Not too long ago, the actor Alec Guiness passed away. He was known for playing the various roles including Hamlet and Obi-wan Kenobi in the original three "Star Wars" movies. In a local newspaper, I read that Alec despised Star Wars, and everything that it had become. He he even went so far as to throw away (unopened) all of his Star Wars related fan mail.
After hearing this, I was sad. I had never given any thought to whether or not Alec had actually enjoyed his role as a Jedi Master, or if he had any ill feelings regarding the merchandise-heavy stroke of genius that is Star Wars. Before seeing the Star Wars movies, I had never heard of Alec. I was impressed by his portrayal of the character of Obi-Wan, and to this day think of him AS Obi-Wan; not that he IS the Jedi Master, but rather, the Jedi Master is Alec... Both in physical looks and personality.
What I don't understand, is how Alec could have hated Star Wars. Like I had said, I'd never heard of him before I saw the movies, and I'd imagine that the same goes for a lot of people -- why would he hate something that brought him instant fame, and the adoration of a HUGE fan base? I can understand the disdain for heavy merchandising... I shudder every time I see a Star Wars backpack, toothbrush, or action figure. However, such is the case with hits as big as Star Wars. Even so, the Star Was movies are a special case.
When the first movie went into production, George Lucas insisted on the rights to any sequels -- and the studio agreed. This allowed Lucas to make the sequels in HIS vision, and not that of a Hollywood studio. Not only that, but George Lucas took the money he made from Star Wars, and used it to make the next movie. The same thing applies to "The Empire Strikes Back." Through merchandising and the sheer popularity of the movie(s), he was able to do things HIS way, WITHOUT the interference of Hollywood. I might also add the fact that all of this led to the creation of Industrial Light and Magic, which is regarded as one of THE best graphics and special effects studios.
So despite the fact that the Star Wars phenomenon is heavily laden with merchandising like all other BIG BIG movies, it is a special case. If Alec Guiness had NOT been cast in the role of Obi-Wan, he might have died as a little-known movie and play actor instead of being granted immortality as Obi-Wan. How could he argue with that?
The entertainment industry lost a very talented individual, whom we will all miss. I am going to see if I can find anything else from Alec's career, to see him in a non Star Wars light... I encourage you all to do the same. Though we will not forget him, I wish that he would be remembered in the way he wanted to be. I personally think that he would rather be remembered by the masses as Obi-Wan Kenobi, than not remembered at all. And so it is closing that I say, "We will miss you, Alec. May the Force be with you, always."