As I anticipate Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I’ve been thinking about the role of visual design in telling the Star Wars saga. Specifically, the moral and psychological symbolism of certain colors.

My thoughts only these lines really began with Guardians of the Galaxy. To its credit, its production design really raised the bar for Marvel Studios. When I think of Peter Quill and the Ravagers, I can never get their ships’ blue-orange combination out of my mind. Or Gamora’s bright green skin. Or the electric black-purple of the Power Stone. The CGI is so multi-dimensional for the Power Stone’s action sequences, so dynamic. The purple “storm” itself is a memorable character. That’s the power of great visual design.

So, Star Wars colors and power. I’m fascinated by the possible meanings behind the colors of the lightsabers. I’m sure what they mean honestly. Green and blue seem to mean Jedi. Red, Dark Side. And purple means Mace Windu. Besides sabers, re there other aspects of the Stars Wars production were color and light play a significant role?

The story is important to my evaluation of Episode VII, but so are light and color. And music!