A front runner for Best Film of 2001

Rating: Null/10 (27 December 2001)

It had been a long time (2 weeks) since I'd last been to the local cinema down in the multiplex. My previous outing had left me scarred: Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone was its name and it had thrown my expectations and desires to the wind. After that everything changed: Cameron Crowe films seemed pointless, teen buddy comedies like American Pie 2 were abysmal and even a DeNiro-Brando-Norton collaboration appeared to be fruitless.
It was at this point that I decided once again put my faith in film and allow myself to be swept up in hype. This time it was a New Zealand produced film by the name of "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring" and it looked to be the next "big thing". Toys, books, dolls, cups, cards and posters came, each cheesy piece of merchandise grabbing me and seizing my wants and needs inch by inch.
By the evening of Christmas I was at the foot of my bed praying, not for the wonderful presents and other assorted gifts I had accumulated, but that this film, just this one, would fish me out of the deep and never-ending pit of dissatisfaction that had been set by it's cinematic brothers and sisters. And so on the 27th of December at about eight thirty in the morning there I stood in a queue down at the local Greater Union cinema, that odd feeling and the words "LORD OF THE RINGS" echoing throughout my mind and pulsating through my veins like quicksilver.
At about ten thirty the doors open and I sat in the cinema on the middle right, my preferred seating venue. After a few almost insignificant trailers (save Episode II) the movie started. Suddenly the on-screen title sprung up "The Lord of The Rings". It had begun.
What followed was one of the most incredible cinematic experiences that I had ever had the grace of attending (keeping in mind I'm sixteen) and an event that will surely change the face of Fantasy film forever. Firstly, the Special Effects and other graphic aids created by the WETA team are superbly spectacular. Included in the greatness of the film is of course the set decoration and art direction which in my opinion, not only matches, but overtakes the efforts in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The detail and depth of Hobbiton is a primary example of the level of authenticity.
Secondly, the performances contributed by all involved are first grade. You can tell there were no second preferences here (save Viggo Mortinsen who was not originally slated to play the role of Strider, but who does turn in a finely restrained and forcefully stable performance). Particular attention however must be paid to Ian McKellan for his deliciously perfect portrayal of the aging wizard Gandalf, Elijah Wood for his lively but surprisingly calculated and subdued Frodo (he avoids over-acting) and Cate Blanchett for her riveting and enchanting characterization of one of the oldest characters in Tolkien's saga's, the Elf Queen Galadriel.
The strength and overall intelligence of the screenplay (written by the director Peter Jackson and several other collaborators) truly captures the brilliance and distinct feel established in Tolkien's prized books. Although a few scenes and intricacies throughout the book have been altered or even deleted, the screen envisionment can proudly hold a flame to the legendary tale. Note: Tolkien aficionados may criticize the film due to its lack of areas included in the tale and do have a basis for complaint, but are reminded: if you are going to mame the film for it's literary shortcomings please do not complain of its length, which leads me to my next point.
Although the film is arduous (at over three hours) it does, somehow, maintain interest throughout the lagging scenes and keeps the viewer ever interested. And for those out there who are thinking of boycotting the film because your favorite critic or critics have said it was too long, keep in mind films such as Pulp Fiction, Titanic and Saving Private Ryan were also accused of being too lengthy.
Finally, the direction by Peter Jackson (of Heavenly Creatures fame) is an example of ideal modern epic film making and how to execute it properly. The brilliant narrative and overall excellence of the film deserves to win Jackson his first Oscar (though it should be his second).
Although The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring does have its shortcomings, notably a few under developed characters and a penchant for a sappy love story in between, it is definitely the strongest, wisest and best film of the Year of 2001. This is, undoubtedly, the cinematic event of the year. I only hope the Academy realises this and does the right thing before its too late (I call to mind STAR WARS).
Overall: 9 1/2 out of 10