A Magnificent Achievement

Rating: 10/10 (3 May 2018)

"The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" refuses to be overshadowed by its groundbreaking predecessor. It achieved the near impossible. Jackson's trilogy shows no signs of slowing down in the epic second installment.
-Analysis of Notable Work- *Writing/Story/Directing: As the Fellowship heads in different directions, one would assume that things will start to get messy. Not so, the story stays well structured and strong. We delve deeper into the emotions of the characters, and we are introduced to more characters as well. All of which add to the plot and bring their own power to this legendary tale. Jackson meets the challenge head on and proves he is no fluke success story. He has an absolute command of the story, and brings us on a journey unlike any other. A true visionary, he brings to the screen what many thought was not possible. *Cinematography/Editing: Once again, Andrew Lesnie helps bring Middle-earth to life in an absolutely stunning manner. His movement of the camera and realistic lighting draws us into the action. The color palette is beautifully washed out, adding to the tone of hopelessness that our Fellowship faces. One could pause on almost any frame, and it would appear to be iconic. Few cinematographers have managed to achieve what Lesnie has mastered. The film editing is superb. The film moves effortlessly from story line to story line. The Helm's Deep sequences are some of the greatest battle scenes ever to be brought to screen, thanks to some of the best pacing of all time. *Dialogue/Acting: From epic monologues to intimate conversations, the dialogue is gripping in every scene. The story is propelled forward, and tension is heightened with each scene. So many characters are given so much power due to their commanding words they issue forth. The performances from all actors create such realism that it is easy to get lost in the world of Middle-earth and to think that these events are an actual part of history. Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, and others continue their strong roles in the series. Newcomers David Wenham, Bernard Hill, Brad Dourif, and more make fantastic additions to this legendary story. *Music/Sound: Once again, Howard Shore's work on the soundtrack makes it easy to get lost in Middle-earth. The music feels as if it came directly out of Tolkien's world. The addition of Rohan's theme is unforgettable. The sound design is a marvel once again. Never before has a battle on such a massive scale as that of Helm's Deep felt so real. We are again treated to original sounds created specifically for the world of Middle-earth. Most memorable are that of the Ent voices, Wargs, and Fell Beasts, as well as the return of the Nazgúl scream. *Production Design/Special Effects: The costume design and new set pieces match the prowess of those in "Fellowship." Helm's Deep, Fangorn, and Edoras are a marvel to behold. The costumes of the Rohirrim, Lothlórien Elves, and Uruk-hai are outstanding. Each has its own personal flair that gives itself an easily identifiable style. The make-up and hair-styling is also a major achievement. The visual effects are way ahead of its time. Never before has there been such a large and authentic looking army. The Ents are a technical masterpiece. The mixture of CGI and miniatures has never been used so effectively. *Conclusion: "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" is simply too massive to properly analyze every aspect of it. What can be said, however, is that it is both a technical and narrative masterpiece, and one of the finest films ever made.