US director George Lucas (L) poses with Darth Vader at the end of the screening of his film "Star Wars : Episode III - Revenge of the Sith", 15 May 2005 at the 58th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival. The seminal sci-fi saga "Star Wars" comes to a rousing close 15 May when the final episode in the six-part series gets its international premiere at the Cannes film festival. The Cannes film festival, the world's top showcase of cinema, started 11 May with a slew of veteran auteurs lining up for the prestigious Palme d'Or prize, and Hollywood muscling in to promote this year's blockbusters.      
           AFP PHOTO   GERARD JULIEN (Photo by GERARD JULIEN / AFP) (Photo by GERARD JULIEN/AFP via Getty Images)
Movies - TV
George Lucas Sees Darth Vader As Ultimately A 'Pathetic Guy'
By MATT RAINIS
There are many compelling characters in the “Star Wars” universe, but none have captured the public’s fascination quite like Darth Vader, one of the most popular movie villains of all time. While many fans love the Sith Lord, George Lucas doesn’t feel the same way about his creation and doesn't see Vader as quite as cool as the movies' fandom does.
The first six “Star Wars” films show Anakin Skywalker’s transformation from an adorable little boy to a cold-hearted killer, and in “A New Hope,” Vader’s a shell of who he once was. As Lucas explained, “He’s done a lot of horrible things in his life that he isn’t particularly proud of. Ultimately, he’s just a pathetic guy who’s had a very sad life.”
Although Lucas’ words may seem harsh, it’s this unfortunate aspect of the character that makes him genuinely relatable to fans, as many have regrets over their past decisions. However, as Darth Vader shows in “Return of the Jedi” when he uses what little good he has left inside to defeat the Emperor and save his son, no one is past redemption.