A true fairy tale

Rating: Null/10 (9 September 2002)

Back when the Academy was preparing to award their coveted prize of best movie of the year, I wanted to see the Lord of the Rings win out against a number of very strong contenders. I knew it didn't have a chance, though, for one simple reason: it's a fairy tale; and, the Academy would never consider a fairy tale as being substantive enough to receive its highest honor. But that's where they're wrong: fairy tales are amongst the greatest achievements of the human spirit. They are, in many respects, pure spirit. The Lord of the Rings is not only drenched in mythic symbolism, it is a modern myth of the highest order.
The central theme of the film (as in the book) is the problem power: its corrupting and destructive influence on human character, and our common lust after it. If we're honest with ourselves, we all believe that, given absolute power, we would use it justly and honorably. And that's where we would be tragically wrong. We all identify with Frodo when he suggests that Bilbo should have killed Gollum when he had the chance. We can see ourselves expressing that sentiment. In context, it seems reasonable. But in the fairy tale flow of the story, our aggressive instincts are mirrored back for us when Gandalf replies, `Do not be too eager to deal out death and destructionÂ… The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of men.' This silly little fairy tale puts forth about as relevant a theme to modern society as any I can imagine. This is serious stuff. And it's beautifully done.

Best of all, true to the spirit of Tolkien's work, this film renders the essence of Tolkien's tale with utter faithfulness to the original story. The casting, costumes, and settings, an adroit mixture of real people and places and special effects, are amazingly accurate. I am so looking forward to the following sequels.