Meaning: David Prowse, the actor who portrayed Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy, made this statement expressing his disbelief at the technological inconsistencies between the original Star Wars trilogy and the subsequent prequel films. Prowse's remark touches on an interesting aspect of the Star Wars universe, particularly the evolution of technology and the challenges of maintaining continuity in a fictional universe with a sprawling timeline.

The quote reflects Prowse's observation that the technology depicted in the prequel films, which are set chronologically before the original trilogy, appears more advanced and sophisticated compared to the technology seen in the later films. This incongruity raises questions about the continuity and world-building within the Star Wars franchise, as well as the creative decisions made by the filmmakers.

One possible explanation for this inconsistency is the progression of real-world technology and filmmaking techniques. When the original Star Wars trilogy was created in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the visual effects and practical technology available to filmmakers were limited by the technological capabilities of the time. As a result, the futuristic technology portrayed in those films was constrained by the era in which they were produced.

In contrast, when George Lucas returned to the Star Wars saga to create the prequel films in the late 1990s and early 2000s, he had access to more advanced visual effects and CGI technology. This allowed for the depiction of a more visually stunning and technologically advanced galaxy far, far away. The evolution of filmmaking technology undoubtedly played a role in the discrepancy between the technological aesthetics of the original and prequel trilogies.

Furthermore, within the narrative of the Star Wars universe, the differences in technology between the two trilogies can be attributed to various factors such as political and economic conditions, scientific advancements, and the ebb and flow of galactic history. For example, the original trilogy is set during a time of galactic civil war and rebellion against the oppressive Galactic Empire, which may have led to a scarcity of resources and a focus on military technology rather than civilian advancements. On the other hand, the prequel trilogy is set during the waning years of the Galactic Republic, a time of relative peace and prosperity, which could explain the abundance of advanced technology and sleek designs.

Additionally, the aesthetic choices made by the filmmakers and production designers also played a role in shaping the visual identity of each trilogy. The original trilogy embraced a "used universe" aesthetic, characterized by weathered, lived-in technology that reflected the gritty, downtrodden nature of the galaxy under Imperial rule. In contrast, the prequel trilogy presented a more polished and pristine vision of the Star Wars galaxy, showcasing sleek and futuristic designs to convey the opulence and grandeur of the pre-Empire era.

In conclusion, David Prowse's quote highlights the complexities of maintaining technological continuity in a fictional universe with a vast timeline and evolving real-world production techniques. The discrepancy in technology between the original and prequel trilogies offers insight into the intersection of filmmaking advancements, narrative world-building, and aesthetic choices within the Star Wars franchise. Despite the challenges of reconciling these technological inconsistencies, they contribute to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe and spark thought-provoking discussions among fans and creators alike.