Why Hayden Christensen Played Anakin PERFECTLY in Star Wars
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2018
- Hayden gets the most hate in Star Wars because of his role in the prequels (Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith). I think he played him perfectly, and here's why...
He was supposed to be monotone, moody, and confused. He was supposed to be numb and callous. Everything someone who's depressed, held back, and emotionally beaten coming from a life of slavery should be. I can't see anyone else playing Anakin now.
What do you think?
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What does everyone think about Hayden's performance after watching my points in this video?
May the force be with you!!!
Star Wars Theory Ah! You beat me to it! Obviously.
hello star wars Theory I know you get a lot of emails at this time but i just thought i would try to give you a friendly reminder that I have sent one. have a good day / evening Don't worry i am not going to keep sending these i just wanted to give one more reminder
Star Wars Theory This would have been an unpopular opinion 10 years ago... even 13 to 15 years ago
Star Wars Theory hello there
I never thought he was bad in II or III. Could have been better, but he wasn't awful.
Honestly I couldn’t imagine anakin played by someone else
Same Ive gotten toooooooo use to him
Matt Lanter does a good Hayden Christensen impression, but his Anakin is as loud and whiny as prequel haters say Hayden’s Anakin was
I really hope that Hayden gets another big role as anakin hopefully he’ll have a big part in the new Obi-Wan series or maybe another series for himself again (Hayden/anakin) especially since he looks the same
@@harrambou9468 I really hope that Hayden gets another big role as anakin hopefully he’ll have a big part in the new Obi-Wan series or maybe another series for himself again (Hayden/anakin) especially since he looks the same he deserves another chance playing anakin it want his fault the way the movie was written
Me too
To me Hayden is as much Anakin as Hamill is Luke.
Berjast Kjuklingur facts
Agreed👍🏻
why would you say something so controversial yet so brave
@@stykkz8738 and yet so true
There will be no other that can replace them.. ever
I think people hated the performance because they didn't like the idea that Darth Vader, this larger-than-life, authoritarian, nearly mythological character, had at one point been a young adult who went through awkward emotional phases before becoming a parent. This is interesting considering how we individually experience this same feeling with our own parents.
That is in fact a great point man
True, if the prequels came out first I think people would have loved it. Since then we'd first see this young adult with a terrible past and great potential try do good but fate keeps screwing him over and when everything he cares about is taken away he finally becomes a cold, brutal authoritarian figure.
@@lowkeyarki7091 prequels*
@@Serkong thanks
@@Charybdis47 Not fact
Fans in 2005: Hayden sucks
Fans in 2021: Hayden is a legend
“Faith in your new fan base, misplaced may be...”
@Max Armstrong no u
Fans in 2005 who thought he sucked were already old enough to compare the prequels to the original trilogy. . And most of us still think he sucks.
@@colinj5291 no u
@Franko Piskulich No definitely not. Hayden is a good actor. I just don't think they really work as movies. They are watchable in my opinion, but that's it.
@@colinj5291
Hold on, maybe I’m misinterpreting here, but you said “that’s why most of us still think he sucks.” “He” implying Hayden.
Then you said he’s definitely not the problem and he’s a good actor. Am I having a stroke or did I read you wrong?
Does anyone else hope Anakin doesn't turn to the dark side every time they watch the movie?
Yeah happens every time
But then we wouldn’t have his perfect one liner like
You will try
I HATE YOU
You brought him here to kill me
From my point of view the Jedi are evil
Don't make me kill you
Yes
@@arashparthian_112 One of my favorite lines for Vader actually comes from Rebels surprisingly enough.
Ezra: I'm not afraid of you!
Darth Vader: Then you'll die braver than most.
@@chapacoka Vader: Then you will die braver than most. *disarms Ezra, who tries to scoot away, terror on his face* Vader: Perhaps I was wrong
I don’t care what people say, I like Anakin and the Prequels.
You're the chosen one
Same
Same!!!
Same :D
The prequels, no. But Hayden hell yeah! Just get rid of the slapstick jar jar and terrible humor and it would have been much better.
I always argued this, a great example of Hayden's acting ability is his facial expressions when Padmé tells anakin she's pregnant, dude legit goes through like 4/5 convincing emotions in the span of 2 seconds
Yeah, when you read the novelization, the description of his thought process in that scene is perfectly expressed in the film.
Yeah I always thought that, the emotional range in that moment is incredible
I like to think of it as if he's just saying "what?" over and over again in a different tone and with a different emotion/feeling each time 😂
Yeah, me too. He's like, shocked, worried, happy. And padme's face is just like worried that he'll react badly
Lacks emotion? Sometimes all he had to do was a look to get a huge reaction of emotion from me. He had a great intensity, and he’s not nearly as whiny or dorky as Luke. He’s actually really cool.
I always thought Luke was a little cheesy. They didn't make him all that complex but for what Hamil had to work with...
@@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987 tbf luke skywalker went through a fraction of the trauma or shit anakin went through lol.
@@fruitylerlups530 While it’s not okay to knowingly agreeing to committing war crimes as an adult, from a childhood development and mental health perspective, the Jedi order did a pretty shitty job at nurturing, raising, and supervising Anakin in the PT movies. Then, you’ve got his background of coming from a life as a child slave, and getting separated from to only supportive adult in his life who care for him as Anakin, which was combated with no treatment. Yeah, eventually Obi Wan really did create a bond with the kid and come to see Anakin “like a brother,” but he wasn’t really a good parent/guardian figure to Anakin. Initially, no one wanted to train Anakin because of anything about him that made him who he was as a person. They were pretty against it, but because he was “the chosen one” with great power, they chose to take the risk on training this kid, even though Yoda warned them that it could potentially be dangerous because Anakin had formed close attachments and came from a background as a slave that understandably would have given him resentment deep down. The Jedi KNEW that training Anakin was a risk because of his background and personality, but it was one they were willing to take, even if it meant training him in the same ways they trained every other kid they took in from infancy up until that point, and willfully ignoring nearly every red flag he displayed throughout his childhood-young adulthood along the way until the final film when he finally went off the rails.
Yeah, he made his choices as an adult, but how would the Jedi order not be considered at least partially complicit in his ultimate crimes via child neglect in real life? Master Windu even LET Palpatine talk alone with a 12 year old Anakin, even though they all had their suspicions about the guy.
Also, I never understood why it was such a big deal to let Anakin go see his mom when he had visions of her getting killed for a few days. Like, there are other Jedi there to fight besides just him if things go south. Take the kid go see his mom over the weekend to ensure that she’s okay, and then bring him back for training on Monday. Free her from slavery.
No wonder Anakin seemed to develop angry,, reckless, attachment, and self-identity issues in his teens-young adulthood. No kid should have been trained as a Jedi soldier because it seemed like a pretty toxic system, though I can understand why the Jedi look good in comparison to the Sith. Being the good guys in SW is a pretty low bar when the other side wipes out innocent civilians and planets for world domination.
It’s easy to justify allowing for and doing horrible for the greater good” when really, it’s just an excuse to keep avoiding facing your fears by doing the right thing when it’s not safe or popular.
Honestly his facial expressions and body language really did it for me, Hayden has a very emotive face. His eyes can portray happiness, pain, grief анд hate in a magnificent way. Even if another actor did a great job it wouldn't be the same purely because of this. Can you imagine Leonardo DiCaprio on Mustafar giving Obi-Wan a deathly stare? It just doesn't do it for me. I think that of all the other candidates Heath Ledger comes close, he would've been great but Hayden just has a slight babyface is suitable imo
@@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987 Original Trilogy is trash .
The best line was his final one:
“I HATE YOU!”
It was such a emotional well delivered line, gave me the feels
Oh shoot I’ve recently seen the series for the first time and I thought he said, “I HAD TO!”
Always liked "you will try"
@@colejordan9393 that honestly would've been better
“Save me!”
Maximoose 2005 not his last word he is technically still alive as vader
Edit: Sorry, I just realised u meant as Hayden not as Anakin.
Edit: no I also realised that Hayden played Vader at the end of revenge of the sith with the suit so his final word was: NNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
“I hate you!” Was a well delivered line.
it was a little bit like "AAAAAIIIIBXOSNWCIWHSCSUUUUUUU"
no no it wasn’t
The most honest thing anakin had ever said
It actually scared me
His emotions were unfiltered after years of being bottled up. That's why it exploded.
Anakin was meant to be a broken, angry, conflicted kid that grew up and was forced to hold all of those emotions in. Hayden embodied it pretty good, but I just wish they gave him better lines, especially in Attack of the Clones.
The lines could be better but I think that was intended to add on to his awkwardness and intensity. And I think it worked. He barely knows how to deal with anything else, portraying emotion through words I would think would be another on the list.
He was still dorky just like his son, so his lines reflect that. He wasn’t going to be the cool intimidating Vader until much later
Do you think that if you were admitting to a woman, you would have better lines?
@@shyper17 sure as hell wouldn’t express dislike toward terrain
@@napalm2357 I agree
I'm 45, have been a fan since the beginning, and I have no shame in saying episode 3 is my favourite of all episodes.
And that is largely thanks to Hayden's and Ewan's performances.
Both did an exceptional job.
🏆
Yes!
ROTS is the best!
I never hated prequels.. I was shocked when I got to know people hated em
Right??
As a child I loved them. And then I hated them without even seeing them, because my parents did. Kinda dumb.
Barkha Alisha facts I was like what do y’all hate.. Revenge of the Sith is my favorite Star Wars film...
@@op4lnah527
Our culture can be really toxic, I suppose.
Same here bro, I've always loved the prequels, and was shitted on for defending them
People say Anakin is whiny without considering the fact that he actually has earned the right to be whiny.
People are always criticizing Anikans flirting in ep 2, I always thought his bad flirting was caused by not knowing much about love and flirting, since it was forbidden. He was probably doing the best with what he had.
I mean, what would you say if you were trying to flirt but knew nothing about it?
Flirting *
@@peter-op1lj Thats what I said
@@marymccully456 because u changed it. U don't have to hide it dude, he was just correcting u.
this should be top comment
I've always loved prequels, Hayden as Anakin and Natalie as Padme. I'm happy to see people is starting to appreciate these movies and Hayden's interpretation.
A few things:
Hayden trained for hours to do those lightsabers fights we like, he had spent a lot of time with Erwan, was directed by Lucas, played a role very challenging and demanding for an actor very young, he listened to original Darth Vader voices to be as precise and good as he was supposed to be.
Just for all of this, I just can't hate him. I respect him, with all my heart. May the Force be with him, always.
It was what the people wanted. It would become another Ray if they written Dark Vader that way. Mostly villains aren't badass at first they had to improve themselves to overcome those flaws.
Fans back then: “HaYDEn iS a TERiBBle ACtOR!”
Fans now: “Perhaps I treated you too harshly..”
Anon Ymous He’s really not that bad.
Anon Ymous he literally played anakin perfectly
Anon Ymous Stfu
@Anon Ymous get out of here
Anon Ymous just fucking leave you twat
Of course he is monotone and doesnt have emotion. His character is filled with emotions and hes trying to pretend they dont exist because the Jedi say they are bad.
Exactly. The emotions are ready to burst out of him. He's trying to control them, as he's been taught. But it's a losing battle. They're going to come out, one way or another.
simply put. Makes complete sense!
People don't like the noble style Jedi have, they like wild super emotional snowflakes cuz they relate to that
There are several times where his emotions slip out, and they seem so real, and then he just as quickly represses them because hes been taught to think it's wrong to feel them, and that just builds them up more. There's clear focus in his acting that hes playing the character he becomes more than a character he could be. Really great acting if you ask me.
Yeah anyway. The Jedi always say "reach out with your feelings," yet Yoda says a Jedi "has the most serious mind," almost as if to bury your feelings, especially anger, fear, jealousy, and love from attachment.
I've always felt Hayden played anakin perfectly. I think people dont like how anakin was because he reminds us of the disliked parts of ourselves. anakin is indecisive just like all of of us, constantly thinking (despite seeming reckless and impulsive). He is forced to hide his emotions in the professional place and can't speak out despite how he feels. He feels held back despite his potential like a coach keeping his star player on the bench. Hayden is anakin. And anakin is the most well written character ever.
Anakin? The most well written character ever?
You had us in the first half, not gonna lie.
Your trying way to hard with this comment
Missyski thanks for that comment. I have always had this connection with anakin where ive felt like we both see the world with the same eyes. Eyes that often have to look into faces that dont understand. And the most tragic part about it is how I see that look on Hayden in Interviews as well whenever some kind of memefication or ridicule of his performance pops up. This role means as much to him as Star Wars meant to us as kids. And I hope the huge wave of praise for this work reaches him from the now adolescent horde of kids he touched with that role. Thank you Hayden youre my hero.
I loved Hayden, he has great chemistry with Ewan. He played the hero falling to the dark side perfectly.
He doesn't lack emotion to me at all. He feels like a tortured young man forced into battle for a religion he doesn't fully have faith in. HIS. LIFE. SUCKED.
yOuRe In My VeRy SoUl
The dialogue was corny and awkward but it strikes me as intentional. You'd think someone in his position would be awkward around people especially his childhood love.
@@koyo3376 I mean I kinda get what you're saying but when you realise the whole film has bad dialogue it doesnt rly make sense
@@sebwarriner I agree that Padme is dreadful but I think Anakin was fine.
@@koyo3376 I don't think so
I thought I was the only one who actually loved Hayden Christiansen
CJKing 02 meeeee
Drams O'Scotch THATS me. They are much more entertaining imo and they all look amazing. 🤷🏼♂️ of course the original trilogy is incredible, but I think the prequals are way underrated.
hell no everyone did...should
I always loved haydens Anakin! My favourite star wars character by far.
There's a limit to how much the reality of a character positively affect its likeability within the fans. Aaaand Anakin Skywalker fails to deliver that, not Hayden, he's perfect in those movies.
In other words, yeah, the writing kinda suck...
Anakins story is so sad and tragic , I couldn’t imagine anyone else as anakin. He absolutely nailed it.
I started tearing up as you explained Anakin’s life. I never thought about it that way.
Hayden was MAGNIFICENT in playing Anakin....I love his mannerisms and facial expressions. He was the BEST in Revenge of the Sith
People are always criticizing Anikans flerting in ep 2, I always thought his bad flerting was caused by not knowing much about love and flerting, since it was forbidden. He was probably doing the best with what he had.
I mean, what would you say if you were trying to flert but knew nothing about it?
@@marymccully456 Agreed
Revenge of the Sith for me is probably the 3rd best Star Wars movie for me or at least 4th and that's not the case if not for Hayden's performance. The only thing I don't like about epi 3 is how Anakin is chopped down but only because in epi 1 Obi-Wan completes a far more difficult jump to get over Maul and he's nowhere near as good as Anakin.
Ryan Boykin yes- as soon as I watched the films I thought, `Wow! That guys even better at being me than me!’
Mary Mccully yeah, errrr- we don’t talk about those times.
His performance made everyone feel the awkwardness of the character himself. Same as seeing someone in pain, in real life, infront of you. The difference is people can't walk away when watching a movie.
THIS
Great point!
Very good comment! That's what I once thought! I think the Star Wars prequels showed us that movies don't always have to be an escape from the boredom of everyday life. Sometimes movies are the easiest way to demonstrate common issues that happen in real life.
Fuckin bang on comment, it’s very true because unfortunately a lot of people have never known or care to listen to someone that’s in constant pain. Wouldn’t ever think of another actor to play Anakin.
Ty Sullivan it’s like Joaquin Phoenix in joker except that character had been significantly more awkward and hard to watch unfold.
FINALLY! Some1 who really appreciates the work Hayden put into the role of Anakin. I always felt like he did an AMAZING job in portraying the character that eventually became Darth Vader
Hayden deserves so much more credit for being the one to play that role! He did a fantastic job :) Even in the preparation time before he became Darth Vader. The way he spoke and thought out loud with cautious and solemn but confused looks made it feel more real as it was supposed to. He played it knowing the outcome and the future of his character. That takes talent, commitment, and attention to detail that most people don't have. I think he played Anakin beautifully, love ya Hayden
Honestly it’s unfair because Hayden was treated badly after the movies when he was an amazing actor
It's outrageous! It's unfair!
Re†4:13 hehe
@@_jaheli03 You are in this movie, but we do not grant you the rank of good actor.
@@Re-gj3yk Break a leg, young Christensen
@@pizzapatriot1769 Wish me luck, Good Actor
Lack of emotions, seriously? Did you seen anyone talk more passionately about how they hate sand?
Best comment I've seen all day.
Lol
Underrated comment right here.
Really, sand represents the thing he hates the most, his past and his mother's death
Just like the simulations😂😂
Hayden was the best choise for Anikan, have never heard otherwise.
And now fans rejoice in the millions for his return in the obi-wan series, and fans cried out in the millions for him not making an appearance in TROS
"His acting was Whiney and Monotone" but that is Anakin as a character not Hayden
EXACTLY!
TRUE
Ummm no
Monotone voices are on the actors who have the voice?
@@somm150 I mean, maybe Anakin as written was supposed to be monotone, hence why Hayden played it that way lol
It can go both ways and I rather think its the character over bad acting.
We need a live action clone wars movie! Hayden and Ewan are still young enough to play their roles
@Muno Takavarasha There's a Clone Wars Movie but it's not live action
Jahn Famous it could be a clone wars movie in the style of Rogue One, based around a squad of clones, with cameo appearances from Anakin and Obi Wan.
No we need a trilogy for the clone wars its a big era for just a 2 hour movie to fit ashoka,grievous,Yoda,other Jedi masters,Darth maul,clones,clone commandos,droids just so many things to fit in one movie
This is the way!
I’d be down
The scene where he kills Dooku with two swords, one red and one blue, has always been the ultimate dichotomy too me. It is the literal showing of the two sides he has before him to choose. Pursue vengeance and retribution through the light or the dark side. Red pill or blue pill. It is a shame Hayden got so much hate for his performance...who else would you want for this role??
"His entire demeanor is always as if he's processing something." That is a really good point, there's something in his face and eyes, something he's doing there that I've never thought about but I know exactly what you mean. That's part of why I loved Revenge of the Sith so much, it's like the entire movie he's silently having some kind of conversation in his head but "processing something" is a much better way of putting it.
Hayden nailed that role. I never understood the hate.
I honestly think it was the script, not really his fault
Agreed. The people that whined about the prequels are why we have disney now.
@@thelastremnantofevil how... why? what does that mean?
@@seeingeyegod They're referring to George Lucas selling off the property to Disney. One of the reasons Lucas said he did so was because the fanbase raged at him every time he tried to do a Star Wars during the prequel era.
@@FerociousPaul Well thats says more about Lucas than anything else. What an ass.
Hayden being Anakin is like Ewan McGregor playing Obi Wan, or Harrison Ford playing Han solo. He is irreplaceable. I hate all the Hayden haters. His role was very challenging and the quality in which he acted was brilliant. May the force be with you always, Hayden.
I know right! It is like criticizing Daniel Radcliffe for being a bad Harry Potter. Like, he was born Harry Potter and his parents decided his side name Daniel whatever. He is his character. No matter what he does. Same goes for Anakin. They’re the same person. I just can’t see it otherwise.
@@rolgolding exactly. Thank you
The problem is: everything and everyone can be replaced in filming)
I hate to be THAT guy but I say Obi Wan’s actor in the OT was as good as Ewan. Cmon now, he was able to have ptsd for something that hadn’t even happened
@@reynacamacho7839 that's why Ewan was chosen cause he had an uncanny connection with alec Guinness
Anakin has been my favorite Character of star-wars and it surely was because of Hayden’s performance. The waiting scene on the Jedi Council was Majestic.
I am actually very impressed by all the positive comments, here, about Hayden's performance. I think he did an excellent job but have frequently felt alone in this opinion. Glad to see there are so many others out there who feel the same.
I never disliked anakin’s actor, or character. And I never disliked the prequels. I have no idea why people do. It’s so confusing..
People complain about everything
The prequels are leagues better than the new trilogy
@Justin O's Channel holy shit how are people this stupid it baffles the mind. the movies are terrible for bad writing and terrible characters. not to mention its what turned star wars into a action movie franchise for idiots who just want explosions and lightsabers rather then good stories
joedatius Well yeah that’s the point. Clone wars actual war means action. It’s not a rebellion there is no intrigue it’s war. The 1st one was the start of the war: dramatic ,sad and introduction. 2nd- actual war and introduction of main villain. 3rd-sad,dramatic,end of war and execution of the main plot (palpatine’s takeover)
@@joedatius say that with a straight face after seen one boi infiltrating an entire enemy base having space dog flights and blowing up an entire base.
Get your head out if your own ass buddy that originals had as much over the top action and the prequels added more story and lore than the originals by fucking miles.
I really don’t understand why people don’t like the prequels. I think they are great and without them Star Wars would feel super weird
fləˈmiNGgō Many of those people think it’s cool to oppose popular opinion just for the sake of it.
People don't like prequals because it makes no sense to make a whole trilogy of a movie then decide to make a movie about the beginning at the end
Yea for me the prequels has better action but the originals are more story
Ιουλιανός After Ep. IV-VI, fans wanted a prequel trilogy.
I know right
The Prequels and the Originals are the true Star Wars movies.
Preach!!
I'm going to say something that probably will get backlash but IMO the best Star Wars movie isn't in the series. It's Rogue One, a good storyline, complex characters (really only Anakin and Maybe Han had any complexity leading up to RO), and superb acting. My two cents but I did enjoy the prequels particularly Hayden's performance.
@@pourartistacrylicsbyshanno3987 I agree with you so much. I love the OT and prequels but after rewatching them all recently I really enjoyed Rogue One the most.
Hayden even spoke the words like Vader in original trilogy, excluding the “distortion” through the mask. I think even Hayden’s face, when Anakin was showing teeth in rage, resembles the Vader’s mask: big eyes, nose and mouth. This actor was chosen well. He also played his role perfectly❤️🔥I think the story is just so sad that people blame things on someone.
I loved his acting on this, don’t care what anyone says
NehmeZ agreed
Same
same here! i will never understand the hate on him
Me too
Same
People seem to forget how “whiny” Luke was in A New Hope too... almost a kind of “like father like son” deal. Yet hardly anyone questions Mark Hammill as Luke Skywalker.
@Hayden Newell True. The prequels are superior. The OT is loved mainly by dumb Gen X Americans who love Brat Pack films, perpetual high schoolers who think they're cool.
Who are you talking to? Everyone I know, including me, remembers how whiny he was. And even though we LO - O - Ove Star Wars with a passion, there's very little acting in the original trilogy worth defending. (Chewbacca did have that one speech where he said, "Gr-r-r-r-gh". I thought that was well-acted)
because they idolize him
I like both the prequels and original trilogy, but people hate in the prequels too much.
Some people call him out on it but nobody cares because the original trilogy is untouchable
Everything Hayden did and said and the way he said things it fit perfectly. Just how Luke was played by Hamill I can't imagine them played by anyone else.
His eyes and body language portray every ounce of pain he was meant to portray, criminally underrated, borderline Oscar-worthy acting in both the 2nd & 3rd movies.
Hayden IS Anakin! He played the role perfectly. The mood swings, the conflict and confusion. Hayden nailed it.
Exactly
Nice joke 😂
@@Bazzle-pl8fu It isn't a joke though
Exactly.
What people ignore is that Anakin as portrayed is very realistic portrayal of a teenager/young person.
With severe trauma. My life was like anakin, I can't relate to him more.
literally
Anakin is younger when he turned than most people realize I have had so many people tell me he was in his 30's at least but he was 20 years old with a lot of trama in his life and very not understanding adults around you that you are supposed to look up to like think of it (I know it takes place in a galaxy far far away) If Anakin lived in America he wouldn't even be classed as a full adult. Like think of it how over dramatic teens are because of harmones and then that same emotion getting built up even more for your life growing up and for the adults around you it makes sense why he went on that rampage at the temple. My brother gets so angry when I take his phone imagine my brother in Anakins place
@@leclipse360 he was 22 during episode 3
He was so young :(
@@lluviavega4687 He was 20 he was darth vader for 25 years he died when he was 45
I'm a Star Wars fan and after watching this I almost cried, how such a strong being was bullied by everyone. I dont see any wrong why he became the villain. As Tony Stark had said, " we make our own demons"
I wish Hayden Christensen could know that there are so many star wars fans who loved his acting and want him to come back
The reason he sounded monotone towards the end of ROTS is he was literally trying to sound like Darth Vader. Christensen listened to voice recordings by James Earl Jones, and the original movies to get the intonation and speech style just right. That's dedication. I think he did a very good job, especially for a relatively young actor in such a demanding role.
I also think that with the clone wars he became more hardened and disilution
The "you will try" line before he leaps up to fight Obi-Wan; you can tell he is deliberately channeling JEJ there.
He even says stuff that sound like what Vader would say. "You underestimate my power."
@@MacenW It’s almost like he is Darth Vader and had been for a few hours at that point lol
My god the cope is real. Hayden's just not good in this movie accept it.
I liked him as Anakin/Vader. Especially, oddly enough, when he doesn't talk. He just looks so intimidating that I can actually imagine him in A New Hope without his suit like he was in III.
Exactly
Yeah
I love how the Empire felt cheated when Vader came out of nowhere. If they new it was the war hero Skywalker, the only Jedi to best Count Dooku in a lightsaber duel, they would've been alot more respectful in the beginning.
And him being Luke’s father Is really believable with Hayden
@Void tell that to palpatine after he named him Vader.
I just love how Anakin's ultimate fall to the Dark side just make sense. Everytime you ask yourself "why does that happen" you always have an answer "because this happened before that to happen" and by going down the chain step by step it ultimately comes down to Anakin's childhood as a slave. We can actually retrace his entire life, everything that happened to him had an impact on him that made him react in a certain way.
And Hayden's acting with this in mind is just perfect.
And then you have the Sequels where everything happen just because.
Hayden was perfect. You can see the conflict, the confusion, the hate in him...Brilliant perfomance.
I don't understand why people hate
I remember when they chose Hayden for this part. One of the things they said about him was that there always seemed to be something going on behind the eyes, even when he was just listening to the other actors do their lines. It was this extra "something" that made George Lucas choose him. It was as if there was a storm on the horizon waiting to unleash. Yes. He was the right actor.
You said it perfectly
He was and truly is the chosen one.
I 💯% agree
Hayden is the perfect Chosen One
Agree! He did sound a bit whiny but the kid was just like that too.
I totally agree
I think Hayden was perfect, couldn't imagine anybody else to play anakin
Hayden was perfectly horrible.
@@ZiplineShazam Na, Hayden was incredible.
@@CrispyHulk1 "Incredible" If mediocrity happens to be your standard.
@@ZiplineShazam prove your point
@@futuf2265 Weak Vocal Projection. . .
i dont care what anyone says i LOVED his performance and have never cried so much for a characters tragic story
I think Hayden played the role of Anakin absolutely excellent. He was never too much or too little, instead he grew and developed the character in such a smooth and seamless progression. He really embodied the role of Anakin & I personally think all that time which was spent working with Ewan McGregor on choreography, doing stunts, practicing over & over again with the sabers to get that iconic fight scene to be as truly captivating and totally epic as it was, all that considered - Hayden did a stellar job developing as the ever so conflicted Chosen One.
- My opinion
He did a banging job tbh he never deserved the harsh criticism
To be honest he did sound whiny.
I actually do plan on doing the lines, but with more Charisma but at the same time an almost numbed and deafened array of emotions. Sometimes it does take a little bit of meditation but it is possible albeit difficult sometimes. It's not to replace it, but it's one of my pet projects.
@@m3tr0id86 Because he was supposed to
The criticism came from people who couldn't or wouldn't relate to the character. They wanted a badass, but they don't understand how badasses are made.
SnazzyPanic ikrrrr
His acting wasn't the problem, it was the absolutely terrible dialogue he was given.
@@patguitar01 Well if that was the case it wasn't communicated very well in the film. It comes across as bland and uninteresting to listen too.
@@patguitar01 I think you misunderstood. He was saying that the FILM ITSELF poorly communicated why Anakin acted like he did. If you have to pause a film to stop and figure out what the heck just happened, the film failed. A film needs to communicate its ideas clearly with visuals and audio alone; it's not like a book where you can just say "Anakin was socially awkward". In a film, it just looks like bad dialogue or bad acting if not done properly.
Jazzy Waffles I never had to rewind to understand what just happened with these movies. I think people have varying opinions and apparently have nice enough lives that the only thing they complain about is who played a certain character in a movie they clearly liked, no matter how much they critique it. I’m sure there were MANY people trying to be Anakin and I think people should just give him a break, a break much like one he clearly needed character wise.
@@patguitar01 The problem is, everybody else had atrocious dialogue as well. :)
Yes. There's no excuse for the dialogue
He played the character so well that every time I watch revenge i just hope he doesn’t turn even though I have watched the movie countless times.
So clones are irrelevant since Anakin killed everyone
Something I have never seen mentioned and although I am late to the party, hear me out:
In the Episode where Anakin races on a speedbike to try and save his mother from the sand people, there is a glorious sunset behind him while you see him literally racing along (sideways view) - look at his shadow - the shadow is Darth Vader - its literally a foretelling of his turn to the dark side. It gives me goosebumps when I watch it.
I never noticed that actually. Yeah, that's what I tell people all the time. There are subtle hints in all 3 movies that lead him to being Vader.
Details like this are the reason I never get bored of watching starwars over and over.
I liked Hayden Christensen’s performance as Anakin. I do hope he does return as Anakin in future Star Wars movies.
Alex Lu I hope so to
Yea especially if he did do another movie he would fix all the acting problems from before, Anakin in the TCW animated series is a lot better
Paladin really? My favorite variation of Anakin is Episode III Anakin, while my least favorite is TCW Anakin.
Me too
Disney won't let him. They want to erase everything from the prequels. And with Kathy Kennedy being a feminist, she wants Rey to be the hero, not anyone we knew and loved.
People: he is too whiny and he cries a lot
Me: it’s Anakin he literally hates his life basically
He doesn’t hate his life but he he forsure wishes it was different
I mean they hate Anakin cause is basically us, a person with problems that are so much 4 him
I always thought it was a Skywalker thing being whiney like Luke was
@@lentwaif4554 yeah
Anakin was supposed to be a great guy, whos fall to the dark side was a surprise.
Hayden is the best and recently has been the most beloved actor to return to the reunions. The way the people show him love how is how I felt for him back in 2005. His Obi Wan series appearance was legendary and perfect.
I always loved Anakin. The prequels came out during my late childhood and early youth, when I was just the right age to watch and understand them. I immediately identified with him and frankly, Haydens performance made this character so relatable for me in the first place. He's one of my favourite Actors ever, even though there aren't that many Films starring him.
Hayden was the best actor for Anakin. Don't forget that he had a calm attitude, which makes it unexpected that he'll become a mass murderer
I loved his acting and his character
So true
It's funny because calm people are typically the types to be serial killers
House life and broken glass Hayden was a great actor
So many people could do better I imagine. I can maybe understand saying he's good but the "Best actor"?
Somthing Hayden got super right was when he was angry imo
When you're really pissed off you're often not coherent at all, your voice cracks and wavers.
I noticed that too. It was absolutely perfect. It's so rare, and so incredible that an actor was able to portray pure rage in such a realistic and poignant manner. It just shows how much emotional intelligence he has. His acting and portrayal of real, deep and brutally dark emotions is way above most fans' ability to comprehend it.
Even more so with the way he forced those emotions away just as quickly because he's been trained to think having those emotions is wrong for a Jedi. Things like that then just build up inside him, more and more. Well acted way to show who the character becomes more than who the character is.
Eso es algo que me había dado cuenta, hayden es de los pocos actores que he visto que ha mostrado una ira real, su voz cambiaba sonaba impotente, punto de llorar y que su garganta se atoraba, en serio... fue único lo hizo excelente
You can hear him trying to control his anger, it’s great
I never liked his portrayal as a kid, but after watching the movie just last night at 21, I totally understand his decisions with the character. He conveys the feeling of doubt, insecurity, fear, and anger so well. That’s only to name a few
The kid was actually played by Jake Lloyd not Hayden. Lol, Hayden did a great job, and I totally agree with you but Anakin wasn't just played by one person. 😅👍
@@madiharper7876 I think he meant that he didn't like Hayden when the commentor was a kid
Loved the prequels. I was about 10 when they came out and I was amazed by those films. More than 17 years later, I am still in love with those films and never understood the hate Hayden received. He was perfect and he still is. No one could play Anakin better then him. He work so hard to bring this amazing character to life. He deserves so much and he is truly inspiring.
His performance wasn't the problem. The script was. He showed the repressed jedi emotions bubbling up to the surface perfectly. Also, the prequels are amazing.
EraseDiskNow so the script was the problem even though it allowed Hayden to show his “repressed Jedi emotions” and fully encompass Darth Vaders mental oppression and instability??
Hayden was following the script when he showed those “emotions” you said he displays
@@Drewbreesboss9 I'm saying he did the best job he could with the script he was given.
I don't like sand.
YASSSSSSSS
Ewan mcgregor is Obi wan, Hayden is Anakin, just like Robert Downey jr is iron man and Hugh Jackman is wolverine
Nightly and how peter Cullen is optimus prime
Ryan Renolds is Deadpool
Daniel Radcliffe is Harry Potter , Emma Watson is Hermione Granger and Rupert Grint is Ron Weasley
Except, as I understand it, Hugh Jackman regrets being remembered as Wolverine, wishing instead, to be remembered for his musical roles.
Also, Ewan McGregor, Obi Wan Kenobi, Jedi Master, also Christopher Robin who happened to marry what's her name who was the founder of SHIELD. So... Jedi Master married founder of SHIELD. Interesting!
I never thought that Hayden did a bad job at being Anakin I always felt that he was the perfect match . He put so much emotion into him that every time I see a picture of Hayden I think if Anakin .
I have always thought that Hayden’s performance in the movies was spot on. There’s never been a question in my mind.
Ever.
A lot of similar, not identical but similar, situations have happened in my life, so in a way I can relate, and I think he did no less than a MASTERFUL job.
1. Slave to the jabbas
2. Slave to the council
3. Slave to the emperor
4. Finally free
IX... force ghost slave
Always slave! Sad!
@@kaune1814 no no no, because Padmé died from the big sad
5. Slave to the Disney Empire
at least he wasn't the slave of marriage
He was PERFECT for Anakin. The moodiness is great for his character.
People are always criticizing Anikans flerting in ep 2, I always thought his bad flerting was caused by not knowing much about love and flerting, since it was forbidden. He was probably doing the best with what he had.
I mean, what would you say if you were trying to flert but knew nothing about it?
@@marymccully456
Yeah, tbf he was actually good since the Jedi are basically monks.
I really hope that Hayden gets another big role as anakin hopefully he’ll have a big part in the new Obi-Wan series or maybe another series for himself again (Hayden/anakin) especially since he looks the same
@@marymccully456 I really hope that Hayden gets another big role as anakin hopefully he’ll have a big part in the new Obi-Wan series or maybe another series for himself again (Hayden/anakin) especially since he looks the same
Thank you for defending the character and the actor. Anakin is one of my favourite characters in Star Wars and Hayden was great
My favorite scene by Hayden is when he says “I HATE YOU” displays so much emotion 😭
And the glowing eyes added much more rage to his persona.😳👌👍
Yup.
The edited Scene 38 that was just uploaded recently uses that emotional scream, and has it in Vader’s thoughts just before he kills Obi Wan. I thought it added to the intensity if the edited scene.
For real that was dope
YOU WILL NOT TAKE HER FROM ME!
i never understood the hate on him, everyone hated back in the early 2000's hardcore but know everyone wishes he came back in rise of skywalker. i really hope the fanbase didn't kill the chances of him coming back
Meh I'm probably like 1 of 1000 people who liked Jumper and wanted a sequel. I have no issue with his acting.
I didn't want to see him come back. I loved all the movies, but he was the worst thing outside of Jar Jar in any of them.
Bob Fischer no he was not u trippin
I thought he did come back in arise of Skywalker? He said “bring back the balance, as I did”.
Dapper_Mudkip i think he meant like actually anakin u know like a force ghost now that would’ve been sick
Hayden Christensen's acting career is the perfect example of people jumping on the train without even giving the actor a chance. People talking trash about Hayden was nothing more than a dumb meme. Anyone with little knowledge about acting knows how talented he was.
Assholes hated the guy. Let’s hope he proves them all wrong in the kenobi series.
Hayden played the part perfectly, I feel so bad for him for how much hate he got. I hope he can see how many people love these movies and his portrayal . It is nice to see the prequels are starting to get more respect and love as they get older , I grew up on these movies these are like the original Star Wars in a way to me (not trying to overshadow the obvious originals and what they did for star wars and how fantastic they are ) . ROTS is my personal favorite movie , for a lot of reasons and a big one, like I said that’s what I grew up on that’s what I got to go see in the theaters with my dad (he always liked them too never understood why they were hated so much)
Isn't Anakin SUPPOSED to be moody?
But he IS moody. What obstructed that was the Jedi ways.
No, he was supposed to be a great guy and Obi Wans best friend. Not an arrogant petulant child of a mass murderer.
@@anglicantian Because he's not a woman, it doesn't mean he can't be moody. He is also a human being with feelings.
People should learn and realize that men also have feelings and emotions.
Whatever people say, Clone Wars and ROTS Anakin are the exact same person in canon.
@@anglicantian well at least The Clone Wars did Anakin and Obi-Wan friendship perfectly.
@@anglicantian but he needed to have SOME dark background because he was always supposed to be Darth Vader
I feel like Hayden got too much hate for his anakin role, he did a wonderful job with what he was given
he did for awhile he has some mental health issues poor fella
Agreed completely. Anakin's shitty character wasn't all Hayden's fault. It was the script. Kinda shame his career died on these movies.
Finally! Someone who did understand Anakins history! And yes : Hayden played him perfectly! I am a retired teacher - I understood this troubled young man like you described. Bravo Hayden! And thank you!
I completely agree with this video. I would not have imagined any other good Anakin Skywalker role but Hayden Christensen. In an interview he talks about her character, saying that what he appreciates most about Anakin is that "it is the love for Padmé and the fear of losing her that develop the Dark and destructive side of my Anakin". This shows that Hayden understood the essence, character and soul of the character well. Many criticize the scene on Lake Naboo, judging the dialogues unrealistic and ridiculous, but I find them very well done, an atmosphere of embarrassment is normal, after so many distances and an evident strong mutual attraction. Even the fateful joke: "I don't like sand", I don't find anything wrong with it, he simply answered a statement by Padmé, plus for Anakin the sand is certainly not connected to a good memory like that of Padmé; he was a slave and had to leave his mother on this ground, and as he himself says in the Clone Wars movie: "The desert is merciless, it takes everything away from you." I find this sentence so criticized, I find it beautiful because I see it more as a confidence that Anakin wanted to share with Padmé, a sign of the fact that he blindly trusted her and the certainty of finding comfort, which then turns out to be true, because in fact , in the following years Padmé will be the only one to truly understand him, and to see that fragile and caring soul, hidden behind a mask of arrogance that everyone criticizes. If this film has managed to convey all of that to me, I don't think Hayden and Natalie Portman's performance is that poor.
I honestly think some Star Wars fans are just that dumb. I always loved Hayden and other actors performance in the prequels.
finally someone respects his performance. He had cheesy lines but he played all the facial expressions and his overall personality was perfect for a young Anakin
ya, i agree. The only thing i could criticize are the lines, which were written for him.
He was a LOT better in Revenge of the Sith, but that might be due to directorial issues as well, being less interfering.
slamandjam2 Hayden didn't play as Young Anakin
it was a relative "young anakin" considering how much older he is in episode 4.
Chris sonofPear true I also thought ROTS was the only good PT film and the best of them, though it also had problems. I think the thing that hurt the most was the horrible script and dialogue and poor direction throughout the PT.
Anakin Skywalker - _"An irrational teenager with a troublesome upbringing, a psychopathic serial killer, a kid corrupted by lies, deceit and rage. About as far away from a normal person as you can get."_
Hayden Haters: 'I hate his acting, a normal person wouldn't act like that!'
Me: '... *sigh*'
They will pay the price for their lack of vision 😂😂
Even watching these movies as a kid. I loved em. Anakin was my favorite. The clone wars series adds SO MUCH MORE to his fall to the dark side. And that made me love him as a character even more.
He’s a part of my childhood and in honestly, I probably didn’t appreciate him fully until I saw him return on screen with Ewan. Makes me feel great looking at the love Hayden is getting. I imagine it was a real rough time when the prequels were released.
Thank you for defending THE BEST character in Star Wars
Patrick Roberg hell yeah
Definitely. I think too many older fans didn't want to see him evil they wanted the almost perfect hero like in the First movies
Well... the best character was Vader in a dark suit and helmet.
Well I don’t think there is a definite best character. Like if we include legends then starkiller, grievous, vader, Jango fett, and several others are pretty damn good.
Oh, he is the best character... In the original trilogy.
I dont understand how people dont like Anakin, he is my favorite character.
my favourite character is patrick star
I liked him in TCW
I mean he’s the main character in Star Wars, same
Same
I really hope that Hayden gets another big role as anakin hopefully he’ll have a big part in the new Obi-Wan series or maybe another series for himself again (Hayden/anakin) especially since he looks the same
What I had/have trouble with is that there's no transition between generous/light Anakin as a child and the arrogant/angry Anakin as a training Jedi and that's quite odd. But the performance of Hayden Christensen going from arrogant/angry to Darth Vader is perfectly portrayed!! What a great actor
Not only did he play the character correctly/well, he seems like a genuinely good guy. Can’t wait for him in the Kenobi series “Hello There: A Star Wars Story”
I couldnt imagine anyone else playing Anakin but Hayden Chirstensen.
Agreed
Same
glitterxmilk I really don’t think anyone else can do it
Is there a way to actually show him some love? Hayden needs to feel some appreciation after years of vocal haters
@W.B S. do you have any links to those moments, I really wanna know if he's ok because I loved some of his other roles too.
@@shaunaray1 I read somewhere that he doesn't care about the haters because he gets approached by more often about how they loved Anakin so that feels like a majority. People really have warmed upto the prequels now. Good for him that he doesn't get bullied like Ahmed Best or the girl who played Rose Tico can't remember her name :(
Shauna-Rae Missi I am so so happy he gets the love and credit he so rightly deserves!!
DUDE, DAMN... what an insight into Anakin. I know all stories you said but... THE WAY you said it, it sounded deeper, harder. Youre amazing fam
Very well put script about Anakin's life here and voicing it, my greatest respect to the author! Made me legit cry. May the Force be with you always!