Well we had to talk about Attack of the Cones at some point right? Attack of the Clones, while receiving mixed reception from critics and fans, has really come around in recent years. The prequels in general have gone through a renaissance love the past few years, with previously harsh criticisms now softening. However, Attack of the Clones remains a weak point for the Prequels, a redheaded stepchild if you will - apologies to any red headed step children out there.
Attack of the Clones, for all its faults, is quite an adventure. We see a knighted Obi-Wan Kenobi doing his best to mentor a Padawan Anakin Skywalker, an assassination attempt on Padme Amidala, a detective side quest, a Romeo and Juliet themed story, political intrigue, all culminating in an epic arena fight. If Jedi vs Droids didn’t do it for you, the ensuing arrival of the Clone Army just might, leading to the first battle of the Clone Wars. Still, Attack of the Clones hits the mark for every time it misses it.
But let's back up to that assassination attempt. Padme Amidala is a staunch opponent of the Republic Military Creation Act, which would raise a standing army to counter the growing threat of the Confederacy of Independent Systems aka the Droid Army but would also raise tensions across the Galaxy. The movie actually opens up with an attempt on her life, bombing her transport, which she escapes by use of a decoy. Another attempt is made later on, prompting Obi-Wan to investigate and the Jedi to move Padme into protective custody. And who better than to send to protect Padme than the Padawan that’s madly in love with her: Anakin Skywalker.
It is not so subtly alluded to that Anakin has a great deal of feeling for Padme, and she does too however she is much more the realist in the relationship. Regardless, the two travel as refugees back to Naboo, Padme's home world, for refuge. The two seemingly rekindle their friendship formed in the Phantom Menace. Hayden Christiansen and Natalie Portman do indeed have great chemistry together, but that can be hard to see through the at times awkward dialogue.
Anakin escorts Padme on a lakeside terrace. The view is serene, complete with sunlight glimmering off the water, lush vegetation, and beautiful architecture. Padme reminisces about swimming to an island in the distance, playing with friends. Anakin, mind you a former slave on a desert planet, hits up with the now iconic line.
“I don't like sand. It's coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. Not like here. Here everything is soft and smooth"
Now let’s address the Bantha in the room: this is a massive meme. Is it kind of cringey? Absolutely. Would you be right in thinking this scene was selected based on its meme-hood? A little! But let’s take a deeper look. Anakin clearly has never flirted with a woman in his life, and now he’s in a romantic setting with his crush and she’s wearing that dress? Of course it's going to be awkward! Of course he’s not going to know exactly what to say. But he takes his chance to be vulnerable with her anyway. He’s also touching on his childhood, where he no doubt had a difficult and traumatic upbringing, contrasting that with the soft and smooth beauty of Naboo - and Padme.
On a second note, and why I have found it particularly relatable. Anakin is being vulnerable. We saw a hint of this when he tells Obi-Wan about his dreams of his mother. There is a difference, however, in being vulnerable with a mentor and being vulnerable with someone you love. Additionally, as a man emotional vulnerability is not something we’re skilled at or even always willing to do. Now I’m not a Jedi, but I am a guy and I can confirm that by and large, vulnerability is 100% not our strong suit, so hats off to Anakin for shooting his shot with Padme. Now there is a larger conversation to be had about men's mental health, and mental health in general, but perhaps Anakin is not the best surrogate for the conversation. That said, this is a good scene that speaks to Anakin's ability and willingness to be vulnerable with someone he loves, and should be emulated
If you haven't seen Attack of the clones in a while, feel free to check out the scene below. What do you think is the most relatable scene in Episode II? Let me know in the comments below, let the Spaceport know if there’s anything you’d like to see and as always - may the Force be with you.