Okay, so I went ahead and created a throwaway account for this so I can protect my main account.  Fingers crossed that the mouse doesn’t hit this with the ban-hammer but I took a stab at re-editing the TROS ending.  So, here are a few notes on my process:

1.  I tried to not go crazy with the edit.  Every choice I made was meant to be as logical as possible with what I had to work with.  Keep in mind, sources say that editors were still making changes as late as Nov. 25th.  By that point, little to nothing could be reshot and the score was most certainly set.

2.  Most of my editing cues came from the placement of Rey and Ben’s hands as well as trying to spot which scenes had been reversed in post – like Ben’s “fall.”

3.  The rest of my cues came from “Farewell,” which is the track that plays during these scenes.  Some of the musical themes only make sense to me in certain contexts (I’m looking at you magical chimes and playful Force theme).  Also, that swell to fanfare towards the end is the stereotypical music that plays during Big Kiss™ scene.  Don’t believe me?  Go watch this scene from Beauty and the Beast for me:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP3x8rGdbsE. Or this scene from Tangled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dXm3lXFTi4. And who could forget this Big Kiss™ scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooWJpI3Chck

4.  Regardless, this exercise has me convinced that there was a lot left behind the cutting room floor.  Editing the scene this way not only hits traditional fairytale beats such as the big fanfare swell to the Big Kiss™ scene, but it also plays out as reverse Anidala.  I honestly believe that this cut is not too far-fetched based on what is already in the scene and in the story.

You know the scene at the end of TROS where Ben falls and Rey lowers him down…

You know, this one:

Something has always bugged me about their movements and I finally put my finger on what it is.  They played the clip backwards and possibly sped it up some.

And I can prove it:

before I get started I was becoming more and more confused trying to piece this together (the editing of this film is just…wow) so forgive me if I’m not making total sense. I hope it’s clear though. I also just want to clarify that I LOVE their kiss. it’s so beautiful and it is just glorious, so please don’t think I’m hating on it. I’m just showing an example of how messy the film is in the this scene.

1. Ben Revives Rey

2. Rey Waking Up

3. Ben Then “Dies”

4. Leia Uses Her Life Force As She Fades (explains Maz happy smile) + the whole “belonging you seek is not behind you it is ahead.” line from TFA.

5. Rey Watches Ben Come Back (Relieved Look)

6. Ben RISES + Stares

7. THEN THE KISS + SMILE

My Reylo doodles (36/?)

Rise of Skywalker, but Hux goes off with Finn, Poe, Chewie and the droid gang, instead of staying behind like a dumbass and being killed. Cool, yes, people have already come up with that, BUT, combine that with the idea that Ben has to hitch a ride with Finn and Poe after Rey steals his ship.

Can you imagine???

Ben boarding the ship, sees Hux, and they both simultaneously goes "YOU?!"

Eraser’s Moving Castle