Darth Vader's Helmet
editJohn Mollo, wardrobe master for Star Wars, said that "Darth Vader's helmet started as a World War I German helmet."[1]Darth Vader's helmet and breathing mask were based on kabuto helmets and mempo masks worn by samurai in feudal Japan. George Lucas based the design of the helmet on Japanese designs because of their exotic and frightening look. Armor from the Japanese feudal period was designed to invoke fear in the enemy as well as protect the wearer.[2] Darth Vader's helmet is supposed to contain a breathing mask, which makes the famous eerie breathing sound. George Lucas designed the helmet this way to give Darth Vader the impression of being part-man, part-machine. [3]
The helmet has appeared in products such as water globes[4] and toy masks.[5]
References
edit- ^ Richard Ingram and Arthur Ward, Buying and Selling Wartime Collectables: An Enthusiast's Guide to Militaria (Crowood, 2007), 17.
- ^ Jody Reeves, "Turning Japanese? The Influences of Japanese Culture on Star Wars," Echo Station: Exploring Star Wars Beyond the Daily News (3/26/99).
- ^ Darth Vader: The Tragic Man Behind the Mask, an article on NPR
- ^ Star Wars Darth Vader Helmet Water Globe
- ^ Star Wars Darth Vader Voice Changer Helmet by Hasbro