After Force-choking Director Krennic, Darth Vader makes the comment
Be careful not to choke on your aspirations, Director.
This comment displays a sense of humor that seems entirely out of character for him. Is it ever explained in-universe?
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196He is a father, so the dad jokes have to come at some point.– Rogue JediDec 18, 2016 at 23:26
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62I'd also argue that Vader's "I find your lack of faith disturbing" comment after force choking Motti is a form of subtler humor.– Rogue JediDec 18, 2016 at 23:28
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18I thought it was "aspirations", not "ambition".– DeepakDec 19, 2016 at 2:23
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53@Deepak I'm pretty sure it is aspirations, which doubles the pun factor.– CoxyDec 19, 2016 at 4:43
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32The whole reason Vader wears that black mask is to cover up his Groucho Marx joke glasses.– WossnameDec 19, 2016 at 9:53
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3 Answers
Vader has quite a dry sense of humour and can often be found quipping at mildly inappropriate moments, especially when choking people, which he really seems to enjoy.
One assumes this is a habit he's picked up from his mentor Obi-Wan "so uncivilised" Kenobi.
A New Hope
VADER: I find your lack of faith disturbing [as he's choking Motti]
Empire Strikes Back
VADER: Apology accepted, Captain Needa. [As he's choking Needa]
and
VADER: We would be honored if you would join us. [Inviting Leia, Han and Chewie to dine with him after capturing them]
and
VADER: Perhaps you think you're being treated unfairly. [As Lando complains about the deal he's made being changed]
Return of the Jedi
VADER: Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them. [When told that the construction crews are working at full capacity]
and
VADER: The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am. [as a not-so veiled threat]
In the Revenge of the Sith novelisation he's even quippier when dealing with the Separatist leadership, indulging in some word play and even a pun or two.
“We were promised a reward,” she gasped. “A h-h-handsome reward“
"I am your reward,” the Sith Lord said. “You don’t find me handsome?”...
“You fought a war to destroy the Jedi.” Vader stood above the shivering Neimoidian, smiling down upon him, then fed him half a meter of plasma. “Congratulations on your success.”
...
The head of the Techno Union turned at his approach, cringing, arms lifted to shield his faceplate from the flames in the dragon’s eyes. “Please, I’ll give you anything. Anything you want!”
The blade flashed twice; Tambor’s arms fell to the floor, followed by his head. “Thank you.”...
“The war is over-Lord Sidious promised-he promised we would be left in peace …”
“His transmission was garbled.” The blade came up. “He promised you would be left in pieces.”
and again in Tarkin when killing Phoca Soot in front of a group of Coruscanti gangsters and criminals.
His eyes glazed over and his red skin began to pale; then his arms flew back from his chest as if in an act of desperate supplication, and he tipped backward, the left side of his head slamming hard against the blood-slicked floor.
For a long moment, Vader’s breathing was the only sound intruding on the silence. Without bothering to gaze on his handiwork, the Dark Lord finally said: “Perhaps this is a good place to conclude our assembly. Unless any of you have questions?”
Marvel: Star Wars #2
answered Dec 18, 2016 at 23:36
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72That novelization pun is infinitely worse than the one is Rogue One. Dec 18, 2016 at 23:52
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21I don't find any of the movie quotes funny. IMHO they are rather blatant displays of power, meant to intimidate everyone within hearing range. And indeed they do intimidate.– Agent_LDec 19, 2016 at 13:28
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42@Agent_L: It’s not important whether you find them funny. As long as Vader has his fun. And if you ever meet him, don’t tell him that you think he isn’t funny…– HolgerDec 19, 2016 at 15:36
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21@Holger - "So you think I'm funny? Funny HOW? How am I funny, what is so funny about me?" - Vader Dec 19, 2016 at 17:16
Since his days as annoying, whining, but deadpan-snarking Padawan (and he learned the snark from Obi-Wan, if nothing else).
ROTS
General Grievous, You're Shorter Than I Expected.
Anakin: Under the circumstances, I'd say the ability to pilot this thing is irrelevant.
Obi Wan: Wait a minute, how did this happen? We're smarter than this!
Anakin: Apparently not.Obi-Wan: Oh Anakin, where is your lightsaber?
Anakin: I know exactly where it is. pointing at a battle droid It's right there.
Obi-Wan: How could you let this happen?
Anakin: Hey, he's got your lightsaber too, you know.
Obi-Wan: I really don't think that's the point.
Anakin: This weapon is your life, Obi-Wan!
Obi-Wan: Yes, alright, you've made your point.OBI-WAN: Oh, so all of a sudden it's my fault.
ANAKIN: You're the Master. I'm just a hero.
AOTC
Dooku: That was brave, boy, but foolish. I would have thought you'd have learned your lesson.
Anakin: I'm a slow learner.
answered Dec 19, 2016 at 0:15
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4He's a lot quippier in the original trilogy. They even trimmed out a lot of the funnies because the tone went too far toward comedy; youtube.com/watch?v=TYR0zuQQ3AE– ValorumDec 19, 2016 at 0:25
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1@Valorum - But... in the original trilogy... he doesn't have a time machine!!! You can't explain his sense of humor in Rogue One by OT, in-universe :) Dec 19, 2016 at 0:28
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3@DVK-in-exile - I was explaining that he's got a pretty consistent sense of humour from Rogue One onwards and that making jokes is well in character for him.– ValorumDec 19, 2016 at 0:29
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3@DVK-in-exile - I read it slightly different. More like "What gives? Vader doesn't have a sense of humour, does he?"– ValorumDec 19, 2016 at 0:36
It seems pretty fitting actually, considering his attitude in the prequel trilogy, then his rogue one quips, then how much darker, dry, and sadistic his remarks become in the OT. The stress of being a sith Lord will take the piss out of even the cockiest of smartass. If phantom menace Anakin starts the spectrum and return of Jedi Vader ends it, it's pretty clear he's always been a smartass and the stress of a job in government made him a grouchy old curmudgeon.
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4Actually, I think you'll find that due to the ... accident ... his suit has to take the piss constantly.– PeterFeb 8, 2017 at 18:51
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