Top 5 Vader quotes. Remembering James Earl Jones
Its been almost a month since the passing of the icon that was James Earl Jones. Its impossible to reflect on his incredible legacy without celebrating his role in bringing cinema’s ultimate villain, Darth Vader, to life. It’s also impossible to comprehend Vader with anything other than his powerful, commanding and exquisite voice.
Choosing just five quotes from his extensive repertoire, across decades of performances, is no easy task—there are so many to choose from! While the legendary “I am your father” may be the most recognised line, I’ve had a go at highlighting some others that capture my memory of Vader and Jones’s impact. As some small tribute to him.
1 "But you are not a Jedi yet."
This line perfectly encapsulates Vader's chilling demeanor and authority. Spoken in The Empire Strikes Back, as Vader almost effortlessly nullifies Luke’s efforts with his old Saber, it’s a reminder of the trials that Luke is yet to endure as well as a firm assertion that Vader is by far the superior. Jones's delivery brings a weight to these words, with an enunciation, precision and calmness that is chilling. His voice adds an intensity that makes us feel the stakes of Luke’s journey.
2 "What!?"
Ok, perhaps a much-memed line these days, for me this is a favourite for its unintentional humour. Vader’s dumbfounded exclamation in the cockpit of his Tie Advanced, upon realising he is foiled by the Millenium Falcon as he’s about to take out Luke during the trench run of A New Hope. Albeit simple, it is delivered with a raw emotion that it becomes iconic in its own right. Part of Jones’ two or three hours work to record all the lines for A New Hope, it shows his ability to convey a range of feeling out of the uncharacteristically shocked dark lord.
3 "Anakin is gone. I am what remains."
Wow. This quote is a standout moment not just for Vader, James Earl Jone's’ legacy, but for Hayden Christensen as well. The seamless modulation of Jones’s voice with Christensen’s performance in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series creates a haunting echo of Vader’s tragic past. Jones's voice blended Hayden’s is also a beautiful coming together of old and new Star Wars, and two such important actors to the saga. It reinforces the complexity of Vader as a character. A brilliant moment, and one that demonstrates how Jones’ voice will live on with the technology of respeecher.
4. "Sister..."
In Return of the Jedi, this is a really weighty moment during probably one of the best duels in Star Wars. We feel Luke is not only fighting against Vader and the Emperor, but against his own urge to give in to the dark side. As he desperately tries to avoid fighting Vader, his feelings give away his hand at the worst moment, revealing to Vader he has a deep vulnerability through his sister. The word ‘Sister…” delivered by Jones resonates with a blend of threat and a sinister delight in the new revelation that Luke has a sister that can be used against him. Unbelievable to be able to do that with just one word.
5. "I find your lack of faith disturbing."
Again a line from “A New Hope”, and a hugely well known and iconic one. A demonstration of Vader’s deep belief in the Force early on in his introduction, and his superiority and power that comes from this, as he force chokes an unenlightened colleague! Jones’s commanding tone infuses a sense of the threat and belittlement in the words. It’s a perfect example of how his voice showcased Vader’s unwavering confidence and authority from day one. This moment cements Vader as a figure to be reckoned with, and has left a line which will be long remembered.
In the huge ripples left by James Earl Jones on entertainment, cinema, and Star Wars, these quotes to me reflect not only his incredible range but also his ability to make Vader a character of depth, complexity and staying-power. There are so many memorable lines that it’s hard to narrow them down. But each of these captures my memory of what makes Darth Vader, and James Earl Jones, truly iconic. His legacy will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come, especially thanks to his foresight of allowing Disney the rights to use his voice as Vader in future projects with respeecher. Thanks for Vader James.
MTFBWY
