Will ROTS make Phantom Menace Better?(MAJOR SPOILERS)
I saw this over at TFN, it is a very interesting thought, especially the way it is ellaborated on. This same could also be true for AOTC. Seeing as how many of us know most of what happens in ths movie we can probably think of more examples.
http://www.theforce.net/episode3/story/Will_Phantom_Menace_Improve_After_Sith_92244.asp
Will Phantom Menace Improve After Sith?
Posted By Joshua on May 11, 2005
A very legitimate question being asked in the forums these days is centered on how we will look at the earlier prequels once we view Revenge of the Sith. Will it make sense once you've seen the completed picture? Will it make it ... better? Whether you already like the films or not, it is an interesting discussion that in engaging much of the fan base.
Author posted this very question and some suggestions in the Jedicouncil spoiler forums and there's been some interesting responses so far. There are some great arguements, and I've clipped a few of them below to get your juices flowing.
It is very sad when the movie starts to know that by the end of the PT, Obi-Wan and Yoda will have gone into hiding, Qui-Gon will have become one with the Force, Palpatine will have begun his evil Empire, Anakin will have become a Sith lord who is half-man, half-machine, and Padme and Shmi will be dead and buried.
In that sense, TPM almost becomes like a flashback to a happier, simpler time. The scene where Ani gives Padme the japor snippet is almost enough to make you cry, because Ani says it'll bring her good luck yet you know she's going to end up buried with it. And the scene in Shmi's home, when Ani says "Nobody can kill a Jedi!" becomes so tragic, especially when you know he will some day lead the massacre at the Jedi Temple. And hearing Qui-Gon's reply, "If only that were so" becomes absolutely heart-wrenching, having seen all the Jedi get killed in ROTS.
The scene where Padme (then known as Queen Amidala) calls for a vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum's leadership is, well, infinitely depressing, because you know Palpatine knows exactly what he wants and how he's going to get it and Padme is so absolutely clueless about what her motion will mean for the galaxy 13 years later. "Now they will elect a *new* chancellor, a *strong* chancellor".... indeed!
All the scenes with Palpatine as Darth Sidious are also a reminder of how truly cruel this man was all along, despite his amicable facade when still known as Senator Palpatine.
His lines near the end of the movie are all filled with so much hidden meaning. "We are indebted to you for your bravery, Obi-Wan Kenobi... and you, young Skywalker, we'll be watching your career with great interest!" "It is you who should be congratulated, your highness. Together, we will bring peace and prosperity back to the Republic!". He was always so full of it!
And watching Boss Nass and Sio Bibble in any scene they appear in is also a reminder of the saddest scene in ROTS, when they and Jar Jar are walking in the funeral procession right behind Padme's body.