poorly visualized

Rating: Null/10 (7 April 2003)

There are generally two types of films based upon novels; those that follow the novel almost page for page (Harry Potter films seem to be doing this) and those that take the novel as a basis and create their own story. In analyzing this film as well as the novels it is based on I cannot say this Jackson was true to Tolkien. Tolkien's story focus's upon the growth and deeds of the hobbits. It is shown that through their actions the battle against Sauron is won and that for all his strength Aragorn's deeds really play a small part in the shaping of the new age. Peter Jackson has decided against this theme and instead focused on the deeds of Aragorn and relegated the hobbits to baggage carriers. For this reason I shall review this movie seperately from the books, with one exception.
As a stand alone film, this movie had beautiful sweeping landscapes and elaborate set designs which showed an incredible amount of attention to detail. The look and the feel of everything involved I'm sure put everyone in the world of Middle Earth. The acting however was not as spot on. Christopher Lee and Ian McKellon both do wonderful jobs portraying the old wizards each bracing for hard times ahead. Sean Astin also did a wonderful job in conveying the helpful servant willing to do swallow all of his fears for his master. After this however I feel the acting slouches greatly, Elijah Wood seemed to have one frightful expression during the entirity of the film. I realize that his character was one that should have been frightened by his situation, it seemed though that he was more frightened in general than by any thing coming towards him. Next comes the character of Arwen portrayed by Liv Tyler. This is where I must comment on the book. To add this character to movie seems more of a ploy to appeal to a larger audience than to create better character development.
Finally the story line itself must be commented upon. Luckily for me I have read the novel at least a dozen times as well as Tolkien's other books. However, I feel if I hadn't I would have been as lost during certain scenes as the person sitting next to me at the theater. For instance there is virtually no transition between the Council of Elrond and the scene atop the mountain where Sauruman is now controlling the weather instead of the mountain itself. This type of thing happened far to often for me to have an enjoyable experience in viewing this movie.