Decoding The Unique Visual Language Of Star Wars

Not counting the 1976 novelization, which predates (and helped market) the first film, Star Wars began as a visual medium. The film's aesthetic set the tone for all Star Wars stories moving forward and, in effect, set expectations for fans. The contrast between the sleek lines and bright white of Tantive IV's hallways and the sand-crusted gears of a sandcrawler is just one example of the incredible environmental storytelling that often takes a backseat to the action but is nevertheless integral to the experience.

So, what makes these images stand out? What was George Lucas trying to convey? How has that blend of space opera and western aesthetics continued to deliver alongside their narratives?

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Significance of Star Wars’ Visual Language

When reading non-Star Wars science fiction novels, we only have the words on the page to give us an idea of what things look like. If the author of another saga refers to a light freighter as a “hunk of junk” or “bucket of bolts,” we're on our own to create a mental image.

When reading Star Wars novels, many images kick our brains into hyperdrive from page one. When we read about a Jedi, we likely think of tunics and earth-tone robes. When we open up to a galactic dogfight, we may envision our heroes sitting in dozens of distinct cockpits and performing specific maneuvers we’ve already seen on screen. Even though our imaginations differ, it’s fair to assume that if we take snapshots of those scenes in our heads, we would recognize a common language, consistent elements, and a unified theme.

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The same thing happens in comics and animated series. In comics, the visual language is as essential to the story as it is on the screen. When blaster bolts shoot across panels, we, too, travel with them. 

Similarly, the various animated series, particularly The Clone Wars, use visual language as a key element in the storytelling. They also use an animation style that's simple enough for young viewers to grasp while remaining dynamic enough for teens and adults alike to enjoy the story.

Combined, films, comics, and animation serve as a solid foundation for writers to build more and more tales and allow readers to picture these stories as unmistakably Star Wars.

Breaking Down Star Wars Spaces and Their Visual Styles

Star Wars has defined my perception of science fiction films, which is interesting considering how much it aligns with fantasy, but that’s another article for another day. For me, Star Wars aesthetics fit into two categories: “clean/neat space” and “space grunge.”

In Star Wars, “neat” space includes Imperial ships' symmetric, sharp-lined hallways, brutalist concrete behemoths of the First Order, and gleaming plastoid of various troopers.  Need I mention the Imperial Security Bureau officers in their space-starched uniforms, sitting at attention in the Central Office as seen in Andor?

Meanwhile, “space grunge” is the grit, grime, and realistically lived-in environments (and characters) we see throughout the galaxy. It’s where we find many of our heroes throughout the series, but it’s also where we learn so much about the worlds we visit. The weather-worn gate of Ueda and the ship-breaking labyrinth of Bracca, with its twisted paths decorated with gnarled ship husks, come to mind. So do weathered junk traders on Tatooine or Jakku (or anywhere else, frankly).

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And, of course, many more spaces exist between those points or transcend them, depending on how you look at it.

Visual Style Alignment Chart

Before continuing, let me break this down and explain where I’m at.

The Jedi's aesthetic aligns with their emphasis on harmony. Their style has a neat and orderly connotation (even when well-worn, such as Obi-Wan's robes after years in the harsh desert). This contrasts with the more disordered elements we see with others in the galaxy.

Of course, it’s a little more complicated than neat good guys and grungy bad guys.

Given how intrinsically linked the Sith and the Galactic Empire become, it can be difficult to separate the Empire's sterility from the Sith's grungy origins. Yes, Darth Vader’s helmet is sleek and shiny. His cloak and chestpiece are immaculate. But the Sith Order was, and is, an ancient religion. Everything about it is messy, from its origins and ancient temples to Sith practitioners' rise through the ranks. It’s grungy! We may not see it immediately because we were introduced to the Sith via A New Hope through the lens of the Empire.

Since it's not a binary, one-or-the-other distinction, plotting the different visual styles in an alignment chart can help.

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Light and the Jedi: Members of the Jedi Order adhere to a doctrine that favors the light side of the Force, embodying serenity, peace, knowledge, and harmony. Visually, Jedi traditionally wear simple, light, earth-tone tunics and robes, which reflect their attunement to the light. In the High Republic era, we see Jedi wear ceremonial robes of gold and white, light colors indicative of a prosperous time for the Order.

• Dark and the Sith: The Sith are devoted to the dark side of the Force, where one finds strength and power in emotion, especially anger and fear. Like the Jedi, there is no set uniform, but many Sith choose dark apparel in degrees of black and, often, red like their lightsabers.
  
  

• Grunge and the Rebels: The Rebels and Resistance have similar looks, fitting their cobbled-together nature. Both groups represent a cross between a formidable guerilla military force and everyday people turned refugees in the wake of destruction. Therefore, a uniform didn’t really exist. Rather, they wear whatever they have on their backs to help carry them through the fight, creating a look that unites them visually. You’ll see business attire on one person and hand-knit caps on another, both in various states of distress. Despite the bright orange flight suits worn by X-Wing squadrons, they, too, look less put together than their TIE fighter counterparts.

  
  

• Sterile/Pristine and the Empire: I touched on the Imperial aesthetic earlier. Still, it's worth mentioning again because their narrative and visual presence is striking. Step foot on an Imperial vessel, and it's a lot of black, white, red, and symmetry. The Empire's priority is order, and it shows. From their militant dress grays to their homogenous communications stations aboard each ship (or battle station or planet), the design of the Empire is about rigidity. 

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Visual Elements as Star Wars Storytelling Components

Alignment is just the beginning. Star Wars uses its visual language to convey all sorts of essential story elements.

Look at Han Solo’s holster and tell us it doesn’t scream space cowboy! Isn’t that just the point? With his holster and Chewbacca’s bandolier, the audience intuits that these are two scruffy ruffians. Where Boba Fett’s scuffed armor indicates he has been in plenty of scrapes, Crimson Dawn's members always look sharp, trimmed in the finest gold thread — two different sides of a criminal syndicate coin.

In Attack of the Clones, Anakin’s Jedi robes and tunic were deep browns and an almost black leather jerkin. The palette reflects his openness to the dark side. Similarly, instead of the traditional robes worn by Ben Kenobi, Luke’s costume in Return of the Jedi is all black — creating a visual link between him and Darth Vader, his father, after learning of their relationship.

Moving amongst the bustling, working-class world of Ferrix in Andor are the striking, warm colors of the citizens' clothing (orange, yellow, red). Though subtle in comparison, the color family is similar enough to the clothes worn by the children of Kenari that we’re meant to understand those flashbacks belong to Cassian. The aesthetic links his homeworld and surrogate homeworld together.

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While The Mandalorian isn’t about Boba Fett, the armor that he made famous is so iconic that it needs no introduction. Beskar steel is so important to Mandalorian identity that we go most of the first season without knowing Mando’s actual name. His look speaks for itself, and we know this character is the titular protagonist from the start.

Putting It All Together

Millions of decisions go into making a film. Millions more go into making a great film, and it’s the creators' conscious choices that enrich the film-going experience. Because of that, fans have rewatched their favorite films on the big screen or at home for decades, catching new details every time. When it comes to a saga as beloved as Star Wars, it begins to feel like each new installment is a love letter. We, as fans, consciously or unconsciously, pick up on these details as they build up the myth and continue contributing to the discourse.