TV Guide talks about the amazing performance of Hayden, and some of the background to his on screen character:

"Anakin's flaws, like [those of] all classic mythological heroes, are the same issues everybody struggles with," says director George Lucas. "That allows him to be human."

Anakin's primary struggle: Dedication to his duty versus the carnal imperative to pounce on pretty Padm?! "I think it's difficult for Anakin because he understands that as a Jedi, he is not allowed to fall in love," Christensen says. "There's these conflicting emotions. He feels very passionately about becoming a great Jedi, but at the same time, he feels so passionately for Padm?. It's that confusion that really causes him all of his anxiety in this film.

"And it really allows you to feel for his struggle much more," adds the Life as a House star. "I think most people would make some of the same choices Anakin does."