Costume Evolution During the Development of Romantic Relationships and its Impact on the Positions of Power in the Star Wars Prequel and Original Trilogies

Abstract

<p>This study explored the costume evolution of the <em>Star Wars</em> film characters Padme Amidala and Leia Organa as romantic relationships were introduced and progressed and how this impacted their positions of power. Guided by objectification theory, each film was watched twice and detail notes were taken for each scene that featured Padme or Leia, and focused on the skin visibility, costume detail, and hairstyles within the context of the scene. The results indicated that both characters were objectified through costume. Before romantic relationships were introduced, both women were acknowledged for their positions of power which were emphasized by their costumes. It was observed that as both women progressed in their romantic relationships, their perceived power decreased, and an increase of objectification through greater skin exposure occurred. The study revealed that the <em>Star Wars</em> films objectify Padme and Leia through costume evolution and power level shifts as their relationship statuses evolved.</p>