In Star Wars Episodes 2 and 3, there is a sharp contrast made between Anakin and Amidala. For example, in Episode 2, during some cutesy conversation they’re having in a grassy field, Anakin says he’d prefer an “empire” so he could get things done, and this upsets Amidala, who is a supporter of democracy. You can see this schism forming throughout the two movies. Amidala is in the Senate, Anakin is a Jedi. Amidala prefers to consult with her allies, Anakin likes to charge ahead and bust some heads on his own. The fact that Amidala is portrayed as the champion of democracy hits its peak in Episode 3 when Palpatine tries to dissolve the Senate or something, and she says “So this is how democracy dies. With thunderous applause.”
I was thinking today, and I arrived at the following thought. Amidala is Queen Amidala. Her home planet isn’t even democratic. She only got to where she is due to birthright, and yet somehow she thinks she’s all about democracy. This is akin to the United Nations breaking up, and the dude from China just slowly shakes his head and says, “Poor democracy. Never even stood a chance.” If she’s all about the democratic process, seems like she should start on her own turf.
Update
So I did some research into this, and apparently she was elected to the position of Queen. So I guess now my problem is that George Lucas doesn’t know what the word Queen means.
Dave, I’m sure there’s some Star Wars geek out there who can rationalize this for you. However, it isn’t me.
There was a short blurb in episode one how she was “the youngest queen ever ELECTED”.
Stupid I know, but that’s probably the movie’s explanation.
also: I guess bitching about democracy dying and then shrugging your shoulders is easier than actually speaking up as a SENATOR to stop it. That goes for that Organo senator too. And way for Yoda, great military and spiritual leader, to help out the rebellion and restore democracy by hiding out on a swamp planet.
George Lucas also doesn’t know what “believable dialogue” means.