Jorge Luis Borges, the Mirror Man

Released in 1999, this film emerged as a landmark in science fiction cinema, marking the return of a legendary space fantasy franchise after a sixteen-year hiatus. Created by George Lucas, the production was heavily anticipated as the start of a prequel trilogy intended to explore the origins of the series' central antagonist. It utilized groundbreaking digital effects and was filmed in a mix of traditional locations and highly advanced CGI environments, representing a significant technological shift for industrial Light and Magic.

The film's visual design sought to establish a more opulent, aestheticized version of the galaxy compared to the gritty, lived-in look of the original trilogy. Concepts were heavily influenced by artist Iain McCaig and production designer Gavin Bocquet, who drew on diverse cultural motifs to create the distinct architecture and attire of the planet Naboo. While the project achieved immense commercial success, its reception was complex, with critics and longtime fans debating the shift in tone and the reliance on digital character integration.