As a kid, I suffered from constant Asthma attacks; when I was 9 I was hospitalized. For this reason, I have always admired Vader. Someone who despite his disability, refused to let anyone stand in his way from being the imposing powerhouse he was. This is why when I was hooked up to a respirator, I imagined I was Vader in his meditation chamber, feeding off the power of the dark side. Every villain may be the hero of their own story and Darth Vader will always be my hero.
My favorite character of all time. I’ll never forget watching Star Wars for the first time as a five year old from the prequels to the OG trilogy and thinking of how tragic it was for Anakin to fall into the dark side but how rewarding it felt to see Darth help his son and save the galaxy at the end of the OG trilogy. The character left such an impression on me as a little kid, and still does to this day.
I love the feeling you put into this, I think you did a great job of articulating how much this character means to everyone who loves him. He's truly one of the all around greatest villains in fiction, and you broke down the tragedy of his character very well. Keep up the good work friend!
@@TheMaskedMan can you make video on cosmic horror similar to video from channel called screened It's called why cosmic horror is hard to make you can also talk about your experience of first time feeling it too First ever time I felt was when I watched Christopher Nolan interstellar movie
Vader is a great example of a chosen one character done right . Being chosen one doesn't just mean you have the power of the whole world and that everything will go right for you . Being chosen one means having the responsibility of the whole world forced onto you . They are forced to live up to people's expectation . They have no free will and have to follow a pre destined path either they want to or not .This obviously leads to them hating their own destiny and make terrible mistakes in their life . A chosen one's story isn't about beating the bad guy , It's about overcoming the struggle that comes with being a chosen one and fulfilling their own destiny . When an author acknowledges these facts while writing a chosen one only then they can create a compelling chosen one character that everybody can appreciate . And that's why Anakin along side Aang from ATLA are my favorite chosen one characters in fiction . Sorry if my English is too bad . It's not my first language 😅
Eh I just think the whole chosen one thing was obviously tacked on in the prequels. The story wasn't originally made with Anakin/ Vader being a chosen one, Vader was just a Jedi who fell to darkness and betrayed everyone. Fun fact before George decided to go with Anakin and Vader being the same person the idea for Vader was just to be Heinrich Himmler in space.
If Darth Vader hadn't been redeemed, his character would have probably suffered from a backstory. But because of his redemption, it helps to see where he came from, how he became Vader, who he could have been, and how he became Anakin again
Vader has always stood out from most villains. Even among the best in all of writing, he stands out. His tragedy is more beautifully handled than any other tragic villain, his badassery is more badass than any other badass villain. And the conclusion to his story is quite literally perfect. And same goes for Luke. I think he stands as just as good a hero as Anakin is an villain
i never really understood his character until I rewatched the prequels, his character is so complex and multi dimensional that became the symbol of power, fear and corrupt influence of the dark side and his character design is one of the coolest designs I’ve seen
@@and8091 And then after I watched videos done on Anakin/Vader by the Masked Man, The Vile Eye, Just an Observation, and Geetsly's, along with reading the novelization of the Revenge of the Sith and the Darth Vader comics (both Disney canon and Legends) it's made him even more complex.
It contributed to his complexity greatly just indirectly given anakins age at the time. Characterization doesn't only count in the moment. As he gets older and especially during the clone wars you can see how the Jedis reaction, dismissal and later distrust of him along with their dogmatic attitude influences the slave boy from the outer rim with far too much power and far too little true support I get you were just being a Smart ass but genuinely it did @@and8091
Anakin as Vader is a perfect example of the Sunk-Cost Fallacy, also distilled down to the old saying, "In for a penny, in for a pound." He always had the choice to turn aside from his erroneous ways, but felt he'd already put too much into it to go back. Eventually, it is the threat of losing Luke--his last connection to the love that Padme represented to him--that helps break the cycle, but it took years of suffering as Vader to help get him to push past that Sunk-Cost Fallacy.
Absolutely fantastic analysis of Anakin/Vader. He’s one of my favorite characters ever and it’s always great to see more people talk about his story. That quote from the book adaptation of Episode 3 is HAUNTING.
19:19 whoever made this extract is a literary marvel, and the narration as you speak it with the tone of rage is beautiful. This was a beautiful video and my eyes have been opened
Man I'm sobbing Anakin's story has always meant the world to me ever since I spend every Saturday watching Clone Wars as a kid. His story through all six movies and the animated shows truly captures what makes a great character and arc. Especially watching his fall to the dark side tears at your heart strings cause it is inevitable and yet there's a hope, a desperation for it to work out, for him to stay good, to be happy.
Vader made a huge imprint on us all as children and even at the age of 20 he remains by far my favorite fictional character, thank you for this beautiful analysis of Vader
I proudly can call myself a Darth Vader Stan, I've read all of his comics, watched all the movies, tv shows, I've consumed every aspect of media about Darth Vader. I saw the title of this video and was expecting this to be just another run in the mill character analysis video rehashing the same themes and dynamics we've all heard a million times. Because he's such a beloved and iconic character he's already been well researched and analyzed by the public for such a long time now. But this video is truly different you bring a new aspect of Vader that I did not see, his sense of greed and selfishness. The narration of this video is amazing, the music accompanied with the story telling is beyond captivating. I've watched all of your videos and I believe this to be your BEST video by far, Just all around a great watch.
You know a character is great when you literally find yourself bargaining with the movie. Like, just don't make this character do what I know they're going to do. That's what happens every time I watch ROTS. Anakin is so good at the start of the movie. He's having fun, he's trying to save everyone he can, he's ecstatic when he finds out about Padme's pregnancy. To then juxtapose that with him cutting off Windu's hand. You know he's made a mistake. HE knows he made a mistake. But there's no going back. And nothing will ever go right for him unil literally the day he dies. It's almost a crushing feeling. To know what could have been. As much as I enjoy watching Vader be a villain (and believe me, I enjoy it), I can't help but sometimes wish Anakin had taken a different path. Even though Star Wars wouldn't be Star Wars if he had. And Star Wars is the only franchise I've ever felt this way about. That's how damn good Anakin's story is.
Anakin was one of my heroes as a kid and still my favorite SW character to this day. Handsome, confident, badass, adventurous, compassionate, loving…he just embodied everything you would want a hero to be. And then to see all of that fall apart in ROTS, even as a kid, that hurt to watch. I haven’t seen that movie in years because it’s just too painful. The fall was executed so well, *too* well. I do take some comfort from all the what if stuff on TH-cam that shows the many different paths that could’ve led to a better future. At least in some parallel universe, he, Padme and their family are living together peacefully and happily.
@@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820 Honestly, it's why Qui Gon's death is arguably the most impactful in the entire Star Wars timeline, since without Qui Gon's steady, comforting, supportive, and understanding presence in Anakin's life that he sorely needed, especially given his upbringing as a slave and all that entails, that pretty much sealed Anakin's fate in my eyes.
I think a film about Anakin doing the right thing and slaying Palpatine, raising his kids, and becoming the Grandmaster would be such a relaxing and wholesome experience.
Agreed the character development of anakin is one of the best in my opinion. With the young boy becoming a prideful teen to a regretful man and in the end returning to the peace of the good side
29:55 But didn't Palpatine surv- No. No he didn't. He died like the cackling monster he was, Anakin had his last minute redemption and Luke won the battle of spirit.
The passage that describes Anakin Skywalkers life in the novel is one of the greatest things l have ever read thank you ao much for bringing attention to it
an iconic character that has left an lasting imapct on popular culture from his origins as Anakin skywalker the "chosen one" to his transformation to the villain we all admire. the stuggle between light and dark was a constant struggle with him with his increased control for power with the promises from the dark side to his internal conflict steming from his desire to protect his loved ones and prevents tragedies he witnessed. i believe he became the embodiment of a tragic hero following the narrative pattern of a noble character with great potential who experienced a tragic downfall due to a flaw - his attatchment to loved ones and fear of loss. actions and descions driven by misguided sense of protection and desire for power. truly love his character and thank you for making this video
It's here at last the tale of Darth Goat, and one of my favourite scenes ever from any media is Obi Wan Kenobi standing over Anakin after beating him and slowly walking away while he lays there
Thank you for sharing that beautiful panel of Vader walking through his life and lord at 21:56 the music you used absolutely embodies the tragedy of his character.
There are three such moments in the novel and each one is really good. We also get ones for Dooku, Windu, and Obi-Wan. That's why it says "this is how it feels to be Anakin Skywalker forever." The two previous excerpts finished with "for now..."
I will never be bored with characters with layers of depth like Darth vadar and guts and punpun, the time these depths are reveal one by one we appreciate it while also feeling the pain they go through... Thanks The masked man for giving this video and this is just the perfect analysis on Darth Vader Thank you Masked man I request if you can make a video on the old republic and why there should be more adaptation of it
This video made me truly emotional what the hell. Good stuff Masked, I always knew he was a tagic character, but this video made me feel true melancholy.
That was a wonderful breakdown of Anakin's fall and, ultimately, redemption. I like the interpretation that he lied about Luke to protect him from Palpatine. His son was the one bit of Padme he had left, and he wouldn't lose that for the galaxy.
That paragraph from the novel encapsulates this tragedy perfectly, oh my god. As insufferable as his emotional turmoil pre-fall was, his fate is even more terrifying: to be trapped in that turmoil forever. Holy hell.
I never expected you to cover my favorite character of all time. Anakin has also been my favorite ever since I first watched the prequels as a child. He was such a hero and so inspiring and I really loved that. I didn't truly appreciate his downfall and redemption until I was a bit older in my teens but man, once you grasp the whole situation, Anakin's tragedy is one of the best character arcs there are.
I’m honestly surprised by this video; all the details are incredibly interesting to discuss and I appreciate what you created. Thank you for sharing this with us and even though I don’t know you personally, I wish you a good life.
A truly beautiful narrative about the most iconic character in cinematic history. Very well conceived, analyzed and told beautifully. A compelling way that brings a remarkable tragedy to an empathetic serene victory.
This was so god damn well done dude. You hit every bullet point thats important for The Chosen One's character i feel many overlook. There's songs (three parts) from the band Lorna Shore called "Pain Remains" with so many moments that *scream* Anakin/Vader for me. "The face behind the silhouette! In this world I made to be infinite! But within the expanse...I finally see! A world without you isn't meant for me! ... And after all that I've done! After all of my pain! After all that I've become... Will I disappear?!"
Awesome video man. I was a huge Star Wars nerd back in middle school and the first novel I ever read front to back was about Darth Vader. Would like to see you cover other characters that aren't anime related.
Just recently went through all of the prequels and original trilogy for the first time at 22 and already Anakin/Vader is one of my favorite villains of all time. I love the complexity that was added to him in the prequels and his redemption in the original trilogy. Truly one of the most tragic falls of such a promising prodigy ever
I aspire to one day be a comic artist and writer. I hope to one day have deep meaningful characters, and sometimes I feel like the media produces oceans of carbon copy characters and stories. But when I hear and see literature like this 17:18 I feel like less than nothing, knowing how some characters could seem so simple on the surface and how easy it is to miss the overwhelming beauty of a character who hides so much depth on the surface. Not that I ever thought Vader was a one note villain it’s just that I never stopped to think he was that broken inside, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The hype for this video was so well deserved! This was an incredible analysis from you, Masked Man! You have definitely reminded me why I also love Anakin's character and story so much as well! Hope you do more SWs analysis like these with other characters at some point! :)
Star Wars is something I hold so dear to me and Luke and Vader are some of my favorite characters ever, this video nailed what made Star Wars so special to me as a kid, I just fucking love this series man
Man was this video worth the wait. You know, i'm not the biggest fan of the prequels, but videos like this that make me realize, yes, it is a very flawed trilogy ( or franchise to some extent), but the way you tell the story of this loveable kid turning into one of the most tragic man in fiction was so good. Keep it up my brother
The earliest memories of watching movies I have are probably Star Wars. But more specifically: Darth Vader. His battle with Luke and revealing that he was Lukes father were moments I couldn't appreciate as young as I was, but couldn't help but be reeled in by. The prequels especially: I don't remember much of the specifics of them from my childhood, but watching Anakin destroy everything he had left and getting cut in half, left to burn by Obi-Wan, then getting trapped in his metallic cell were moments that changed me and stuck with me as I go lt older. Star Wars may be tailored for kids, but getting older made me appreciate how, at its best, the audience can learn and grow with these characters. To me, Darth Vader is The Sarah Connor of Star Wars. Although it may not seem like it on the surface, it makes no mistake; Darth Vader is the main character of Star Wars. It's the story of how democracy falls to authoritarianism and how one can be carefully manipulated to destroy all they loved. And much like Sarah Connor, Darth Vader is a man who has to face the consequences of his actions gruesomely, even if he has to confront the next generation very differently.
So glad my mom was an og Star Wars fan and showed me all the movies as a kid, Anakin's story had such an impression on me I legit think I would be a different person without that formative experience. The poetry of a man driven by selfish desires to destroy everything he loved in his very attempt to save it, only to be dragged back from the abyss by the love and faith of a son he never even really knew; his final act a selfless one, to give his life for something greater than himself. Beautiful, mythological in scale yet still very real. He could never live to attone for all the evil he had done, but it's never too late to make one right choice, to do one good act for the sake of family and the galaxy.
Vader has been in his shadow of hatred for so long that it’s honestly heartwarming seeing him walk back to the light, finally free from the chains that bind him to the sith.😺
Damn dude, the part where you point out his tragic flaws blew my mind! I've never really thought about it like that. Incredible video, you must be very proud!
Bro is quoting the movies w the same rhythm and feel of the characters mid sentence without breaking up the feel of any of his statements. Masked da 🐐 no 🧢 This was a pleasure to watch, especially after seeing youd uploaded 1 minute after my shift started today 👌🏾
I'm a child of the Original Trilogy, I watched "Star Wars" in the theater with my grandmother. A mistake about the Prequels that I, and the children of the Prequels, have made, is that the PT is told exclusively from Darth Vader's point of view. Not from an observer, the Jedi, or even Anakin, but Darth Vader. In true biased documentary fashion, it shows true things, but only partial truths. This is Vader's story and he's telling it like he remembers it. Those who grew up with the PT tend to harshly criticize the Jedi, whereas my generation tends to criticize the PT for its treatment of them. Even Padme is not blameless in his story. She should have run in terror from Anakin after Attack of the Clones, not married him. She was far too wise at that point in her life, with her experiences, to tacitly condone what he did to the Tuskens, and his thoughts on dictatorships, coming from a Jedi, should have been a huge red flag. As for the Jedi, they have thousands of years of experience raising younglings, they know better than to try to have just one conversation about attachment with a 22 year old man. Vader shows us these things in this way because it shifts the blame for his decisions on to the shoulders of those around him who "failed" him when they should have given him better advice and had more understanding. From a moviemaking perspective, a writer/director more focused on acting and dialog over simply capturing scenes that he could later manipulate digitally could have made this story a genuine masterpiece. Instead, it comes out as stilted and corny. The audience can't trust the script's subtle nuances and is forced to accept it as a straightforward reliable narrator...or, that is the script as George intended, and Padme and the Jedi Order acted totally out of character at every crucial stage of Anakin's young life.
Excellent analysis! I appreciate all the time and effort it must have taken to put this video together. Vader has always been a favorite of mine. After seeing A New Hope in the theatre in 1977, 13 yr old me got a poster of Darth Vader that hung on my bedroom wall for many years. I was in the minority of people who liked the prequels. I found his backstory fascinating, your analysis has made it even more so.
This made me emotional. Anakin was someone who I watched as a kid and saw only his strength, his passion, and his defiance. And I thought he was just put down by the Jedi. But now as an adult, I just see a man who is suffering immensely. Buddhist Psychology talks about the difference between pain and suffering, pain is inevitable, suffering is chosen, it's the clinging to what things were...and boy did Vader suffer, and he was a long slow burn.
Great video brother, you can definitely feel the decades you spent with this character, and really feel the Shakespearean lengths that went into the evolution of the smallest feelings that turn ppl into who they become
The episode 3 novel was a huge exploration of this and so amazing. From the very start we learn about the dragon and the fear in Anakins heart growing and growing and how he hasn’t slept in days. The ways the council and the chancellor have been going one after another and how the Jedi are viewed by the galaxy and Palpatines manipulation.How the actions of the Jedi turn Anakin away from them knowing or not and how Palpatine seems to provide a solution when Anakin sees less and less answers. His bond with Obiwan is well done and explored and we see how it affects him and how without him . The duo of Anakin and Obiwan and how Anakin is viewed as a hero.Palpatine has more power over him. Even the effect of politics on Anakin and how it causes this anger at even Padme and how all consuming the love is for both Padme and Anakin when they’re together. His drive to control and his own selfishness and greed. And now as Vader Palpatine is all he has, The Jedi Order destroyed , Obiwan gone with C-3PO and R2-D2 ,Padme dead and what he believes to be their child, even his persona as Anakin. The love of the people, the hero without fear, that perception burned away. Palpatines the only one who knows him and the last connection he has left.
Not gonna lie, this video analysis of Darth Vader & Anakin Skywalker was well put together, and really your love and appreciation for the character. Explaining his sad and tragic downfall all the way to his death really got me emotional 😢. i admit i kinda cried a little when listening to your video, not to mention the sad music tracks you played in the video just made it more emotional. (Which quick question whats the name of the music tracks you used in the video?) Anyway really great video analysis 👍.
You and I have a lot in common my man. Thank you for making a video on this character. I’m in the process of getting a Vader/Anakin sleeve tattoo on my right arm. I wish there was a way to share that stuff on YT.
Anakin/Vader’s story is a very unique one. A story that wasn’t fully realised at the time it was elaborated on in the prequels, but one that has no doubt been fully realised in the modern day. One thing I’ve noticed about Vader in this modern day is that his character seems to roughly reflect the 5 stages of grief. Stage 1 - Denial: Stage 1 begins right before the Clone War with his mother’s death. His whole life, he’s felt like he has had no power. Like everything is out of his hands. Born a slave with no freedom, taken in to become a Jedi where he feels even more restricted. At least as a slave boy, he could be himself. But as a Jedi, he feels like he has to lie about who he is every day. To honour his mother’s death to strive to become one of the greats of the Jedi Order and to give his life meaning. He denies that his feelings for Padme are not only for her sake, but for his own selfish attachment. He denies the idea that he couldn’t have prevented what happened to his mother. He even seems to completely ignore what he’s doing as he gives into the Dark Side and commits his first atrocities as Darth Vader. He believes it’s all for Padme. To save her like he couldn’t save his mother. But in reality, he is fuelled by his greed and fear of loss more than selfless desire. It’s not his fault, he was forced into this. He never had a choice… but he did. Stage 2 - Anger: Anger commences right as Padme claims that she doesn’t know him anymore. All that he is doing and she is the one betraying him when he has been wholly faithful to her. In the years following, he blames everyone but himself for his mistakes. We see this especially in the Vader comics where he corrupts his crystal to the Dark Side. It is through this anger that he hunts Jedi and obsesses over finding Obi-Wan. So much so that even Sidious himself has to tell Vader to chill out, even though his anger is what makes him so powerful. His anger comes to an end during the final episode of the Kenobi show where Sidious outright tells him to just let it go. Stage 3 - Bargaining: Bargaining is everything in between the Kenobi show and Return of the Jedi. Vader works as the Emperor’s fist, not as his own individual. Despite the truth he knows deep down, he pushes it away in favour of only serving the Emperor. This is his lot in life, this must be his destiny. No matter how much he wishes things were different, he has no choice. This is what he has been forced into, this is what he must be. He must be the fist of the Empire and he must follow the philosophy of the Sith. We can see this especially with Luke. He doesn’t want Luke because he genuinely wants to keep him safe (at least that isn’t the only reason), he wants him so that he can have his own powerful apprentice so that he can overthrow Sidious, completing the cycle of the Sith and getting revenge on the one he now understands is partly responsible for what has become of him. He’s making plans, he’s plotting his own course. He believes that through Luke he will finally have the control over his life that he has always wanted. And it, of course, doesn’t last long… Stage 4 - Depression: This stage begins right as Luke denies Vader’s offer at the end of Empire Strikes Back. Vader tried to seduce Luke similar to how Sidious seduced him. Promises of power, to overthrow a greater evil and gain control, to make things the way they want it to be. To, in his eyes, purge the galaxy of evil and make it right. But Luke, despite seemingly having no other option, says no. He lets himself fall, kind of saying that he would rather die than give in to what Vader offers and basically start the cycle over. It is in that moment where Vader realises that Luke did something that he did not. He did not give in to his fear and selfish desire. As Luke escapes and Vader calls out to him again, saying that it is his ‘destiny’, he is unknowingly projecting onto Luke what he himself believes. That this is his destiny and that he must resign to his fate. And in the moments following Cloud City, we see Vader in a hard to read state. He doesn’t seem angry or sad. He just seems… contemplative. What Luke did in their duel shook Vader, something that Vader never thought he would do… Luke did something that Anakin could not. In Return of the Jedi, he is at his lowest. He still acts as the Empire’s fist, but his desire to find Luke Skywalker is still there. So much so that the Emperor has noticed. It is at this moment Vader knows that Sidious is planning to replace him. The same he did with Maul, the same he did with Dooku. Luke will be his replacement because the Emperor sees similar traits in Luke that Vader does - the remnants and fears of Anakin Skywalker. The next time Vader and Luke meet face to face on Endor, we see what has truly become of Vader. He is no longer trying to convince Luke to rule the galaxy with him. He is merely stating what he sees clearly as his replacement. Sidious will do the same to Luke that he did to Anakin. Vader, when looking at Luke’s lightsaber, says “Your skills are complete. Indeed you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen.” He knows what is to happen. And he has given up hope in ever trying to fight back. It’s happened before several times. The cycle will continue. This is his fate. Even as Luke urges him to leave it all behind, Vader thinks back on his past, no doubt reflecting on all that occurred and could have been. He says, “Obi-Wan once thought as you do…” One of the first times we see him vocally express regret over the past and acknowledgement of his own wrongdoings. It is through this reflection that he truly realises what is to happen. But how can he fight? He has never been able to fight. He quickly says after, “You don’t know the power of the Dark Side. I MUST obey my master.” He sees this as without choice. He has no choice. This is what he must do. One last time, Luke tries to reach out to his father - to Anakin - to let go of his hate. And Vader simply responds, “It is… to late for me, son.” Now if those aren’t the words of a broken man who has lost everything and resigned himself to the fate his master has given him, I don’t know what is. “The Emperor will show you the true nature of The Force. HE is your master now.” And Luke says, “Then my father is truly dead.” It is after Luke leaves that we get a moment of Vader all by himself. A moment where he reflects again on all that was, all that is, and all that could be. Skipping forward during their final fight, Vader simply acts as Sidious’ puppet. He sees the strings now, but he no longer fights against them. He blocks out any attempt Luke makes to reach out to his inner good, not believing in himself and only doing what he is clearly destined to do. Even going so far as to goad Luke into using his fear and anger in the fight against him, like Dooku did with Anakin all that time ago. And it works. Luke gives in to the Dark Side briefly. And, as planned, Luke overpowers Vader, proving that he is now the successor to Vader to be the Emperor’s puppet. Sidious cackles evilly as his plans come to fruition. The cycle repeats again. There is no going back. Luke is put into a similar position Anakin was in during the climax of the Clone Wars. Vader is at his mercy. But Luke refuses. He turns to the Dark Lord of the Sith and refuses. Claiming he is a Jedi, like his father before him. And this refusal clearly surprises or even shocks Sidious. There is no evil laugh or grin, for once he is speechless. Leaving Sidious with no choice but to destroy this… JEDI. Once again, Luke does something Anakin could not. He does not give in to the Dark Side like Anakin did. He did not submit himself to the darkness. In an act of compassion, Luke shows Vader that he did and still does have a choice. As Vader watches Sidious torture the last remnant of Padme’s belief in Anakin’s good, Vader finally makes a choice. This whole time, he never thought he ever had a choice. He always was a slave, he always will be. But not anymore. He throws Sidious down into the depths of the Death Star, fulfilling the prophecy of the Chosen One and sacrificing himself in the process. Stage 5 - Acceptance: Anakin, this whole time, has had a fear of death. The fear of losing his mother and Padme and losing all that he had to live for. Now he has been living in torture for absolutely nothing at all. As Luke speaks to his true father, Anakin makes one last request. That Luke removes his mask permanently and let him look upon Luke with his own true eyes. And Luke, like his father, expresses fear that he will die. But Anakin simply says “Nothing can stop that now.” It shows how he has truly grown and found peace in his son’s act of love, that he could do something Anakin couldn’t. That there was still good in Anakin. I find it very poetic how much Luke wants to stop his father from dying while his father, expressing similar fear at Luke’s age, is content with the inevitable. That he has learned to let go. Luke says, “I need to save you,” but Vader says, “You already have.” And that sad smile Anakin makes to Luke with those old and tired eyes says it all. And then… Anakin dies, at peace. And Luke finally sees the truth about his father, a broken man twisted by his own inner darkness who, in the end, chose to turn to the light. That is Anakin’s journey as Vader. (Wow, you read this far? Well done! Here’s a gold star.)
When i was seven, in my group home, the empire strikes back was playing on tv. The part where luke was walking through the dark parts of bespin, and vader was attacking him from the shadows. I was SCARED. I have loved vader ever since.
I believe that Anakin/Vader is the Shakespearean tragic hero in it's ultimate form. His journey, fall, and redemption is perfect.
Fax bro 💯
Well I don't know about perfect. I think throwing Palatine off a scaffolding is kinda lame, but the choice of fighting back is perfect concept.
Ah, yes, a noble hero that murdered children.
He'd be perfect for the Bible.
@@josephcox3091 then again its an old era back then so it really hard to make such compared to nowadays
@@josephcox3091 did you want an epic sword fight?
As a kid, I suffered from constant Asthma attacks; when I was 9 I was hospitalized. For this reason, I have always admired Vader. Someone who despite his disability, refused to let anyone stand in his way from being the imposing powerhouse he was. This is why when I was hooked up to a respirator, I imagined I was Vader in his meditation chamber, feeding off the power of the dark side. Every villain may be the hero of their own story and Darth Vader will always be my hero.
L
but what about the younglings
@@Brandenburg-Poznan Nobody is perfect.
@@KillbotSwI don't think you know enough about it.
Vader is disabled person yet he still works hard. Let's be inspired by him
My favorite character of all time. I’ll never forget watching Star Wars for the first time as a five year old from the prequels to the OG trilogy and thinking of how tragic it was for Anakin to fall into the dark side but how rewarding it felt to see Darth help his son and save the galaxy at the end of the OG trilogy. The character left such an impression on me as a little kid, and still does to this day.
Also one of my favorites
Hey I wanna watch star wars gimme the watch order
@@alucard_75I think you should watch prequels then original trilogy
@@alucard_75if you want everything to make sense then watch them in chronological order
@@alucard_75but if you want to watch a better first movie and have a lesser conclusion then watch it in releade
I love the feeling you put into this, I think you did a great job of articulating how much this character means to everyone who loves him. He's truly one of the all around greatest villains in fiction, and you broke down the tragedy of his character very well. Keep up the good work friend!
Woah, didn't expect to see you here. Love your videos bud.
Means a lot to hear this from you bro. same to you, keep up the amazing videos.
Made videos of Vader too.
seeing this comment right after the colaw's vid one is quite something.
@@TheMaskedMan can you make video on cosmic horror similar to video from channel called screened
It's called why cosmic horror is hard to make you can also talk about your experience of first time feeling it too
First ever time I felt was when I watched Christopher Nolan interstellar movie
Vader is a great example of a chosen one character done right . Being chosen one doesn't just mean you have the power of the whole world and that everything will go right for you . Being chosen one means having the responsibility of the whole world forced onto you . They are forced to live up to people's expectation . They have no free will and have to follow a pre destined path either they want to or not .This obviously leads to them hating their own destiny and make terrible mistakes in their life . A chosen one's story isn't about beating the bad guy , It's about overcoming the struggle that comes with being a chosen one and fulfilling their own destiny . When an author acknowledges these facts while writing a chosen one only then they can create a compelling chosen one character that everybody can appreciate . And that's why Anakin along side Aang from ATLA are my favorite chosen one characters in fiction .
Sorry if my English is too bad . It's not my first language 😅
Don’t worry your English is great!
@@SuicidaI-Idol Thanks
Damn, I was about to tell you about this cool series called Avatar: The Last Airbender, then I finished reading the paragraph.
Eh I just think the whole chosen one thing was obviously tacked on in the prequels. The story wasn't originally made with Anakin/ Vader being a chosen one, Vader was just a Jedi who fell to darkness and betrayed everyone. Fun fact before George decided to go with Anakin and Vader being the same person the idea for Vader was just to be Heinrich Himmler in space.
That was excellent!
“Nor the bravery as the child of a Puerto Rican woman” bruh felt that on a spiritual level💀
If Darth Vader hadn't been redeemed, his character would have probably suffered from a backstory. But because of his redemption, it helps to see where he came from, how he became Vader, who he could have been, and how he became Anakin again
If Vader hadn't been redeemed, he wouldn't have needed a backstory, because he would have been a one-dimensional villain.
Yes
He was always anakin
Vader is iconic, hands down one of the best characters to ever bless the eyes of the public. He deserves to be held high as an icon
Vader has always stood out from most villains. Even among the best in all of writing, he stands out. His tragedy is more beautifully handled than any other tragic villain, his badassery is more badass than any other badass villain. And the conclusion to his story is quite literally perfect. And same goes for Luke. I think he stands as just as good a hero as Anakin is an villain
i never really understood his character until I rewatched the prequels, his character is so complex and multi dimensional that became the symbol of power, fear and corrupt influence of the dark side and his character design is one of the coolest designs I’ve seen
Yeah, the phantom menace sure made Vader a complex character.
@@and8091 And then after I watched videos done on Anakin/Vader by the Masked Man, The Vile Eye, Just an Observation, and Geetsly's, along with reading the novelization of the Revenge of the Sith and the Darth Vader comics (both Disney canon and Legends) it's made him even more complex.
@@indio4-215 Congratulations.
It contributed to his complexity greatly just indirectly given anakins age at the time.
Characterization doesn't only count in the moment. As he gets older and especially during the clone wars you can see how the Jedis reaction, dismissal and later distrust of him along with their dogmatic attitude influences the slave boy from the outer rim with far too much power and far too little true support
I get you were just being a Smart ass but genuinely it did @@and8091
Darth Vader is too much of an all time icon to not talk about him once in a while.
Anakin as Vader is a perfect example of the Sunk-Cost Fallacy, also distilled down to the old saying, "In for a penny, in for a pound." He always had the choice to turn aside from his erroneous ways, but felt he'd already put too much into it to go back. Eventually, it is the threat of losing Luke--his last connection to the love that Padme represented to him--that helps break the cycle, but it took years of suffering as Vader to help get him to push past that Sunk-Cost Fallacy.
Absolutely fantastic analysis of Anakin/Vader. He’s one of my favorite characters ever and it’s always great to see more people talk about his story. That quote from the book adaptation of Episode 3 is HAUNTING.
What quote?
@radiokilled4790 probably the quote where Anakin realizes everything is his fault. "This is how it feels to be Anakin Skywalker... forever."
19:19 whoever made this extract is a literary marvel, and the narration as you speak it with the tone of rage is beautiful. This was a beautiful video and my eyes have been opened
Yep, marvellous, not Marvel
@@Nation_of_Imagination I said literary marvel, I don't think literary marvelous is correct English lmao.
Mathew Stover is the author's name. His SW books are some of the best.
@@Nation_of_Imagination is English not your first language? Are you 12?
23 years in the light, 23 years in the dark. He truly brought balance to the force
True balance
Man I'm sobbing Anakin's story has always meant the world to me ever since I spend every Saturday watching Clone Wars as a kid. His story through all six movies and the animated shows truly captures what makes a great character and arc. Especially watching his fall to the dark side tears at your heart strings cause it is inevitable and yet there's a hope, a desperation for it to work out, for him to stay good, to be happy.
Vader made a huge imprint on us all as children and even at the age of 20 he remains by far my favorite fictional character, thank you for this beautiful analysis of Vader
I proudly can call myself a Darth Vader Stan, I've read all of his comics, watched all the movies, tv shows, I've consumed every aspect of media about Darth Vader. I saw the title of this video and was expecting this to be just another run in the mill character analysis video rehashing the same themes and dynamics we've all heard a million times. Because he's such a beloved and iconic character he's already been well researched and analyzed by the public for such a long time now. But this video is truly different you bring a new aspect of Vader that I did not see, his sense of greed and selfishness. The narration of this video is amazing, the music accompanied with the story telling is beyond captivating. I've watched all of your videos and I believe this to be your BEST video by far, Just all around a great watch.
You know a character is great when you literally find yourself bargaining with the movie. Like, just don't make this character do what I know they're going to do.
That's what happens every time I watch ROTS. Anakin is so good at the start of the movie. He's having fun, he's trying to save everyone he can, he's ecstatic when he finds out about Padme's pregnancy. To then juxtapose that with him cutting off Windu's hand. You know he's made a mistake. HE knows he made a mistake. But there's no going back. And nothing will ever go right for him unil literally the day he dies.
It's almost a crushing feeling. To know what could have been. As much as I enjoy watching Vader be a villain (and believe me, I enjoy it), I can't help but sometimes wish Anakin had taken a different path. Even though Star Wars wouldn't be Star Wars if he had. And Star Wars is the only franchise I've ever felt this way about. That's how damn good Anakin's story is.
Anakin was one of my heroes as a kid and still my favorite SW character to this day. Handsome, confident, badass, adventurous, compassionate, loving…he just embodied everything you would want a hero to be. And then to see all of that fall apart in ROTS, even as a kid, that hurt to watch. I haven’t seen that movie in years because it’s just too painful. The fall was executed so well, *too* well. I do take some comfort from all the what if stuff on TH-cam that shows the many different paths that could’ve led to a better future. At least in some parallel universe, he, Padme and their family are living together peacefully and happily.
@@tommyl.dayandtherunaways820 Honestly, it's why Qui Gon's death is arguably the most impactful in the entire Star Wars timeline, since without Qui Gon's steady, comforting, supportive, and understanding presence in Anakin's life that he sorely needed, especially given his upbringing as a slave and all that entails, that pretty much sealed Anakin's fate in my eyes.
@@indio4-215That‘s exactly why Palpatine got him killed.
I think a film about Anakin doing the right thing and slaying Palpatine, raising his kids, and becoming the Grandmaster would be such a relaxing and wholesome experience.
Agreed the character development of anakin is one of the best in my opinion. With the young boy becoming a prideful teen to a regretful man and in the end returning to the peace of the good side
We appreciate the amount of work and effort that went into this. We wish you the best of luck.
Villains in movies used to be essentially people with too much empathy, but then they snapped. Great video
29:55 But didn't Palpatine surv-
No. No he didn't. He died like the cackling monster he was, Anakin had his last minute redemption and Luke won the battle of spirit.
Idk if it's canon but "Darth Vader the Selfish" is just cool & tragic at the same time.
"Padme, Help Me" is probably the most spine shivering quote Darth Vader quote. I believe he says it.
Possibly my favorite characters of all time great video man
The passage that describes Anakin Skywalkers life in the novel is one of the greatest things l have ever read thank you ao much for bringing attention to it
an iconic character that has left an lasting imapct on popular culture from his origins as Anakin skywalker the "chosen one" to his transformation to the villain we all admire. the stuggle between light and dark was a constant struggle with him with his increased control for power with the promises from the dark side to his internal conflict steming from his desire to protect his loved ones and prevents tragedies he witnessed. i believe he became the embodiment of a tragic hero following the narrative pattern of a noble character with great potential who experienced a tragic downfall due to a flaw - his attatchment to loved ones and fear of loss. actions and descions driven by misguided sense of protection and desire for power. truly love his character and thank you for making this video
Man, the wait is finally over. Without a doubt one of the most iconic characters I've ever seen.
The wait is finally over. Thanks for delivering, as always!
I have been obsessed with Vader and Anakin for years and this gave me a whole new level of understanding for him
It's here at last the tale of Darth Goat, and one of my favourite scenes ever from any media is Obi Wan Kenobi standing over Anakin after beating him and slowly walking away while he lays there
I have one question. Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the wise?
No…
@@Hopeful_Husker I thought not. It's not a story the Jedi would tell you.
@@monkey39128 *waits patiently*
@@Hopeful_Husker The dark side of the force is a pathway to many abillities..Some may consider to be...Unnatural
Thank you for sharing that beautiful panel of Vader walking through his life and lord at 21:56 the music you used absolutely embodies the tragedy of his character.
There are three such moments in the novel and each one is really good. We also get ones for Dooku, Windu, and Obi-Wan. That's why it says "this is how it feels to be Anakin Skywalker forever." The two previous excerpts finished with "for now..."
I will never be bored with characters with layers of depth like Darth vadar and guts and punpun, the time these depths are reveal one by one we appreciate it while also feeling the pain they go through...
Thanks The masked man for giving this video and this is just the perfect analysis on Darth Vader
Thank you
Masked man I request if you can make a video on the old republic and why there should be more adaptation of it
This video made me truly emotional what the hell.
Good stuff Masked, I always knew he was a tagic character, but this video made me feel true melancholy.
That was a wonderful breakdown of Anakin's fall and, ultimately, redemption. I like the interpretation that he lied about Luke to protect him from Palpatine. His son was the one bit of Padme he had left, and he wouldn't lose that for the galaxy.
This, geestly, and vile eye are the best Vader character breakdown vids and I haven’t even watched this all the way lol
Worth the hype
the greatest character in all of fiction and one of my favourite youtube videos of all time
23:13 really made tear up😢 trully one of the saddest star wars moments.
Before even watching the video I just wanna say it feels like I’ve been waiting my whole life to see you make a video on vader😁😁😁
Yoda: Hide the children, we must.
Obi-wan: A planet with a lot of sand.
Bail: And place to give them an elevated position.
you actually went so hard with this one, ive always seen you as the goat of voiceovers but this one went even beyond that
The best well written tragic villain in modern history.
It took you weeks to make this vid and you did it Justice. I tip my hat to you Maskedman.
That paragraph from the novel encapsulates this tragedy perfectly, oh my god. As insufferable as his emotional turmoil pre-fall was, his fate is even more terrifying: to be trapped in that turmoil forever. Holy hell.
I never expected you to cover my favorite character of all time. Anakin has also been my favorite ever since I first watched the prequels as a child. He was such a hero and so inspiring and I really loved that. I didn't truly appreciate his downfall and redemption until I was a bit older in my teens but man, once you grasp the whole situation, Anakin's tragedy is one of the best character arcs there are.
I’m honestly surprised by this video; all the details are incredibly interesting to discuss and I appreciate what you created. Thank you for sharing this with us and even though I don’t know you personally, I wish you a good life.
This is the perfect explanation of Anakin's downfall! I applaud you for this brilliant work!
A truly beautiful narrative about the most iconic character in cinematic history. Very well conceived, analyzed and told beautifully.
A compelling way that brings a remarkable tragedy to an empathetic serene victory.
Your description of how it feels to be Anakin forever gave me goosebumps bro. Such vivid imagery in that description. Good shit.
This was so god damn well done dude. You hit every bullet point thats important for The Chosen One's character i feel many overlook. There's songs (three parts) from the band Lorna Shore called "Pain Remains" with so many moments that *scream* Anakin/Vader for me.
"The face behind the silhouette!
In this world I made to be infinite!
But within the expanse...I finally see!
A world without you isn't meant for me!
...
And after all that I've done!
After all of my pain!
After all that I've become...
Will I disappear?!"
This was an incredible video masked boricua! You snapped from the editing to the script just 10s all around . This shit better blow up
Awesome video man. I was a huge Star Wars nerd back in middle school and the first novel I ever read front to back was about Darth Vader. Would like to see you cover other characters that aren't anime related.
I've been a fan of Star Wars my entire life, but you just explained Darth Vader to me in a way I've never even thought of. 10/10 Liked and subscribed
When I saw Obi wan kenobi and when Vader says he killed anakin I had the most:’OOHHH’ feeling ever
Just recently went through all of the prequels and original trilogy for the first time at 22 and already Anakin/Vader is one of my favorite villains of all time. I love the complexity that was added to him in the prequels and his redemption in the original trilogy. Truly one of the most tragic falls of such a promising prodigy ever
I aspire to one day be a comic artist and writer. I hope to one day have deep meaningful characters, and sometimes I feel like the media produces oceans of carbon copy characters and stories. But when I hear and see literature like this 17:18 I feel like less than nothing, knowing how some characters could seem so simple on the surface and how easy it is to miss the overwhelming beauty of a character who hides so much depth on the surface. Not that I ever thought Vader was a one note villain it’s just that I never stopped to think he was that broken inside, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
We were waiting for this...
Was feeling a bit of a star wars fatigue but your video has single handedly revitalized that love. Thank you 🤝🤝😅😅
The hype for this video was so well deserved! This was an incredible analysis from you, Masked Man! You have definitely reminded me why I also love Anakin's character and story so much as well! Hope you do more SWs analysis like these with other characters at some point! :)
Star Wars is something I hold so dear to me and Luke and Vader are some of my favorite characters ever, this video nailed what made Star Wars so special to me as a kid, I just fucking love this series man
The final issue of the Darth Vader run you mention is absolutely unbelievable. It’s completely stunning.
Rest in Peace James Earl Jones you will always be remembered
Excellent analysis on Anakin’s character and redemption arc. Loved every second of the video.
Anakin/Darth Vader is in my top 2 favorite characters from Star Wars. Great video you did him justice
Man was this video worth the wait. You know, i'm not the biggest fan of the prequels, but videos like this that make me realize, yes, it is a very flawed trilogy ( or franchise to some extent), but the way you tell the story of this loveable kid turning into one of the most tragic man in fiction was so good. Keep it up my brother
17:18 was awesome and the way you said it was just none chilling
The earliest memories of watching movies I have are probably Star Wars. But more specifically: Darth Vader. His battle with Luke and revealing that he was Lukes father were moments I couldn't appreciate as young as I was, but couldn't help but be reeled in by. The prequels especially: I don't remember much of the specifics of them from my childhood, but watching Anakin destroy everything he had left and getting cut in half, left to burn by Obi-Wan, then getting trapped in his metallic cell were moments that changed me and stuck with me as I go lt older.
Star Wars may be tailored for kids, but getting older made me appreciate how, at its best, the audience can learn and grow with these characters. To me, Darth Vader is The Sarah Connor of Star Wars. Although it may not seem like it on the surface, it makes no mistake; Darth Vader is the main character of Star Wars. It's the story of how democracy falls to authoritarianism and how one can be carefully manipulated to destroy all they loved. And much like Sarah Connor, Darth Vader is a man who has to face the consequences of his actions gruesomely, even if he has to confront the next generation very differently.
Darth Vader is the most iconic villain to ever hit the big screen and he's my favorite too 😎
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, the best fictional character ever written.
So glad my mom was an og Star Wars fan and showed me all the movies as a kid, Anakin's story had such an impression on me I legit think I would be a different person without that formative experience. The poetry of a man driven by selfish desires to destroy everything he loved in his very attempt to save it, only to be dragged back from the abyss by the love and faith of a son he never even really knew; his final act a selfless one, to give his life for something greater than himself. Beautiful, mythological in scale yet still very real. He could never live to attone for all the evil he had done, but it's never too late to make one right choice, to do one good act for the sake of family and the galaxy.
His whole life, he was a slave. And in his final moments, his son, set him free. I cry manly tears every time. A modern Shakespearean tragedy.
Vader has been in his shadow of hatred for so long that it’s honestly heartwarming seeing him walk back to the light, finally free from the chains that bind him to the sith.😺
Watching my fourth Darth Vader analysis lets go
I have never seen a Star Wars movie and don't know much about this character but you almost made me tear up with this video, great job man
Damn dude, the part where you point out his tragic flaws blew my mind! I've never really thought about it like that. Incredible video, you must be very proud!
Imagine being so iconic that your breathing is recognised globally.
Masked Man Masterclass 👏
Bro is quoting the movies w the same rhythm and feel of the characters mid sentence without breaking up the feel of any of his statements. Masked da 🐐 no 🧢
This was a pleasure to watch, especially after seeing youd uploaded 1 minute after my shift started today 👌🏾
I'm a child of the Original Trilogy, I watched "Star Wars" in the theater with my grandmother. A mistake about the Prequels that I, and the children of the Prequels, have made, is that the PT is told exclusively from Darth Vader's point of view. Not from an observer, the Jedi, or even Anakin, but Darth Vader. In true biased documentary fashion, it shows true things, but only partial truths. This is Vader's story and he's telling it like he remembers it. Those who grew up with the PT tend to harshly criticize the Jedi, whereas my generation tends to criticize the PT for its treatment of them. Even Padme is not blameless in his story. She should have run in terror from Anakin after Attack of the Clones, not married him. She was far too wise at that point in her life, with her experiences, to tacitly condone what he did to the Tuskens, and his thoughts on dictatorships, coming from a Jedi, should have been a huge red flag. As for the Jedi, they have thousands of years of experience raising younglings, they know better than to try to have just one conversation about attachment with a 22 year old man. Vader shows us these things in this way because it shifts the blame for his decisions on to the shoulders of those around him who "failed" him when they should have given him better advice and had more understanding.
From a moviemaking perspective, a writer/director more focused on acting and dialog over simply capturing scenes that he could later manipulate digitally could have made this story a genuine masterpiece. Instead, it comes out as stilted and corny. The audience can't trust the script's subtle nuances and is forced to accept it as a straightforward reliable narrator...or, that is the script as George intended, and Padme and the Jedi Order acted totally out of character at every crucial stage of Anakin's young life.
Vader is such an amazing character it's unreal!! I'm a long time fan and I'll have to say this is my favorite video from your channel man❤❤
The wait is finally over! This was a really great analysis.
Excellent analysis! I appreciate all the time and effort it must have taken to put this video together. Vader has always been a favorite of mine. After seeing A New Hope in the theatre in 1977, 13 yr old me got a poster of Darth Vader that hung on my bedroom wall for many years. I was in the minority of people who liked the prequels. I found his backstory fascinating, your analysis has made it even more so.
I’ve been watching your channel for a couple years now and my boy you have impressed and astonished me how much you’ve improved.
This made me emotional. Anakin was someone who I watched as a kid and saw only his strength, his passion, and his defiance. And I thought he was just put down by the Jedi. But now as an adult, I just see a man who is suffering immensely. Buddhist Psychology talks about the difference between pain and suffering, pain is inevitable, suffering is chosen, it's the clinging to what things were...and boy did Vader suffer, and he was a long slow burn.
Damn that was good I could really feel the love you had for this character
Great video brother, you can definitely feel the decades you spent with this character, and really feel the Shakespearean lengths that went into the evolution of the smallest feelings that turn ppl into who they become
This video is put together beautifully
The episode 3 novel was a huge exploration of this and so amazing. From the very start we learn about the dragon and the fear in Anakins heart growing and growing and how he hasn’t slept in days. The ways the council and the chancellor have been going one after another and how the Jedi are viewed by the galaxy and Palpatines manipulation.How the actions of the Jedi turn Anakin away from them knowing or not and how Palpatine seems to provide a solution when Anakin sees less and less answers. His bond with Obiwan is well done and explored and we see how it affects him and how without him . The duo of Anakin and Obiwan and how Anakin is viewed as a hero.Palpatine has more power over him. Even the effect of politics on Anakin and how it causes this anger at even Padme and how all consuming the love is for both Padme and Anakin when they’re together. His drive to control and his own selfishness and greed. And now as Vader Palpatine is all he has, The Jedi Order destroyed , Obiwan gone with C-3PO and R2-D2 ,Padme dead and what he believes to be their child, even his persona as Anakin. The love of the people, the hero without fear, that perception burned away. Palpatines the only one who knows him and the last connection he has left.
What a video. Listening to this while walking to work and it almost made me want to binge Star Wars.
Not gonna lie, this video analysis of Darth Vader & Anakin Skywalker was well put together, and really your love and appreciation for the character. Explaining his sad and tragic downfall all the way to his death really got me emotional 😢. i admit i kinda cried a little when listening to your video, not to mention the sad music tracks you played in the video just made it more emotional. (Which quick question whats the name of the music tracks you used in the video?) Anyway really great video analysis 👍.
You and I have a lot in common my man. Thank you for making a video on this character. I’m in the process of getting a Vader/Anakin sleeve tattoo on my right arm. I wish there was a way to share that stuff on YT.
Great analysis - sympathetic, yet realistic and honest. Well done!
Anakin/Vader’s story is a very unique one. A story that wasn’t fully realised at the time it was elaborated on in the prequels, but one that has no doubt been fully realised in the modern day.
One thing I’ve noticed about Vader in this modern day is that his character seems to roughly reflect the 5 stages of grief.
Stage 1 - Denial: Stage 1 begins right before the Clone War with his mother’s death. His whole life, he’s felt like he has had no power. Like everything is out of his hands. Born a slave with no freedom, taken in to become a Jedi where he feels even more restricted. At least as a slave boy, he could be himself. But as a Jedi, he feels like he has to lie about who he is every day. To honour his mother’s death to strive to become one of the greats of the Jedi Order and to give his life meaning. He denies that his feelings for Padme are not only for her sake, but for his own selfish attachment. He denies the idea that he couldn’t have prevented what happened to his mother. He even seems to completely ignore what he’s doing as he gives into the Dark Side and commits his first atrocities as Darth Vader. He believes it’s all for Padme. To save her like he couldn’t save his mother. But in reality, he is fuelled by his greed and fear of loss more than selfless desire. It’s not his fault, he was forced into this. He never had a choice… but he did.
Stage 2 - Anger: Anger commences right as Padme claims that she doesn’t know him anymore. All that he is doing and she is the one betraying him when he has been wholly faithful to her. In the years following, he blames everyone but himself for his mistakes. We see this especially in the Vader comics where he corrupts his crystal to the Dark Side. It is through this anger that he hunts Jedi and obsesses over finding Obi-Wan. So much so that even Sidious himself has to tell Vader to chill out, even though his anger is what makes him so powerful. His anger comes to an end during the final episode of the Kenobi show where Sidious outright tells him to just let it go.
Stage 3 - Bargaining: Bargaining is everything in between the Kenobi show and Return of the Jedi. Vader works as the Emperor’s fist, not as his own individual. Despite the truth he knows deep down, he pushes it away in favour of only serving the Emperor. This is his lot in life, this must be his destiny. No matter how much he wishes things were different, he has no choice. This is what he has been forced into, this is what he must be. He must be the fist of the Empire and he must follow the philosophy of the Sith. We can see this especially with Luke. He doesn’t want Luke because he genuinely wants to keep him safe (at least that isn’t the only reason), he wants him so that he can have his own powerful apprentice so that he can overthrow Sidious, completing the cycle of the Sith and getting revenge on the one he now understands is partly responsible for what has become of him. He’s making plans, he’s plotting his own course. He believes that through Luke he will finally have the control over his life that he has always wanted. And it, of course, doesn’t last long…
Stage 4 - Depression: This stage begins right as Luke denies Vader’s offer at the end of Empire Strikes Back. Vader tried to seduce Luke similar to how Sidious seduced him. Promises of power, to overthrow a greater evil and gain control, to make things the way they want it to be. To, in his eyes, purge the galaxy of evil and make it right. But Luke, despite seemingly having no other option, says no. He lets himself fall, kind of saying that he would rather die than give in to what Vader offers and basically start the cycle over. It is in that moment where Vader realises that Luke did something that he did not. He did not give in to his fear and selfish desire. As Luke escapes and Vader calls out to him again, saying that it is his ‘destiny’, he is unknowingly projecting onto Luke what he himself believes. That this is his destiny and that he must resign to his fate. And in the moments following Cloud City, we see Vader in a hard to read state. He doesn’t seem angry or sad. He just seems… contemplative. What Luke did in their duel shook Vader, something that Vader never thought he would do… Luke did something that Anakin could not.
In Return of the Jedi, he is at his lowest. He still acts as the Empire’s fist, but his desire to find Luke Skywalker is still there. So much so that the Emperor has noticed. It is at this moment Vader knows that Sidious is planning to replace him. The same he did with Maul, the same he did with Dooku. Luke will be his replacement because the Emperor sees similar traits in Luke that Vader does - the remnants and fears of Anakin Skywalker.
The next time Vader and Luke meet face to face on Endor, we see what has truly become of Vader. He is no longer trying to convince Luke to rule the galaxy with him. He is merely stating what he sees clearly as his replacement. Sidious will do the same to Luke that he did to Anakin. Vader, when looking at Luke’s lightsaber, says “Your skills are complete. Indeed you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen.” He knows what is to happen. And he has given up hope in ever trying to fight back. It’s happened before several times. The cycle will continue. This is his fate. Even as Luke urges him to leave it all behind, Vader thinks back on his past, no doubt reflecting on all that occurred and could have been. He says, “Obi-Wan once thought as you do…” One of the first times we see him vocally express regret over the past and acknowledgement of his own wrongdoings. It is through this reflection that he truly realises what is to happen. But how can he fight? He has never been able to fight. He quickly says after, “You don’t know the power of the Dark Side. I MUST obey my master.” He sees this as without choice. He has no choice. This is what he must do. One last time, Luke tries to reach out to his father - to Anakin - to let go of his hate. And Vader simply responds, “It is… to late for me, son.” Now if those aren’t the words of a broken man who has lost everything and resigned himself to the fate his master has given him, I don’t know what is. “The Emperor will show you the true nature of The Force. HE is your master now.” And Luke says, “Then my father is truly dead.”
It is after Luke leaves that we get a moment of Vader all by himself. A moment where he reflects again on all that was, all that is, and all that could be.
Skipping forward during their final fight, Vader simply acts as Sidious’ puppet. He sees the strings now, but he no longer fights against them. He blocks out any attempt Luke makes to reach out to his inner good, not believing in himself and only doing what he is clearly destined to do. Even going so far as to goad Luke into using his fear and anger in the fight against him, like Dooku did with Anakin all that time ago. And it works. Luke gives in to the Dark Side briefly. And, as planned, Luke overpowers Vader, proving that he is now the successor to Vader to be the Emperor’s puppet. Sidious cackles evilly as his plans come to fruition. The cycle repeats again. There is no going back. Luke is put into a similar position Anakin was in during the climax of the Clone Wars. Vader is at his mercy.
But Luke refuses. He turns to the Dark Lord of the Sith and refuses. Claiming he is a Jedi, like his father before him. And this refusal clearly surprises or even shocks Sidious. There is no evil laugh or grin, for once he is speechless. Leaving Sidious with no choice but to destroy this… JEDI.
Once again, Luke does something Anakin could not. He does not give in to the Dark Side like Anakin did. He did not submit himself to the darkness. In an act of compassion, Luke shows Vader that he did and still does have a choice. As Vader watches Sidious torture the last remnant of Padme’s belief in Anakin’s good, Vader finally makes a choice. This whole time, he never thought he ever had a choice. He always was a slave, he always will be. But not anymore. He throws Sidious down into the depths of the Death Star, fulfilling the prophecy of the Chosen One and sacrificing himself in the process.
Stage 5 - Acceptance: Anakin, this whole time, has had a fear of death. The fear of losing his mother and Padme and losing all that he had to live for. Now he has been living in torture for absolutely nothing at all. As Luke speaks to his true father, Anakin makes one last request. That Luke removes his mask permanently and let him look upon Luke with his own true eyes. And Luke, like his father, expresses fear that he will die. But Anakin simply says “Nothing can stop that now.” It shows how he has truly grown and found peace in his son’s act of love, that he could do something Anakin couldn’t. That there was still good in Anakin. I find it very poetic how much Luke wants to stop his father from dying while his father, expressing similar fear at Luke’s age, is content with the inevitable. That he has learned to let go. Luke says, “I need to save you,” but Vader says, “You already have.” And that sad smile Anakin makes to Luke with those old and tired eyes says it all.
And then… Anakin dies, at peace. And Luke finally sees the truth about his father, a broken man twisted by his own inner darkness who, in the end, chose to turn to the light.
That is Anakin’s journey as Vader.
(Wow, you read this far? Well done! Here’s a gold star.)
When i was seven, in my group home, the empire strikes back was playing on tv. The part where luke was walking through the dark parts of bespin, and vader was attacking him from the shadows. I was SCARED. I have loved vader ever since.
I'd love to hear to talk about EU characters like Mara Jade, Kreia, or Revan because this analysis was HEAT.
So cool to finally see this video after so many posts
The Masked Man talking about the ultimate masked man, what a treat
So hyped
I've been waiting for this
Can really tell this is something you’re passionate about which made the vid so great