Great Epic Film-making (Part One)

Rating: Null/10 (9 January 2007)

JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings finally hits big screens as a huge epic of a film. The first part, Fellowship of the Ring, centers on a Hobbit named Frodo Baggins, nephew of Bilbo Baggins. He inherits Bilbo's magic ring when Bilbo decides to leave and stay with the elves. But Gandalf, a wise wizard who is also Frodo's friend and mentor, feels suspicious about this ring. In a revelation, Gandalf discovers that it is the One Ring--a device created by Sauron two thousand years earlier to enslave all free peoples and creatures under his command.
Frodo makes a perilous journey across the lands of Middle Earth with the help of Sam, his gardener. Along the way, the two encounter two others: Merry and Pippin, who join their quest. They reach the shady town of Bree and lodge at the Prancing Pony. There they meet Aragorn (know as 'Strider' at this stage), who guides them to Rivendell--city of the elves.
At Rivendell is held 'The Council Of Rivendell' where Frodo is charged to deliver the Ring to Mount Doom and drop it into the fires of the volcano. A fellowship is formed to protect Frodo--its members include Gandalf, Gimli, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Aragorn, and Boromir. They set out on an epic journey across the world to reach Mordor and ultimately Mount Doom. What follows is a series of some of the most sweeping and heart-stopping battle sequences ever put onto film.
After such a long and winded summary, I definitely need to talk about the amazing technical accomplishments brought forth into this movie. The visual effects are nothing short of flawless. The sound design is specific and detailed and a treat for the ears. Howard Shore's sweeping score adds to that treat, creating a thematically-tied soundtrack for the entire fellowship that resonates throughout the whole picture.
Peter Jackson directs this with the style of an auteur who obviously respects and appreciates the literary medium of which he is adapting. His camera-work is flabbergasting on epic proportions (how many times am I going to say 'epic?). His writing, along with Fran Walsh and Phillepa Boyens is simplistic and perfect to each character he brings to life.
The acting is great as well. Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins makes you believe in that character, even though he could not possibly function in a normal 'fantasy' movie. This can be both a blessing and a curse since just about every film that follows this you will look at him and see Frodo.
Ian McKellan's wonderful performance penetrates your mind as well. He conveys wisdom and intelligence and power all at the same time, but you still get away thinking that he is a kindly old grandfather. Which is a good thing.
A great start to a fantastic saga. 9/10