meaning of phantom menace

Screen Rant

Duel of the fates' meaning explained: how it improves phantom menace.

John Williams has hidden many references to other materials in his musical works, but his Duel of the Fates inspiration is particularly ingenious.

John Williams’ " Duel of the Fates " is not only one of the most recognizable musical pieces of the prequel trilogy, but the meaning behind it greatly improves Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace . While TPM might not be every fan’s favorite Star Wars episode, it’s hard to ignore the sheer epicness of the climactic battle scenes at the end of the movie, which are so cleverly ushered in with the ominous brass section followed by the haunting voices of the chorus that sings the unforgettable tune. Although the musical number is a standalone masterpiece in its own right, understanding the meaning behind the words the chorus sings further deepens the gravity of the situation being depicted on screen.

The finale of The Phantom Menace features Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi , Qui-Gon Jinn, the Naboo, the Gungans, and the Trade Federation as they took part in a long-awaited showdown with essentially three different battles taking place simultaneously. These high-intensity scenes were brought together as one with "Duel of the Fates' being layered on top, aiming to maintain a careful balance among the warring factions. Williams has often drawn inspiration from classical composers for his works, like Holst, Wagner, and Tchaikovsky, just to name a few, but for "Duel of the Fates", the Star Wars veteran turned to poetry.

Related: Obi-Wan Kenobi Has A Huge Advantage Over Disney+’s Other Star Wars Shows

One stanza from the Celtic poem, The Battle of the Trees , which is found in Robert Graves’ book, The White Goddess , provided the words sung by the chorus in "Duel of the Fates". The poem depicts an encounter that a Druidic priest has orchestrated by reanimating fields of trees to do battle with one another. Star Wars’ Palpatine is represented by the Druidic priest, and the players in The Phantom Menace’s final battles are the reanimated fields of trees. Much like the Druidic priest plays out his battle, so too does Palpatine play the puppet master. As a result, the song actually serves a much richer purpose than simply providing an epic backdrop – it essentially reveals the heart of the story.

The lyrics to The Phantom Menace’s " Duel of the Fates" were ultimately translated into Sanskrit, the ancient Hindu language, which adds another layer of mysticism to the piece. But Graves’ stanza in its original form hints at an even greater meaning. As the poem reads, “ Under the tongue root, a fight most dread, while another rages behind in the head, ” suggesting that multiple battles are happening, both physical and metaphorical. As Star Wars’ supposed mastermind, Palpatine manipulates the people he knows are just pawns in his game. He understands, just like the Druidic priest, that there will inevitably be winners and losers. The fact that these battles are all orchestrated just accentuates the inevitability of how the story will unfold. With this in mind, "Duel of the Fates" is not just another goosebump-inducing John Williams masterpiece, it’s a clear reminder of what is to come.

Though many fans found Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace to be lackluster, it is details like the poem behind "Duel of the Fates" that give further credibility to the amount of thought that went into creating the movie. John Williams’ Star Wars scores play such a large role in the movies that it’s hard to think of a particular scene without hearing the music subtly playing in the background. For all the film's flaws, Williams’ decision to use the incredibly relevant stanza from the poem as the lyrics to "Duel of the Fates" was inspired.

Next: The 2 Star Wars Songs In Obi-Wan Trailer Explained: Story Hints & Meaning

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20 timeless quotes from star wars: the phantom menace.

This month, we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of the film with 20 Episode I quotes for any occasion.

It’s the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace , and StarWars.com is celebrating  with the next best thing to a colorful parade in Theed! We've collected some of our favorite quotes from the film, which we still use today. Some contain wisdom from the incomparable Qui-Gon Jinn, some are winks at the original trilogy, while still others are just plain fun to say.

Here are our picks for 20 standout quotes from The Phantom Menace .

1. “But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future.”

“Not at the expense of the moment.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn

Qui-Gon’s calm teachings aren’t just for trade negotiations. His explanation of mindfulness is useful for anyone feeling nervous or anxious about what the future holds, not just his young Padawan.

2. “My Lord, is that legal?”

“I will make it legal.” – Nute Gunray and Darth Sidious

This early quote from Darth Sidious lets us know exactly who he is without having to say who he is. Endlessly scheming and always one step ahead of everyone else, you can’t help but admire Palpatine’s cunning as he plays the long game.

3. “You were right about one thing, Master. The negotiations were short.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi

A little bit of Obi-Wan’s mischievous side comes out in this quote. Not only does it highlight his youthfulness on his last mission as a Padawan, it also reminds us of his sense of humor, which we get to see in bits and pieces later. “Hello there!”

4. “A communications disruption could mean only one thing. Invasion.” – Sio Bibble

While little more than an ominous warning, this quote uttered in the Queen’s throne room stands out as it was featured in the first few moments of the popular trailer.

5. “The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.” – Qui-Gon Jinn

Qui-Gon isn’t quite sure what to make of Jar Jar Binks when he meets the excitable Gungan, and this memorable line is a bit of a snub (even if it is also a fact).

6. “How rude. “ – Jar Jar Binks

This isn’t just a quote, it’s one of Jar Jar’s favorite things to say! It echoes C-3PO in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and reminds us that the hapless Jar Jar has feelings, too.

7. “There’s always a bigger fish.” – Qui-Gon Jinn

Like so many utterances from the Jedi Master, this quote has more meaning the more time you spend thinking about it.

8. “Are you an angel?” – Anakin Skywalker

Anakin, who doesn’t know much about the galaxy beyond the sands of Tatooine, innocently poses this question to his future wife the first time they meet. His first words to Padmé are almost unbearably sweet.

9. “What do you think, you’re some kind of Jedi, waving your hand around like that?” – Watto

This line almost always gets a laugh! The look on Qui-Gon’s face after Watto dismisses him with this comment is priceless.

10. “I can assure you they will never get me on one of those dreadful starships.” – C-3PO

This tongue-in-cheek joke is so ironic that you almost can’t resist groaning. Like Jar Jar, Threepio often finds himself right in the middle of where he doesn’t want to be, but he ends up playing an invaluable role.

11. “This is so wizard, Ani.” – Kitster

A certain host of The Star Wars Show might argue this is the best line in all of Star Wars . Use this quote any time you want to pay someone or something the ultimate compliment.

12. “You can’t stop the change, any more than you can stop the suns from setting.” – Shmi Skywalker

Another great quote for the times when you notice yourself feeling anxious about the future, Anakin’s mother reminds us all to be brave even when everything is about to change.

13. “I was not elected to watch my people suffer and die while you discuss this invasion in a committee.” – Queen Amidala

Queen Amidala’s unwavering devotion to her planet is summed up in this one quote. Confronted with the massive bureaucracy of the Republic for the first time, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to save the people of Naboo, even if it means playing into Palpatine’s political machinations.

14. “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” – Yoda

Master Yoda sums up Anakin’s path with a prescient description of the Dark Side.

15. “Your focus determines your reality.” – Qui-Gon Jinn

This quote from Qui-Gon could be used as a mantra for the moments when you find your thoughts straying to the negative things in your life.

16. “Wipe them out. All of them.” – Darth Sidious

There’s the Emperor we know and love. Another quote from the popular movie trailer, it’s one that’s super fun to say along with the Sith Lord.

17. “We’ll take the long way.” – Padmé Amidala

Padmé is undeterred to reach her goal of saving her people, even in the face of Darth Maul. This is also the moment that signals the start of a lightsaber battle for the ages.

18. “Now this is podracing!” – Anakin Skywalker

This quote from the gleeful young pilot can be used in real life any time you feel the need for speed.

19. “And you, young Skywalker. We will watch your career with great interest.” – Sheev Palpatine

This line adds a small amount of dread into what’s about to be a joyful and celebratory scene. Pairing what the audience knows about the future with that smirk and hand falling on Anakin’s shoulder? One of the most unforgettable quotes of the entire movie.

20. “Always two, there are. No more, no less. A master and an apprentice.” – Yoda

More foreshadowing! With this memorable line, Yoda reveals a little about the Jedi and the Sith and reminds us about the fate of Anakin Skywalker.

If it’s been years since you watched the full trailer for Episode I: The Phantom Menace , watch it again to remember the excitement you felt before  Star Wars  returned to the theater. Or rewatch the whole film in honor of it's 20th anniversary!

Kelly Knox is a freelance writer who loves creating  Star Wars  crafts with her daughter. Follow her on Twitter at  @kelly_knox .

Site tags: #StarWarsBlog

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A meaning of "The Phantom Menace" that hasn't been mentioned before

Discussion in ' The Phantom Menace ' started by C-E-B , Jan 2, 2005 .

C-E-B Jedi Youngling

...and that fits quite well. Usually people have interpreted the Phantom Menace to mean a shadowy presence behind the events of the film, usually interpreted as Sidious/Palpy, maul, or even Anakin. However, the other interpretation of the word "Phantom", is like the usage in phrases such as "A phantom pregnancy" or something, wherein there are symptoms of a pregnancy, but the woman isnt actually pregnant, an apparition so to speak. I think "the Phantom Menace" can mean the invasion of Naboo by the Trade Federation, as it isn't the real menace, it is merely a detail of an orchestrated plan to get more power for Palpatine.  

DarthyMarkyMark Jedi Padawan

Oh, that's a good one - I'd never seen it that way before. I always thought of the phantom menace as being a "menace hidden in the shadows", rather than a menace that actually was just a mirage, like the Federation. I like that idea - there are so many different interpretations of this title it beggars belief.  

MasterWiYa Jedi Youngling

Hmm... I really like that idea, even more than the menace behind the shadows deal. So the menace of the trade federation's occupation was merely a phantom, or a distraction, from the real problem? I dig that.  

clone3131 Jedi Master

It could mean that, but it doesnt. Its Palpatine and the Sith. Clone  

hew Jedi Master

"Usually people have interpreted the Phantom Menace to mean a shadowy presence behind the events of the film, usually interpreted as Sidious/Palpy..." "I think "the Phantom Menace" can mean the invasion of Naboo by the Trade Federation, as it isn't the real menace, it is merely a detail of an orchestrated plan to get more power for Palpatine." Same thing, basically. Palpatine/Sidious is the one secretly pulling the strings. He's behind it all.  

No not really- I'm reading it as not referring to Palpatine directly at all-saying that the actual invasion is a "phantom" (fake or unreal) menace  

Tokio_Drifter Jedi Youngling

Good interpretation! How about this one: I always interpreted 'The Phantom Menace' as a POSSIBLE menace in the first place, which wasn't that REAL yet in TPM. (it came into being at that time, but only as a CHOICE, so it stil was abstract, not fleshbound so to speak). Sure, they invaded Naboo, but I'm talking about the 'faith' of the republic here. (were it STILL was 'save'.) Throughout the prequels this menace crystallized into a real danger, which eventually destroyed the jedi-order, formed the Empire and turned the universe into chaos. So in conclusion, to me the phantom Menace refers to the Menace which eventually turned the universe into chaos, but at the time during TPM was stil very vaque, like a spirit, or indeed like a phantom, which hadn't been crystallized yet. (The word phantom has a more shady feel to it instead of spirit which sounds natural and lightfull.)  

Strilo Manager Emeritus VIP - Former Mod/RSA

It could mean that, but it doesnt. Its Palpatine and the Sith. Sure it does. All the good Star Wars titles work on several levels. I have thought the title worked for this Naboo invasion interpretation since I saw the film in 1999.  

DARTH-FURBABY Jedi Master

Remember the opening line by OB1: "I have a bad feeling about this! It's not about the mission, master, it's something elsewhere, elusive." He sensed a 'phantom menace' was behind all that was going on with the TF and the invasion of Naboo.  

Mace Windy Manager Emeritus VIP - Former Mod/RSA

I've always believed that The Phantom Menace referred to Palpatine/Sidious. Rick McCallum, however, has stated in interview that it refers to Anakin. So sure...why not add another possibility to the list. Mace Windy, too windy for spoilers!  

Chaotic_Serenity Jedi Padawan

So, more or less, I think we can gather that the title had three dimesnsions... 1 - The Naboo invasion wasn't "real" problem, more of a red herring and coverup for a greater scheme. Which the Jedi more or less sense, but can't put their finger on it. 2 - Refers to the Sith working behind the shadows controlling things. They're revealed, but the Jedi still know nothing of who they are. Or that he's standing right next to them. 3 - Despite being an innocent boy, Anakin Skywalker will grow up to be the greatest danger to them all. And nobody realizes it. Is that most of it?  

I've always thought the title stood for those three main things...  

" I have thought the title worked for this Naboo invasion interpretation since I saw the film in 1999. I've always thought the title stood for those three main things... " Well aren't you Mr. Smarty-Pants.... Mace Windy, too windy for spoilers!  

My mommy told me I was smart...  

Is that most of it? Well youre missing out my interpretation: About TPM beeing a POTENTIAL/abstract menace, which crystallizes during the prequels and becomes REAL, which results in the downfall of the republic. This intepretation deals with the idea of fear- spreading. It crystallizes, it becomes real because people buy/choose it.  

Kroll429 Jedi Master

The phantom menace refers to Lucas  

Darth_Smileyface Jedi Youngling

That's always the way I've seen it. As soon as I heard the title I thought of a menace that wasn't real, a phantom. The same way people would say a paper tiger or that sort of thing. In fact, I hadn't realised that other people were interpreting it any differently until I came upon this thread. Personally, I think that is the strongest connection. The connotation with Anakin or the sith don't really seem to fit if you ask me. Those are not PHANTOM menaces, they are very REAL menaces, behind the scenes or otherwise. BTW, why would being behind the scenes or in the shadows make you a phantom? That just doesn't make any sense at all.  

at last someone agrees that the Phantom Menace literally could mean what I said, rather than stil sticking to the idea that "Phantom" absolutely HAS to equate to "behind the scenes"  

MrC123 Jedi Padawan

The Phantom Menace is really ambiguous, which is why it's such a great title. It could mean Shmi's pregnancy, Anakin, Palpatine, the Trade Federation, Darth Maul, the failing powers of the Jedi, the corrupt senate, etc. I tend to believe that it's all of these things combined, that the Phantom Menace is actually all the problems of the universe that go unseen which inevitably end in the destruction of peace in the Republic. As GL tends to do, you could relate this to the real world as well.  

theBluePhoenix Jedi Master

I think that most of us would agree that the phantom menace refers to Darth Sidious. But if you really want to, you can find several other things that may also qualify. Such as Anakin, the dark side of the force itself, political corruption, greed, lust for power, etc.  

Darth-Stryphe Former Mod and City Rep VIP - Former Mod/RSA

Didn't GL say the Phantom Menace was Sidious?  

Tabula Rasa Administrator Emeritus VIP - Former Mod/RSA

George stated not so long ago that 'the phantom menace' actually refered to Jar Jar Binks, who, despite being innocent enough at the time of TPM, would one day grant Palpatine his desired emmergency powers, allowing him to set in motion the final stage of his grand design, wich would eventually lead to the downfall of the Jedi and the Republic.  

JediAvel-canse Jedi Youngling

i never knew that about Jar Jar Binks and Palps. Interesting.  

Sidious being the Phantom Menace doesn't make any sense. If Lucas does in fact mean it that way then he has a very shaky grasp on the English language. Sidious is NOT a phantom menace. He is a very, very real memace, despite the fact that no one knows he exists. The phantom menace is the TF, since it is not a real menace but rather a contrived one.  

What? It works fine. Sideous is a phantom menace. The Jedi know he is there, but they have no idea what he looks like, what his name is, what kind of threat he represents, or that he already has gathered so much power to begin with. He is something that they know is lurking in the shadows behind everything, but which they cannot see or pinpoint.  

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Star Wars : Episode I The Phantom Menace

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Star Wars : Episode I The Phantom Menace is a 1999 film written and directed by George Lucas , produced by Rick McCallum and starring Liam Neeson , Ewan McGregor , Natalie Portman , Jake Lloyd , and Ian McDiarmid . It is the first chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy , the fourth theatrical Star Wars release overall, and chronologically the first film in the Star Wars saga .

The Phantom Menace was released in theaters on May 19 , 1999, becoming the first Star Wars film since Star Wars : Episode VI Return of the Jedi , which was released sixteen years earlier. The release was accompanied by extensive media coverage and great fan anticipation. Despite mixed reviews from critics and fans, the film grossed $924.3 million worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing Star Wars film when unadjusted for inflation. It was re-released on Blu-ray in September 2011 , and was re-released in theaters in 3D on February 10 , 2012 .

The film was the catalyst for fifteen years of Star Wars storytelling that would primarily take place around the time of the prequel storyline. The success of the film allowed for the next two chapters of the prequel trilogy, as well as the Star Wars: The Clone Wars film and television series .

• 1 Opening crawl
• 2 Plot summary
• 3 Development
• 4.1.1 Soundtrack
• 4.1.2 Novelization
• 4.2 Home video
• 4.3 3D re-release
• 5 Reception
• 6 Deleted scenes
• 7.1 Minature Construction and Photography Unit
• 7.2 Special Effects Pyrotechnics Crew
• 7.3 Second Unit
• 7.4 Tunisia Shoot
• 7.5 Italy Shoot
• 8 Appearances
• 10 Notes and references
• 11 External links

Opening crawl [ ]

Plot summary [ ].

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan prepare to fight their way out of the Trade Federation flagship.

Thirty-two years before the events of Star Wars : Episode IV A New Hope (thirteen years before the formation of the Galactic Empire), there is a trade dispute between the Trade Federation and the outlying systems of the Galactic Republic , which has led to a blockade of the Mid-Rim planet of Naboo . Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum , leader of the Galactic Senate , has secretly dispatched two Jedi , Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan , Obi-Wan Kenobi , to serve as "the ambassadors" to the Federation flagship , in order to meet with Viceroy Nute Gunray and resolve the dispute. Unknown to them, the Trade Federation is in league with the mysterious Darth Sidious , Dark Lord of the Sith , who secretly orders Gunray to invade Naboo and kill the two Jedi upon their arrival. When Gunray asked if that would be legal, Sidious says that he would ensure that it was.

The Viceroy locks the Jedi in the meeting room and attempts to kill them with poison gas while having their ship, the Radiant VII , destroyed in the hangar, but they escape. After battling through squads of battle droids, Jinn and Kenobi make their way to the command deck where Gunray is located, shielding himself behind blast doors . The Jedi are forced to flee upon the arrival of two Destroyer Droids and stow away aboard two separate Federation landing craft leaving for the surface of Naboo to begin the invasion.

Back in the command deck, Queen Amidala contacts Gunray to express her disapproval of their blockade, with Gunray explaining that they wouldn't have done it without the approval of the Senate. When she asks about the ambassadors sent by the Chancellor, Gunray claims that they have received no such ambassadors, leaving Amidala startled and suspicious. Gunray ends communications with her and informs his aide that they should disable all communications on the planet.

Meanwhile, Amidala is conversing with Senator Sheev Palpatine regarding the recent attempt at negotiations and how Gunray claimed that they did not receive any ambassadors. Surprised, Palpatine states that he had assurances from the Chancellor that his ambassadors did arrive. However, Palpatine is unable to finish his sentence as his hologram flickers out. Naboo Governor Sio Bibble suspects that an interruption of communications is a sign that an invasion from the Trade Federation is imminent.

The Jedi liberate the queen and her guards from the battle-droid invasion.

On the planet's surface, Qui-Gon saves native outcast Jar Jar Binks from being crushed by a Trade Federation MTT . Kenobi appears, pursued by STAPs , which are destroyed by Qui-Gon. Jar Jar Binks shows the two Jedi the way to an underwater Gungan settlement, Otoh Gunga . Meanwhile, the Trade Federation occupies Theed , the capital city of Naboo, and captures Queen Amidala along with the rest of the government. In Otoh Gunga, the Jedi meet the Gungan leader, Boss Nass , and ask him to help the people of Naboo, but Nass refuses due to hate of the people of Naboo and sends them off in a bongo submarine . They are attacked by an opee sea killer and a colo claw fish but both fish are eaten by a sando aqua monster . The Jedi, with Binks in tow, arrive in Theed and rescue Queen Amidala. They depart for Coruscant , the Galactic Republic's capital planet, to ask for help from the Senate. As they attempt to run the blockade, the queen's starship is damaged by Federation battleships , but an astromech droid named R2-D2 manages to repair it and they narrowly escape.

Due to the damage to the ship's hyperdrive sustained in the attack, the Jedi decide to land on the nearby planet Tatooine for repairs. While searching for a new hyperdrive generator, they befriend young Anakin Skywalker , a slave boy, whose master is Watto , a Toydarian junk dealer. Watto has the required parts in stock, but Qui-Gon is unable to purchase them, as Republic credits are worthless on Tatooine.

Anakin races ahead of Sebulba during the Boonta Eve Podrace.

Anakin is gifted with piloting and mechanical abilities, and has built an almost-complete droid named C-3PO . Qui-Gon senses a strong presence of the Force in Anakin, and feels that he may be the Chosen One —the one who will fulfil a prophecy by bringing balance to the Force. By entering Anakin into a podrace , Qui-Gon orchestrates a gamble with Watto's chance cube in which " fate " decided that the boy (alone, since Qui-Gon was unable to include the youth's mother in the bargain) will be released from slavery while also acquiring the parts needed for their ship. The night before the race, Qui-Gon does a blood test on Anakin and discovers that the boy's midi-chlorian reading is off the chart.

Anakin wins the race (defeating his rival, Sebulba ) and joins the team as they prepare to leave for Coruscant, where Qui-Gon plans to seek permission from the Jedi High Council to train Anakin to be a Jedi. Meanwhile, Darth Sidious sends his apprentice, Darth Maul , to kill the two Jedi and capture the queen. Maul appears just as the group is leaving the planet, and duels with Qui-Gon. The fight is cut short when Qui-Gon escapes his black-robed assailant by jumping on board the Naboo Royal Starship as it takes off.

Amidala and Palpatine plead before the Senate to intervene with Naboo's crisis.

On Coruscant, Qui-Gon informs the Jedi Council of the mysterious attacker he encountered on Tatooine, coming to the conclusion that his attacker is a Sith , the latter being a religious order who were followers of the dark side of the Force and thought to have been extinct for over a millennium, much to the shock of the Jedi Council. Qui-Gon also informs the Council about Anakin, hoping that he can be trained as a Jedi. After testing the boy and deliberating with one another, the Council refuses, deeming him too old for training according to the Jedi Code . They are also concerned that they sense much fear in the boy, and that he has a clouded future.

Meanwhile, Senator Palpatine meets with Queen Amidala to warn of corruption in the Senate and advises that she may have to call for a Vote of No Confidence in Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum. When their petition to the Senate is refused, Amidala sees no alternative but to do just that. Palpatine is among the candidates to become the new Supreme Chancellor. The queen later announces to Palpatine that she will return to their home planet to repel the invasion of her people by herself. She is frustrated by the Senate's deliberation and lack of action, and feels that even if Palpatine is elected Chancellor, it will be too late. The Jedi Council sends the two Jedi to accompany the queen back to Naboo, hoping to shed light on any Sith involvement.

Boss Nass at the Gungan Sacred Place

Amidala, back on Naboo, attempts to locate the Gungans at Otoh Gunga, but Jar-Jar, after searching the city, informs them that it has been abandoned. He then leads them to the Gungan Sacred Place , where he is certain the Gungans will be . The Gungans are initially distrustful, until the "handmaiden" Padmé reveals herself as the true queen and humbly begs for their help. She negotiates with Boss Nass to form an alliance and unite their peoples in battle against the Trade Federation. Captain Panaka and several other security forces were also dispatched to rescue anyone imprisoned in the Trade Federation's prison camps, although they were only able to successfully extract a handful.

Next, Amidala informs Qui-Gon and Nass of her battle strategy: with the Grand Gungan Army acting as a distraction to the bulk of the main Trade Federation forces, the Naboo resistance led by herself, Captain Panaka and the Jedi will infiltrate Theed via a secret entrance located inside one of the waterfalls. Nute Gunray, hearing reports of the Grand Army's assembly, informs Darth Sidious; Sidious orders Gunray to wipe out both the Gungans and the Naboo as the Trade Federation prepares for battle.

Captain Roos Tarpals orders the Gungan Grand Army to activate their shield , which protects them from ranged attack. OOM-9 has his tanks fire first, but seeing them fail to penetrate the powerful shield, orders them to cease fire. Daultay Dofine gives the command to activate the battle droids. These droids march through the shield and open fire on the Grand Army, soon destroying the shield generator. As the tanks cause heavy casualties among the Gungans, defeat for the alliance seems imminent.

However, victory comes when young Anakin Skywalker accidentally takes control of an N-1 starfighter and goes on to destroy the Federation's Droid Control Ship from the inside, killing Daultay Dofine and rendering the droid army useless. Meanwhile, Amidala and her force fight their way back into the royal palace and capture Nute Gunray.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fight Darth Maul during the Battle of Naboo.

At the same time, in a Theed hangar bay , Darth Maul engages in combat with the two Jedi, using his double-bladed lightsaber . The battle moves from the hangar, across a series of catwalks, to the Theed Generator Complex. During the fight, Obi-Wan is separated from his master by being kicked off of a catwalk. He grabs the edge of another catwalk below and jumps back up to where Qui-Gon and Maul continue to fight. By this time, Qui-Gon and Maul have become separated by a force field in the entrance to the Generator Room. Obi-Wan catches up to them, but is divided from his master by four force fields. When the force fields deactivate, Jinn and Maul continue their battle while Kenobi remains divided from the battle by one force field when they all reactivate.

After a lengthy duel, Maul suddenly stuns Qui-Gon by hitting him on the chin with his lightsaber handle, then rams his blade straight into Qui-Gon's torso, mortally wounding him. Devastated and angered, Obi-Wan redoubles his assault upon Maul and chops the Sith's lightsaber in half, but Maul eventually overpowers and nearly kills Kenobi by Force pushing him over the edge of a seemingly bottomless reactor shaft. Obi-Wan saves himself from falling when he manages to grab onto a pipe protruding from the wall of the shaft. Maul kicks the Jedi's lightsaber into the pit and prepares to finish him off. After Obi-Wan calms himself, he uses the Force to leap out of the shaft and over Maul's head while summoning his fallen master's lightsaber to his hand. He lands behind the surprised Maul and cuts him in half; Maul's upper and lower body fall into the shaft.

Obi-Wan reaches Qui-Gon moments before he dies, as Qui-Gon instructs Obi-Wan to train Anakin to become a Jedi, reiterating that Anakin is the Chosen One. Obi-Wan gives his word that he will. Qui-Gon dies, leading to Obi-Wan to grieve for his deceased master. The newly elected Chancellor Palpatine arrives to congratulate Queen Amidala on her victory, as Nute Gunray is sent to stand trial for his crimes.

The Gungans and the Naboo celebrate their victory.

Later, in a room in the queen's palace, Yoda confers upon Obi-Wan the rank of Jedi Knight. Kenobi argues with Yoda about his promise to Qui-Gon regarding Anakin's training. Yoda is convinced it is dangerous to train the boy, but tells Kenobi the Jedi Council has allowed Skywalker to become Kenobi's apprentice. Later that evening, in a temple in Theed, Qui-Gon's body is cremated , and Mace Windu and Yoda agree that the Sith are definitely to blame for the tragedy. As there are only ever two Sith at any given time (a Master and an apprentice), both Masters believe that one must still remain.

The Naboo and Gungans organize a great victory celebration on the streets of Theed, in front on the palace. Obi-Wan and Anakin are present, the younger now wearing formal Jedi attire, and in his hair is a special braid : the mark of a Jedi Padawan. The film ends with Queen Amidala presenting a gift of appreciation and friendship to Boss Nass and the Gungan people.

Development [ ]

Along the lines of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles , all three prequel films were originally intended to be written and shot as one large production, and released back to back. [4] The first draft of the script was begun November 1994 . [5]

The role of director was offered to Steven Spielberg , Ron Howard , and Robert Zemeckis. According to Howard, Lucas didn't necessarily want to direct Episode I. He further commented that all three directors turned down the position as the film was Lucas's "baby." [6] The budget of Menace was estimated $115 million. Shooting took place from June 26 to September 30 , 1997 . As with Star Wars : Episode IV A New Hope , Episode I's main exterior filming locations were in Tunisia . The podrace was filmed in a canyon near Sidi Bouhlel and Oung Jmel . A set was built near Oung Jmel to represent Mos Espa on Tatooine. The Slave Quarters Row were filmed in ksour's near Tataouine and Ksar Medenine . Small parts were filmed in Royal Caserta Palace in Italy and Whippendell Woods in the United Kingdom , but Hever Castle was later cut. Studio work was mainly done at Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom. [7]

Unlike the latter two films in the series which were shot on digital video , most of this film was shot in 35 mm, with a few scenes shot in digital video. [5]

This episode was also the first of the saga to be referred to primarily by its number ( Episode One ) by media and fans, in contrast to the original trilogy the public already knew. [ source? ]

Release [ ]

One of the most popular marketing posters for the film

The Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars film in 16 years. As a result, there was almost unprecedented interest amongst both fans and the wider public in the revival of the franchise. The film received enormous media-created hype, which made Lucasfilm's $20 million advertising campaign—with the distinctive artwork of Star Wars series artist Drew Struzan gracing the movie poster and other advertising—seem modest and almost unnecessary. Few film studios released films during the same week as the release of The Phantom Menace ; among the more courageous were DreamWorks and Universal Studios , with the releases of The Love Letter and Notting Hill respectively. The Love Letter was a box-office flop, whereas Notting Hill fared rather well and followed The Phantom Menace closely in second place. [8] Challenger, Grey & Christmas of Chicago, a work-issues consulting firm, estimated that 2.2 million full-time employees did not appear for work to attend the film, resulting in $293 million in lost productivity. The Wall Street Journal reported that such a large number of workers announced plans to view premiere screenings that many companies shut down on the premiere day. [9] Many fans began waiting outside cinema theaters as early as a month in advance of ticket sales. [10]

More theatre lines appeared when it was announced that cinemas were not allowed to sell tickets in advance until two weeks into the release. This was done out of fear that family theatre-goers would either be unable to receive tickets or would be forced to pay higher prices. Tickets were instead to be sold on a traditional first-come-first-serve basis. [11] However, after meetings with the National Association of Theatre Owners , Lucasfilm agreed to allow advance ticket sales on May 12 , 1999 , provided that there be a 12-ticket limit per customer. [12] As a result, however, some advance tickets were sold by " scalpers " as high as $100 apiece, which a distribution chief called "horrible," stating it was exactly what they wanted to avoid. [13] Daily Variety reported that theatre 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 obligated to send their payments to distributor 20th Century Fox within seven days. [14] Servers at the film's official website became gridlocked soon after the release of the first teaser trailer , [15] and many fans of the series paid full admission to see Meet Joe Black only to leave after the trailer had run. The same tradition followed months later when the theatrical trailer was featured in front of Wing Commander . [16] The theatrical trailer caused even more notable media hype, because it not only premiered in theaters, but screened at the ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas , and was aired on television on Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood . [17] An unusual marketing scheme was pursued across the United Kingdom , where the teaser trailer was released on December 2 , 1998 and then pulled from theaters six weeks later. [18]

Despite worries about whether the film would be finished in time, two weeks prior to its debut Lucasfilm pushed the release date up from May 21 to May 19 of 1999. At the ShoWest Convention, Lucas stated that the change was to give the fans a "head start" by allowing them to view it over the week and allowing families the chance to view on the weekends. In a nod toward his future with digital technology, Lucas stated that the film would be released on four digital projectors on June 18 , 1999. [19] Eleven charity premieres were staged across the United States on May 16 , 1999; proceeds from the Los Angeles event were given to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation with corporate packages available for $5,000–$25,000. [20] Other charity premieres included the Dallas premiere for Children's Medical Center , the Aubrey Fund for Pediatric Cancer Research at the Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York, the Big Brother/Sister Assn. of the Philadelphia premiere, and the Children's National Medical Centre in Washington D.C. A statement said that tickets were sold at $500 apiece and that certain sections were set aside for disadvantaged children. [21]

Merchandise [ ]

Soundtrack [ ].

Two separate soundtracks were released for The Phantom Menace . One, a traditional soundtrack, contained seventeen tracks of selections from the score. The second, an Ultimate Collector's Edition Soundtrack, compiled the score as it was presented in the film (with several minor alterations) in sixty-eight tracks.

Major musical themes and leitmotifs were introduced in the film, including the droid march , " Duel of the Fates ," Qui-Gon's Theme , " The Adventures of Jar Jar ," Darth Maul's Motif , Anakin's Theme , Shmi's motif , " The Flag Parade ," " Escape from Naboo ," and the " Symponik Nabooalla ."

During the credits at the end of the film, young Anakin's theme is heard playing, but during the last moments of the film, this theme morphs into the first few notes of the Darth Vader theme during the Imperial March , and, as the last logos of THX are scrolling by, three rasping breaths from Vader's respirator can be heard, referencing Anakin's eventual change into Darth Vader.

Novelization [ ]

A novelization of the movie was written by Terry Brooks . It includes three entire chapters of material created by Brooks and unique to the novel. The first two chapters of the book concern Anakin's next-to-last podrace and its aftermath, while a later chapter describes an encounter between Anakin and a wounded Tusken Raider in the desert.

Brooks met with Lucas before writing the book and received his approval and guidance, including information about developments to come in Episodes II and III. This can be seen in such passages as the Tusken Raider scene, which ironically foreshadows the death of Anakin's mother in Episode II, and the passage leading up to Anakin's fight with the Rodian child Greedo , indicating that Anakin's anger derives from his anguish at Padmé's impending departure (foreshadowing the plot of Episode III).

The novelization is especially well known for a passage describing the history of the Sith, including Darth Bane . According to Terry Brooks' memoir, Sometimes the Magic Works , Lucas spent an hour on the telephone with him discussing the history of the Jedi and the Sith. Therefore, the information on this subject provided in Brooks' novelization might derive from Lucas himself. The novelization is also the first mention of the Stark Hyperspace War .

Brooks devotes an entire chapter of Sometimes the Magic Works to the writing of the Episode I novelization, which he claims to have been an extremely happy and fulfilling experience.

Home video [ ]

The Phantom Menace on DVD

The film was first released on VHS on April 4, 2000. There was a normal fullscreen release, and a widescreen collector's box set . The widescreen VHS contains an exclusive documentary titled "Filmmaking Has Turned A Corner." In addition the collector's set contains an excerpted version of The Art of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and a set of film cells from a scene in the film.

Star Wars : Episode I The Phantom Menace was the first Star Wars film to be officially released on DVD . This two-disc DVD was released on October 16, 2001.

The DVD features a commentary track by Lucas, producer Rick McCallum, editor Ben Burtt , animation director Rob Coleman , and visual effects supervisors John Knoll , Dennis Muren , and Scott Squires . It includes seven deleted scenes completed specifically for the DVD, and The Beginning: Making Episode I , an hour-long documentary film drawn from more than 600 hours of footage, including an insider's look at Lucasfilm and ILM during the production. The viewer can access a multi-angle storyboard-to-animatic-to-film segment featuring the submarine and podrace lap 1 sequences. The DVD includes two documentary sources, five featurettes exploring the storyline, design, costumes, visual effects, and fight sequences in the film, and an award-winning twelve-part web documentary series chronicling the production. The Duel of the Fates music video featuring John Williams was included on the DVD as well. The final special features included are a never-before-seen production photo gallery with a special caption feature, theatrical posters and print campaigns from around the world, a theatrical teaser and launch trailers, seven TV spots, Star Wars: Starfighter - The Making of a Game featurette from LucasArts , and a DVD-ROM weblink to exclusive Star Wars content.

The DVD became the fastest-selling DVD ever in the US, after 2.2 million copies were sold in its first week after release. [22] However, some reviewers criticized the DVD for the excessive use of edge enhancement that degraded the DVD's picture quality. [23]

At the DVD press conference for Revenge of the Sith , prequel trilogy animation director Rob Coleman confirmed that the animation department at Lucasfilm had replaced the Yoda puppet from the original version of the film with a digital Yoda. This was done to better match up the look of the Yoda from The Phantom Menace with that of the other two films of the prequel trilogy, as well as with the Yoda from the original trilogy. This change has been, for the most part, welcomed by fans, in contrast to the original puppet Yoda as seen in The Phantom Menace .

A preview of these changes can be viewed on the Revenge of the Sith DVD that was released on November 1, 2005. The clip is included as part of "The Chosen One" featurette. However, when Coleman announced the change, he didn't specify when the revised version of The Phantom Menace would be released. [24]

The Phantom Menace was re-released along with Episodes II–VI on Blu-ray in September 2011 . [25] For this release, the film went through a restoration process which restored the picture to its full frame (offering around 8% more picture than its DVD release). The Blu-ray release was also marked by the replacement of the puppet for the CGI model of Yoda used in Star Wars : Episode III Revenge of the Sith , as well as a few corrections of visual effects and technical errors.

On April 7 , 2015 , the Walt Disney Studios, 20th Century Fox, and Lucasfilm jointly announced the digital releases of the six released Star Wars films. As Lucasfilm had retained digital distribution rights to Episodes I thru III and V thru VI, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment released The Phantom Menace for digital download on April 10 , 2015. [26]

Despite the Walt Disney Company's 2012 purchase of Lucasfilm Ltd. and the release rights to all future Star Wars films, Fox was to retain original distribution rights to Star Wars : Episode IV A New Hope , which they co-produced and co-financed, in perpetuity in all media worldwide. Fox was also to retain theatrical, nontheatrical, and home video rights worldwide for the franchise's five subsequent films, which Lucasfilm produced and financed independently, through May 2020 , at which time ownership was to transfer to Disney. This complex relationship between Fox and Disney, particularly in regards to Fox's perpetual rights to Episode IV, was to create an obstacle for any future boxed set comprising all nine films. [27] On December 14 , 2017 , The Walt Disney Company announced that it was acquiring most of Fox's parent company, 21st Century Fox , including the film studio and all distribution rights to A New Hope . [28] On March 20 , 2019 , the deal was officially completed. [29] On April 12 , 2019, a Blu-ray box set containing the nine main instalments of the Star Wars saga remastered in 4K was reportedly announced to be in development for a 2020 release. [30]

3D re-release [ ]

Official poster for The Phantom Menace 3D release

On September 28 , 2010 , StarWars.com and Lucasfilm announced that the entire Star Wars saga would be converted to stereoscopic 3D and re-released in theaters and IMAX 3D, beginning with Episode I . John Knoll and Industrial Light & Magic are supervising the conversion. [31] The stereo conversion process has been in the works for several years, however, with George Lucas showing tests of the Episode II speeder chase scene and a reel from Episode IV in 3D during 2005's ShoWest in Las Vegas, and the speeder chase scene was demoed again by Texas Instruments as an emerging technology at SIGGRAPH 2007 in San Diego.

Episode I's 3D release date, as announced by Lucasfilm on March 3 , 2011 , was February 10 , 2012 . [32]

On January 28 , 2013 , Lucasfilm announced that the 3D releases of Star Wars : Episode II Attack of the Clones and Star Wars : Episode III Revenge of the Sith were postponed. [33]

Reception [ ]

Critical and fan reaction ranged from high praise to outright derision. The much-hyped special effects, while generally viewed as groundbreaking in their sheer scope, were perhaps less impressive than anticipated simply because of high expectations. This attitude was confirmed with the rival film, The Matrix , winning the visual effects Academy Award for that year over The Phantom Menace . It was the first time a Star Wars film lost in that Oscar competition category. Many critics heavily criticized the acting of Natalie Portman and especially Jake Lloyd as the young Anakin Skywalker. Some aspects of the scripting and direction were also criticized. Extra venom was directed at the character of Jar Jar Binks , who was regarded by some fans as purely a merchandising opportunity rather than a serious character in the film. Fan reaction was mixed too, with some fans praising the film while others having a negative opinion of it.

However, despite some of the negative criticisms leveled at the film, many others gave praise to The Phantom Menace . William Arnold, of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer , commented that the massive of hype of the film may have caused much of the negative reaction to the film, saying "it built expectations that can't possibly be matched and scuttled element of storytelling surprise." He also felt "it's well made and entertaining" and believed it was much better than similar box-office fare released around that time period, such as The Mummy and The Matrix . [35] David Cornelius of efilmcritic.com remarked that the better moments of the film "don't merely balance out the weaker ones- they topple them." [36] Roger Ebert gave the film three and half out of four stars, calling it "an astonishing achievement in imaginative filmmaking," and stating that "Lucas tells a good story." Ebert comments that it was perfectly fine for the characters to be a bit less compelling, seeing that they were just being introduced, and stating to "give me transparent underwater cities and vast hollow senatorial spheres any day." [37] Mark Dinning labels The Phantom Menace "A great work from a great director, and a blockbuster of quite the most swashbuckling kind." Many fans and critics also agree that the lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Darth Maul—showcasing astounding choreography and Ray Park 's martial arts skills—is a high point, and one of the best lightsaber duels in the Star Wars saga. [38]

The film was nominated for three Academy Awards —Best Visual Effects, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects; however, it lost to The Matrix in all three categories. The film won Best Motion Picture at the People's Choice Awards. It was also nominated for the Saturn Awards on the categories of Best Science Fiction Film, Best Director (George Lucas), Best Actor (Liam Neeson), Best Supporting Actor (Ewan McGregor), Best Young Actor (Jake Lloyd), Best Young Actress (Natalie Portman), Best Supporting Actress (Pernilla August), Best Screenplay (George Lucas), Best Music (John Williams), Best Special Effects and Best Makeup. It won on the categories of Best Costume Design (Trisha Biggar) and Best Special Effects. [39]

Deleted scenes [ ]

• The Waterfall Sequence —As Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar arrive in the waterways of Theed, in the bongo, they surface just in front of a huge waterfall and have to vacate the vehicle in a hurry.
• Dawn Before the Podrace —Anakin gets up early to prepare the pod for the race and has a brief chat with Padmé.
• Complete Podrace Grid Sequence —This scene shows more of the participating racers and creatures in the crowd, later added on DVD.
• Extended Podrace Lap Two —This lap shows some more of Sebulba's "creative interpretation of the rules" and further proof of just how special Anakin is, later added on DVD.
• Anakin's Scuffle With Greedo —This was due to follow the podrace, to show Anakin's potential for aggression, but George Lucas cut it because he wanted Anakin to be shown as a genuinely good character who turns evil later in adulthood.
• Farewell to Jira —This occurs as Qui-Gon and Anakin are leaving Mos Espa and Anakin stops briefly to say goodbye to Jira. One of Darth Maul's probe droids follows them for some time until Qui-Gon finally notices and destroys it before passing by the Dusty Duck .
• The Air Taxi Sequence —The taxi ride shows us about ten more seconds of Coruscant, later added on DVD.

Credits [ ]

Appearances [ ].

Canon characters

Legends characters

Canon creatures

Legends creatures

Droid models

Canon droids

Legends droids

Canon events

Legends events

Canon locations

Legends locations

Organizations and titles

Canon organizations and titles

Legends organizations and titles

Sentient species

Canon species

Legends species

Vehicles and vessels

Canon vehicles

Legends vehicles

Weapons and technology

Canon technology

Legends technology

Miscellanea

Canon miscellanea

Legends miscellanea

Sources [ ]

Notes and references [ ], external links [ ].

• Star Wars : Episode I The Phantom Menace on Box Office Mojo (archived from the original on June 30 , 2020 )
• Star Wars : Episode I The Phantom Menace on Rotten Tomatoes (archived from the original on August 10 , 2020 )

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Phantom Menace meaning and definition

What does phantom menace mean here you find 6 meanings of phantom menace ., phantom menace meaning.

Refers to a man with a boner walking or standing behind people while poking at them with his erect penis.

An act whereby someone takes a dump in the tank section of the toilet rather than the bowl, leaving a menacing and lingering smell of unknown source

The second worst movie ever made. The worst being Steven Spielberg's "War of the Worlds." Also Known as "Star Wars Episode I" or The Phantom Menace. Due to the introduction of a 2 hour pod-race, and the CGI character "Jar Jar Binks" George Lucas is known as the dumbest director in the history of cinema.

The act of letting your dog shit in someone else's yard and then bending over to act like you are picking up the feces without actually doing so. Menace comes from the fact that your dog is making waste on another's property, and phantom comes from the fact that it must be done steathily. This manuever is usually performed at night but can performed during the day against neighbors you have absolutely no respect for.

So basically your doing a girl in the ass-just before you come you pull your dick out of her ass, spit on her bak, then when she turns around and think your done you come in her face.....

A detached hair that sticks to you and creates an itch. When you go to remove it, it can't be found and continues to haunt you until you eventually track it down.

phantom menace effect meaning

When you do something a second time and like it better because it can no longer disappoint you the way it did the first time.

Phantom Menace poop meaning

A phantom poop is when there is no evidence of a poop you have just done.Menace being not checking to see if wiping is necessary.A combination of the two being a phantom menace poop.

phantom menacing meaning

the idea of being in denial, for an extended period of time, that a movie you've watched was bad or disappointing, especially after having highly anticipated it; after this period, you eventually admit to yourself that said movie was, in fact, not as good as you'd thought.

Phantom Menage meaning

A Menage a Trois where one of the people involved is not aware of it being a three-way. More points are awarded the longer the "victim" is kept unawares of the third party.

phantom money meaning

When you have money in your bank account, but it can't be used because you are waiting for a bill to post from an automated payment. This usually causes frustration because you want to go on a shopping spree with that money.

ALL POPULAR WORDS IN A-Z

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Dork Side of the Force

Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Liam Neeson (Qui Gon Jinn), Jake Lloyd, (Anakin Skywalker) and Kenny Baker in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999). © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace ending explained

When Star Wars returned to the big screen in 1999 after a 16-year absence, it answered many questions and raised even more. But what did the events of  The Phantom Menace mean for the story of the saga as a whole?

Episode I was the fourth released film in the series and took place several decades before the events of the original trilogy that started it all. As such, fans expecting to see stormtroopers and rebels having it out were in for a surprise. They experienced a very different galaxy with no Empire and no Luke Skywalker. However, The Phantom Menace contains essential knowledge for setting up how the events of the Galactic Civil War unfolded and in understanding the motivations of some of the key characters of those events.

The movie is over 20 years old now, so we’ll assume readers are familiar with the events of the film. The consequences of its happenings, however, can remain elusive. It is, after all, the most isolated of any one film in a Star Wars trilogy if judged by the time between the other entries. Films in each of the trilogies often take place a few short years apart from each other, but The Phantom Menace takes place a huge 10 years before its sequel Attack of the Clones , which for reference, is also 32 years before the original Star Wars.

As such, the events of the film very much take on a historical context. Particularly those surrounding the Battle of Naboo and the ascension of Senator Palpatine to the high office of Supreme Chancellor.

Palpatine, who is of course Darth Sidious, has become the political leader of the galaxy by the end of the film. Fans who are in the know would of course already be aware that actor Ian McDiarmid had played the man since 1983’s Return of the Jedi and therefore know what the significance of this means. For newer fans, they are observing the gradual rise of the Emperor to his throne of galactic domination.

The galactic importance of The Phantom Menace

On a more grounded level is the journey of Anakin Skywalker, which begins with this film. Anakin was first directly named in Episode VI when the ghost of Ben Kenobi tells Luke that what Vader said was true and that he and Luke’s father were indeed the same man “from a certain point of view.”

Instead of the terrifying cyborg in black that is ingrained in the very fabric of film, we see that young Anakin started life as a slave on the same desert world that Luke would be raised on. It is here in Episode I that his journey to greatness begins and his instruction in the Force as a Padawan starts under the tutelage of a youthful Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Kenobi is perhaps Episode I’s most recognizable human face that is remembered from the original trilogy. Here he is a young man, still a Padawan learner. After the sudden death of his master Qui-Gon Jinn, he is then given stewardship of the boy who would one day define galactic history… so no pressure…

For all things Star Wars, be sure to check out Dork Side of the Force!

• Published on 07/21/2021 at 11:30 AM EDT
• Last updated on 07/21/2021 at 11:30 AM EDT
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