Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones was the first introduction of Count Dooku to the Star Wars franchise, with the film failing his character in one key aspect. Since his introduction to the series, Dooku has become one of the more iconic Star Wars villains. From his portrayal by legendary actor Christopher Lee to his future appearances in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Tales of the Jedi, Dooku ranks among the more popular Star Wars villains alongside Darth Sidious, Darth Maul, and Darth Vader.
That being said, the very first iteration of Dooku in Attack of the Clones fails the character in a very specific way as a duelist. While this does link to the continuity issue of a vast franchise like Star Wars due to this failure only becoming evident thanks to what is known in the series today, Dooku in Attack of the Clones has one major disappointing element. That letdown comes in the form of the lightsaber battle at the end of the film, how it reflects on Count Dooku, and its other shortcomings.
Dooku Is Known As One Of The Best Lightsaber Duelists (Which AOTC Doesn’t Show)
The main way Attack of the Clones failed Dooku was by the film’s inability to showcase the renown Dooku possesses in terms of lightsaber dueling. Dooku is known as one of the masters of Form II of lightsaber combat named Makashi. Makashi is a lightsaber style that excels specifically in dueling, as it emulates a fencing form of combat that relies on careful, controlled strikes to opponents. Dooku is widely regarded as a master in this form of combat, leading to his galaxy-wide reputation as one of the best lightsaber duelists in history.
That being said, Attack of the Clones fails to show Dooku’s competency for various reasons. While Dracula’s Christopher Lee was a fantastic actor, his age at the time of filming meant that the lightsaber duel between Dooku, Anakin, and Obi-Wan could not be performed in the same way the Duel of the Fates was. Lucas’ insistence on using Lee in the duel led to multiple issues with the fight. From the slow, choppy editing that had to be employed to mask Lee’s lesser ability with the moves to the wonky CGI head replacement with a stunt double, the fight did not showcase the overwhelming potential of Dooku’s ability.
Lucas’ Attempted Innovation Does Not Work In Attack Of The Clones’ Duel
Another issue that drags the lightsaber fight in Attack of the Clones down – when it should have been one of the best in the franchise due to Dooku’s renown – is Lucas’ attempted innovation with its portrayal. Shortly after Obi-Wan is incapacitated, Anakin Skywalker cuts the lights in Count Dooku’s lair, leading to the two fighting in darkness. Through this, Lucas attempted a more artsy look of a lightsaber fight with simple close-ups of Hayden Christensen and Lee while the lightsabers flash and swirl around them.
While the attempt at innovating a lightsaber duel and making it different from all that had come before was admirable, it simply did not work. The stagnant shots of Christensen and Lee attempting to look focused and engaged while nothing happened other than a flashing of lights around them draw all energy and tension out of the fight. Rather than feel any real sense of urgency, the fight lacks dynamism because of Lucas’ attempted innovations, which causes the second portion of Attack of the Clones’ climactic fight to fall as flat as its first.
Yoda Vs. Dooku Is Also A Missed Attack Of The Clones Opportunity
Another missed opportunity in Attack of the Clones’ lightsaber duel was Yoda vs. Dooku. Having the galaxy’s most renowned lightsaber duelist fight the most powerful Jedi known in the franchise should have been overwhelmingly exciting, yet the concept, unfortunately, falls victim to similar issues as the first two sections of the lightsaber fight. The first half of Yoda vs. Dooku surrounds their skill with the Force, which also falls flat. Dooku shooting lightning at Yoda is incredibly slow, with sluggish movements from Lee and still, wide shots with no visceral portrayal of Force powers or any sense of danger.
Yoda, at a similar slow speed to Dooku, simply catches the lightning and dissipates it, before Dooku shoots yet more Force lightning at his old master which retains the slow, lifeless nature of the fight. The second half of this specific duel is an improvement when Yoda and Dooku clash with their lightsabers, yet still suffers from the aforementioned issues. Having a 79-year-old Christopher Lee attempt to duel against a full CGI creature meant that the head-replacement issues and slow choreography plagued the fight, proving beyond doubt that Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones failed the galaxy’s greatest lightsaber duelist in Count Dooku.
