How could anyone score this a '1' ? - but over 1800 have...

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2002)

It's a long time since I saw 'The Godfather'. A better movie than LotR(Part1)? Probably, but there again I would pump for Shawshank as being No1 myself.... Godfather had tremendous style - Shawshank ...well had everything in my book. But what does LotR(Part1) have that puts it in the same bracket as these illustrious companions for so many people?
It's extremely beautiful to look at. It's well acted. It is based on a great story. It's got action, comedy, romance, violence etc....the works(...plenty of people of covered this already...). Personally, I felt the inter cutting with the Gandalf/Saruman story worked very well - I didnt have a problem with the Glorfindel sex change. The council of ELrond I think was a failure, but twas only a moment in the context of the whole. The three hours flashed by - and Ill have to go and see it for a second time - not something Ive ever wanted to do before. It makes a real impact - visually, and soundwise, and it is obvious why so many rate this one right up there.
But (yup - there is a but coming), I was left with some feelings of disappointment come the end. I had a feeling I was going to be after reading all the reviews on IMdb before going. Nothing could live up to that kind of hype. Most of my issues with LOTR(Part1) were that it was just that - a (part 1.). You couldnt judge the book just reading the first book - nor can you do the same with the film. The architecture of the story AS A WHOLE has breathtaking scope. But taken in isolation the architecture of the first book just doesn't support the screen play for a film that well. There's no 'arch' shape - a going , a coming home. Its more of a washing line - a series of events that occur on a journey. Scary, beathtaking, beautiful to look at, and exciting events to be sure, but there would have to be more to warrant the top film award for me.
At first - I was sad at this. I really wanted this to be the Holy Grail of movies. But then I thought about the next two, and that the film to judge would have to be the composite of all three. I suspect that the next book the Two Towers has a better chance to stand on it's own feet as a movie, but the third will have the same problems as the Fellowship. We shall see.
It is an un imaginable prospect to sit down and see the three huge moveis back to back, but perhaps only then can we really see if the whole makes sense. The first part is a great start, and I can only look forward with anticipation to the completed work