toChristianityin the film, such as the appearance of Darth Maul, whose design draws heavily from traditional depictions of thedevil, complete with red skin and horns.TheStar Warsfilm cycle features a similar Christian narrative involving Anakin Skywalker; he is the "Chosen One"—the individual prophesied to bring balance to the Force—who was conceived of avirgin birth. However, unlikeJesus, Anakin will eventually fall from grace and seemingly fail to fulfill his destiny (until the prophecy comes true inReturn of the Jedi).

Japanese filmssuch asAkira Kurosawa'sThe Hidden Fortress(1958) influenced the originalStar Warsfilm; scholars say thatThe Phantom Menacewas likewise influenced by Korean and Japanese culture. Film historians Geoff King and Tanya Krzywinska write, "The costume and make-up designs...favour a mixture of the gothic and the oriental over anything very futuristic. The gothic is most strongly apparent in Darth Maul's demonic horns and the red and black make-up mask that borrows from the facial designs found in depictions of Japanese demons." King and Krzywinska say that "Qui-Gon's ponytail and Obi-Wan's position of apprentice further encourage a reading in terms of the Samurai tradition". They also say "Amidala, in keeping with her status and character, has a number of highly formal outfits...to go with hair sculpted into a curve that frames make-up of a Japanese cast".

The Jedi practiceZen-like meditation andmartial arts, as did the ancient JapaneseSamuraiwarriors. The name "Qui-Gon" adapts the termqigong, which refers to a Chinese discipline involving meditation and cultivation of the flow of the vital energy called "qi" for healing, health, and combat. The and the Indian term "Prana" all refer to the energy that is thought to flow through all living things, from the source of allqi(or power), which is "The Way" or "TheTao" in Chinese philosophy. InTaoistphilosophy, from The Way,yin and yang—the opposing but complementary aspects of reality or nature—are born. Unlike Chinese philosophy, in which yin and yang are not moral qualities, the ancient Persian philosophy ofZurvanismtaught that the dualism of dark and light forces are locked in an eternal battle while being two sides (or evolutes) of the same "Force", the force of time itself (Zurvan)—the prime mover. These elements derive primarily fromEasternand Iranian religions and myths.

As with otherStar Warsfilms, themes about family and hope are featured prominently. In theDisney Gallery: The Mandalorianepisode "Legacy",Dave Filoniexplains that the use of "Duel of the Fates" during the lightsaber duel between Darth Maul against Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi represents the fight for the fate of Anakin Skywalker. According to Filoni, Qui-Gon Jinn acts like a father figure towards Anakin because he feels he needs one after taking him from his mother, having realized that the Jedi shouldn't be opposed to love and care. In the end, Qui-Gon dies, and thus Anakin loses his father figure; Obi-Wan Kenobi ultimately becomes his master to honor Jinn's dying wish despite his initial contempt for him, and while he comes to eventually see him like a brother as shown inAttack of the ClonesandRevenge of the Sith, he doesn't act like a father, which coupled with the Jedi's indifference, seals Anakin's fate.

Promotion

Lucasfilm spentUS$20 millionon the film's advertising campaign and made promotional licensing deals withHasbro,Lego,Tricon Global RestaurantsandPepsiCo.Lucasfilm also helped theStar Warsfan club to organize an event calledStar WarsCelebration, which was held inDenver, Colorado, between April 30 and May 2, 1999.

The firstteaser trailerwas released on selected screens accompanyingMeet Joe Blackon November 17, 1998,and media reported that people were paying full admission at theaters to see the trailer. Other films that played this trailer includedThe Waterboy,The SiegeandA Bug's Life.To keep fans from leaving before the movie was over, some theaters played the teaser an additional time after the film finished.The second trailer debuted on March 12, 1999, in front ofWing Commander's theatrical screenings.Again, many fans paid full theater admission to watch the new trailer.A bootlegged version of the preview was leaked to the Internet the same day.The next morning, the trailer was released on the film's official website and shortly afterwards the servers became overloaded.This trailer had over 1 million downloads within its first 24 hours of release, setting a record for the most downloaded trailer at the time.It would hold this record for a year until it was surpassed byThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ringin April 2000.The theatrical trailer caused even more media attention because it was premiered in theaters and screened at the ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas andwas aired onEntertainment TonightandAccess Hollywood.

The teaserposter, featuring Anakin with his shadow forming Darth Vader's silhouette, was released on November 10, 1998. After Lucas opted for a drawn theatrical poster,Drew Struzan, the artist responsible for the Special Edition posters, was commissioned to illustrate, and the poster was unveiled on March 11, 1999. Lucasfilm dictated that, contractually, Struzan's illustration was the only art the foreign distributors could use, and other than the text, it could not be modified in any way.The film also reused theGodzillaslogan on teaser posters.

Theatrical Release

The release of the first newStar Warsfilm in 16 years was accompanied by a considerable amount of attention.According toThe Wall Street Journal, so many workers announced plans to view the premiere that many companies closed on the opening day.Queue areas formed outside cinema theaters over a month before ticket sales began.More theater lines appeared when it was announced that cinemas were not allowed to sell tickets in advance until two weeks into the release. This was because of a fear that family theatergoers would be either unable to receive tickets or would be forced to pay higher prices for them. Instead, tickets were to be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.However, after meetings with theNational Association of Theatre Owners, Lucasfilm agreed to allow advance ticket sales on May 12, 1999, provided there was a limit of 12 tickets per customer.As a result, some advance tickets were sold byscalpersat prices as high asUS$100apiece, which a distribution chief called "horrible" and said was exactly what they wanted to avoid.Daily Varietyreported that theater owners received strict instructions from Lucasfilm that the film could only play in the cinema's largest auditorium for the first 8–12 weeks, no honor passes were allowed for the first eight weeks, and they were obliged to send their payments to distributor 20th Century Fox within seven days.

Despite worries about the film being finished on time, two weeks before its theatrical release, Lucasfilm moved the release date from May 21 to 19, 1999. At the ShoWest Convention, Lucas said the change was intended to give the fans a "head start" by allowing them to view it during the week and allowing families to view it during weekends. Eleven charity premieres were staged across the United States on May 16, 1999; receipts from theLos Angelesevent, where corporate packages were available for betweenUS$5,000andUS$25,000; proceeds were donated to theElizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.Other charity premieres included theDallaspremiere for theChildren's Medical Center, the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at theSloan-Kettering Hospitalin New York, theBig Brother/Sister Associationof thePhiladelphiapremiere, and theChildren's National Medical CenterinWashington, D.C.A statement said that tickets were sold atUS$500apiece and that certain sections of the theaters were set aside for disadvantaged children.

The film had its UK premiere at theRoyal Film Performance, an event held in aid of theFilm & TV Charity, on the 14th of July, 1999 at theODEON Leicester Square. This event was attended byCharles IIIand helped to raise £225,000 for the charity.

The film opened at 12:01 am on Wednesday, May 19, 1999, in 2,010 theaters in the United States and Canada. An additional 960 theaters screened the film later in the day. About 120 theaters showed the film continuously on opening day, including theZiegfeld Theatrein New York City and theChinese Theatrein Los Angeles.Foreshadowing his future conversion todigital cinematography, Lucas said the film would be released on four digital projectors (two in New York and two in Los Angeles) on June 18, 1999.Few film studios released films during the same week:DreamWorksandUniversal StudiosreleasedThe Love Letteron May 21 andNotting Hillon May 28, respectively.The Love Letterwas a commercial failure, butNotting Hillfared better and followedThe Phantom Menaceclosely in second place.Employment consultant firmChallenger, Gray & Christmasestimated that 2.2 million full-time employees missed work to attend the film, resulting in aUS$293 millionloss of productivity.