The Empire Strikes Back

BFI Film Classics

By: Rebecca Harrison

Narrated by: Gabrielle Glaister

Bloomsbury presents The Empire Strikes Back by Rebecca Harrison, read by Gabrielle Glaister.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980), the second film in the original Star Wars trilogy, is often cited as the ‘best’ and most popular Star Wars movie. In her compelling study, Rebecca Harrison draws on previously unpublished archival research to reveal a variety of original and often surprising perspectives on the film, from the cast and crew who worked on its production through to the audiences who watched it in cinemas.
Harrison guides readers on a journey that begins with the film’s production in 1979 and ends with a discussion about its contemporary status as an object of reverence and nostalgia. She demonstrates how Empire’s meaning and significance has continually shifted over the past 40 years not only within the franchise, but also in broader conversations about film authorship, genre, and identity.

Offering new insights and original analysis of Empire via its cultural context, production history, textual analysis, exhibition, reception, and post-1980 re-evaluations of the film, the book provides a timely and relevant reassessment of this enduringly popular film.©2025 Rebecca Harrison (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Critic reviews

Rebecca's book is a thoughtful, meticulously researched celebration of one of the most iconic films of all time. It's the look back we need and deserve right now, one that isn't afraid to critique through a modern lens while still appreciating its importance. General Leia would be proud. (Courtney Enlow, pop culture writer, podcaster, USA)

Critical Theory Invades the Star Wars Universe

The author starts off by telling us that she is a “white queer cis leftwing feminist film historian” who enjoys “white privilege.” This book is basically a bug hunt in search of racism, sexism, misogyny and power dynamics in the Empire Strikes Back, the Star Wars fan base, and the community of professional film critics. Those interested in actually learning something about the film and science fiction films generally should look elsewhere.

This book is part of a series and I’ve listened to a few more British Film Institute audios. The others have actually been pretty good, but avoid this one at all cost.