10 of the dumbest things Luke Skywalker has ever said or done in a Star Wars film
By Buckie Wells
4. Repeatedly screaming for C-3PO, to our amusement and horror
Which Star Wars film it happened in: Episode IV – A New Hope
Everything that happens in this trash compactor scene is comedy gold. First, Han Solo pleasantly engages in conversation but fails to deter the stormtroopers. When the company arrives, Luke, a just-rescued Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Han Solo lose in a firefight that leads them into the trash compactor.
Of course, it’s their only way out. But how they all react when the walls start moving almost makes me feel like it was partially improvised. Honestly, how do you script a colossal freak-out?
On one end, we watch Chewie start banging on the door. Meanwhile, Han Solo wants Princess Leia to get on top of the trash, but it’s not that easy. Any shots fired will ricochet and there’s something in the water. It’s the lousiest situation you could likely be in, but screeching never solves the problem.
Ignoring the “incredible smell,” Luke finally realizes he should call C-3PO, who pulls off one of his smartest moves as he tries to keep himself and R2-D2 out of trouble. However, his idea to take Artoo for maintenance is canceled out by the fact that he forgot to turn on his comm.
And when he finally turns it back on:
"“SHUT DOWN ALL THE GARBAGE MASHERS ON THE DETENTION LEVEL!”"
In a rightful panic, Luke just screams the command over and over. Anyone else in that situation would react the same way, but I can hear the distinct way Luke says it even in my dreams. The following screams of joy make the scene even that much more joyful to watch.