Watch Elstree 1976

Elstree 1976, directed by Jon Spira, is a fascinating documentary that explores the making of the original Star Wars movie from the perspective of the actors who played minor roles in the film. Released in 2015, the movie features interviews with the likes of Paul Blake (who played Greedo), Jeremy Bulloch (who played Boba Fett), and John Chapman (who played Red Leader), as well as a variety of other supporting cast members.

The film takes place in the year 1976, during the production of Star Wars at the Elstree Studios in England. At the time, none of the actors involved in the movie could have predicted how massive it would become, or the impact it would have on popular culture. To the actors, it was simply another job, one in a long line of temporary and ultimately forgettable gigs.

Elstree 1976 begins by introducing us to the various actors who played small roles in the film, many of whom have gone on to lead ordinary lives outside of the film industry. The movie serves as a portrait of these individuals and their experiences, both in the context of the movie and their lives outside of it.

What becomes clear early on in the documentary is just how much these actors contributed to the film in small but significant ways. Whether it was Bulloch developing the iconic walk of Boba Fett, or Blake bringing his own sense of humor and mischief to the role of Greedo, each actor contributed something unique and personal to their character.

Throughout the movie, we get a sense of how the actors felt about their time on Star Wars, from disappointment at not becoming bigger parts of the franchise, to pride in being a part of something that became so iconic. We also hear about the frustrations that came with the job, from the long hours and uncomfortable costumes to the limited amount of direction they were given by director George Lucas.

One of the most interesting aspects of Elstree 1976 is the way it examines the relationship between the actors and the fans of the movie. We hear from several of the actors about their experiences at conventions, where they are often treated like celebrities despite their small roles in the movie. We also hear from fans who talk about the impact that these actors had on their lives, and how their performances helped to make the movie what it is today.

The documentary also touches on the darker side of fandom, however, particularly when it comes to the intense scrutiny and pressure that some of the actors faced from obsessive fans. Bulloch, in particular, speaks candidly about the way that playing Boba Fett has affected his life, both positively and negatively.

Overall, Elstree 1976 is a fascinating look at the making of Star Wars from a perspective that is often overlooked. By focusing on the supporting cast members who helped to bring the movie to life, the documentary provides a deeper understanding of the ways in which Star Wars has impacted popular culture, and the people who were a part of that impact. Whether you're a die-hard Star Wars fan or simply interested in the history of film and pop culture, this documentary is definitely worth checking out.

Elstree 1976 is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 66.