National Film Vault

FILM NOTES

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace was released by Lucasfilm through 20th Century Fox in May 1999, arriving sixteen years after Return of the Jedi and carrying the full weight of a generation's anticipation. The prequel trilogy's opening chapter introduced new corners of the Star Wars universe and became one of the highest-grossing films of its decade, cementing George Lucas's return to the director's chair as a cultural event.

This cell, titled Darth Maul, captures three consecutive frames from a close shot of the character as portrayed by Ray Park. His red and black tattooed face fills the frame against a dimly lit, warm-toned background. The sequential nature of the frames offers a rare glimpse into the rhythm of the original 35mm print.