The Complex Moral Arc of Anakin Skywalker Explored in STAR WARS Video Essay
Filmmaker Andrew Muir from The Art of Storytelling has dropped a powerful new video that dives deep into the emotional and philosophical journey of Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars saga.
Titled The Moral Problem of Anakin Skywalker, the video explores how Anakin’s tragic transformation into Darth Vader wasn’t just a fall from grace, but a journey driven by a conflicted sense of morality.
Muir unpacks how this same internal struggle is what ultimately led Anakin to destroy Emperor Palpatine and save his son, Luke Skywalker, from death. This final act gave Anakin the redemption he had been silently yearning for.
Muir says, “Anakin Skywalker. What a subject. He’s one of the most complex and iconic characters in our culture. The child of destiny, prophecy to bring balance, who falls into darkness and is redeemed by the forgiveness of the son. Not a bad character arc.”
The video doesn’t just highlight Anakin’s actions but digs into the emotional core of his decisions and how they reflect the broader themes of Star Wars with sacrifice, redemption, and the power of love and forgiveness.
For fans who are drawn to the deeper lore and psychology behind one of the galaxy’s most legendary characters, this is definitely worth a watch.