Why does Darth Vader opt to physically strangle Captain Antilles at the beginning of “Star Wars” (1977) instead of “Force Choking” him?

Question

At the beginning of the original Star Wars (1977) film, after Imperial troops have taken control of the Rebel Blockade Runner (Tantine IV), Darth Vader is clearly seen physically strangling Captain Antilles shortly after boarding the ship.

Okay, I have read the details in this question and answer thread which focuses on people being levitated when being “Force Choked.” And the selected answer clearly provides a nice inventory of the times Darth Vader—and others—“Force Choke” folks. But I’m still unclear on one thing: If Darth Vader can remotely—without any physical contact—choke people by using the Force, then why does he choose to physically choke Captain Antilles and crush his throat with his hands?

Is there any kind of in universe—official Disney canon or “Legends”—explanation for Darth Vader choosing to flex his muscles around Captain Antilles neck? I assume the “out of universe” explanation is George Lucas was making this stuff up as he went along and the imagery just looked cool.

Answer 1

From a storytelling point of view, it would have introduced yet another element right at the start of the movie - and before the concept of the Force was introduced.

Placing Vader’s first use of the Force at the commanders’ meeting works because we have Motti belittling Vader and his “sorcerer’s ways,” with the immediate reprisal being a demonstration that there is power in the force.

All we need to know right up front is that Vader is both bad and a badass.

Answer 2

/begin fan theory

There is evidence to suggest that Dark Force users, and possibly even Light Force users, try to avoid using their powers with others around. Which makes a bit of sense when we look at religions in RL. As an example: except for apologetics, Christians don't generally express their doxology in public. Maybe Force users don't generally practice the force in public.

Examples or hints to this:

• In the scene you include, Vader is trying to get information out of Antilles. Vader could have used a force Mind Trick to have Captain Antilles tell him. Instead he tortures him.
• Vader uses the interrogation probe on Leia instead of his powers. Poe is interrogated by multiple people/things. It isn't until the multiple failures that Kylo Ren gives it a shot. And succeeds. Easily.
• Darth Vader says in Star Wars: A New Hope “The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.” Taken literally (and out-of-context), this is a strange comment to make since we’ve seen three examples of planet destroying machines constructed.
• Tarkin and Motti openly ridicule Vader. If Vader, Palpatine, or the Jedi 20 years prior were open with their powers the officers would have never dared to criticize Vader. (Considering Vader only gives Motti a little choke, it isn’t unreasonable to think they believe he can’t do much more.)
• In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the Jedi and Sith seem to be considered more myth than reality. This is a mere fifty years after the Clone Wars! Yes there were only two Sith at a time and not many Jedi but these were ninjas with lightsabers with psychic powers that lead armies regularly in battle and had a Jedi temple on Coruscant. These were the leader of the senate, emperor and his apprentice. And their powers are considered myths after only a few dozen years.
• Vader and Kylo Ren tend to interrogate in private when they use their force powers. Or with the minimal assortment of people.
• There are other small examples sprinkled in the seven movies where in-universe the characters do an action that makes very little sense given their force powers. Kenobi’s issues in Star Wars episodes II and III would have been easier (Use a Jedi mind trick on Fett or bounty hunters in general), Force users generally bothering to fight humanoids one-on-one period, Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn being sent as diplomats (you don’t send super soldiers to negotiations), Qui-Gon Jinn not gambling to win Anakin's mother, etc...

/end fan theory

Edit: After seeing Rise Of Skywalker, Vader literally could have meant that Palpatine and himself were stronger than death stars.

Answer 3

In addition to the obvious necessity to introduce Vader's character as the ultimate bad guy, I'd say that in this scene his character was also pretty pissed off, so resorted to a more primal action than use of the force:

• We know that Vader was previously tantalisingly close to preventing the escape of the stolen plans. His frustration stems from his own arrogant self-belief in his power, which is a trait from his pre-Vader days

• "What have you done with those plans?" He demands, knowing fully well this rebel guy is probably just a trooper and unlikely to know to such information

• Picking him up and throttling him whilst interrogating him, before he's had a chance to answer, indicates his intention is simply to vent his anger; to kill this guy regardless