“Well, I’m back…”
The final Tuesday night showing of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, has ended. Added to the usual bittersweet melancholy I feel as the final credits roll is the bittersweet feeling of this three week event coming to an end. It has been more than I expected it to be. It was a scheduled date night. It spawned a new friendship. And it was something I never thought I would ever experience–the extended versions of Peter Jackson’s films on the big screen.
I realize on some level that it makes no sense to be sad that the trilogy has ended. I could sit down at home and immediately watch them again right now. But I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to taint this experience. Any time I partake of the film trilogy I then like to take a break from it for awhile, despite the strong feeling that I am leaving behind close friends. I never want to inundate myself so much with either the films or the books that they lose their power to move me. And move me they do.
If you dear folk will indulge me one more time, I would like to discuss some things that stood out in this viewing of The Return of the King.
Be forewarned, spoilers follow after the jump.
Eowyn’s Dream
I am strongly attached to everything about this scene. The framing of the shot, the manner in which Eowyn lies sleeping, the texture and colors of the outfit they designed for Miranda Otto…it is all very lovely and flowing. It makes me think of a pre-raphaelite painting come to life. The words of the scene are also particularly poignant to me because of the extras on the Extended Edition DVD’s in which the Tolkien scholars discuss this as a real dream that J.R.R. Tolkien had. When I think on his experiences in the war and his frustration with the increase of industrialism and its effects on the land this dream of his takes on additional meaning. I believe the words as spoken in the film exist in the book as parts of a conversation between Eowyn and Faramir.
“I dreamed I saw a great wave, climbing over green lands and above the hills. I stood upon the brink. It was utterly dark in the abyss before my feet. A light shone behind me but I could not turn. I could only stand there, waiting.”
The reforging of Anduril, Flame of the West
In the books Aragorn is in possession of the sword much earlier than it comes about in the film. But I enjoy the choice that the writers made to move this deeper into the storyline of The Return of the King as it becomes that visually powerful moment when Aragorn finally accepts his responsibility and chooses to become the king he was born to be. That whole scene, beginning with Arwen seeing a vision of her child which prompts her return to Rivendell, her confrontation with her father, and her charge to him to reforge the sword, is a special moment. Another adrenaline pumping scene is when Aragorn picks up the palantir and shows Sauron the reforged sword, effectively telling Sauron that he, Aragorn, is coming for him. I also happen to be very fond of the sword itself. The designer(s) did a wonderful job with it, which is why many years ago I added the officially licensed replica to my collection of The Lord of the Rings memorabilia. Is a fascination with swords just a guy thing? Perhaps so. When the cast and crew talk about how Viggo Mortensen carried his sword with him everywhere, I feel an instant kinship. What guy wouldn’t relish the idea of having a job that allowed you the excuse of taking a really cool sword with you everywhere you went?
“I am Andúril who was Narsil, the sword of Elendil. Let the thralls of Mordor flee me.”
Minas Tirith
We get glimpses of the city of Gondor, Minas Tirith, the White City, in the other films but those are but a shadow compared to that moment when Gandalf and Pippen, riding on Shadowfax, crest the hill and we join Pippen in seeing Minas Tirith in all its glory for the first time. Wow! It is glorious. On the big screen, with surround sound speakers enveloping you with Howard Shore’s score you cannot help but feel the awe that Pippen felt.
Tolkien’s creation of the Numenoreans as an ancient people that has died out, but for their blood flowing through the dwindling Dúnedain race, is one of the things that fascinates me most about his work. The sense of history this people gives to Middle-earth, where in the third age they are but legend and many of their awe-inspiring works of architecture are but ruins, gives so much depth to his work. We are told that Minas Tirith is falling to ruin and no longer has the splendor it once did, but despite Gandalf’s words I find the city to be quite beautiful. I have been fond of castles since my childhood and I don’t recall seeing anything as interestingly designed as Minas Tirith, with its levels and concentric circles. As Gandalf arrives and they open the gate we are treated to a bird’s eye views of the city as he moves upwards level by level. I couldn’t help but think back to The Fellowship of the Ring and the scene where Boromir rapturously describes it to Aragorn.
“Have you ever seen it, Aragorn? The White Tower of Echthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver, its banners caught high in the morning breeze? Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?
One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard will take up the call, that the lords of Gondor have returned.”
“I am no man!”
I discussed some of what makes Eowyn such an intriguing character in my discussion on The Two Towers
and we see even more of Eowyn’s struggles in The Return of the King. Her doomed attraction to Aragorn makes me sad for her throughout both films, despite the fact that I know she and Faramir end up together. Added to the sadness surrounding Eowyn is her desire to be of use, to prove herself in battle, to have the ability to choose to die fighting with and for those she loves. In the book and the film she and Merry make such an unlikely duo, and the fact that the two of them, neither of them “men”, do their part to destroy the Witch King is a moment that always makes me want to stand up and cheer. Eowyn is such a rich and complex character and once again I have to praise Miranda Otto for her performance. Her performance is so authentic. Her tears are so real, her longing so palpable. The last time that King Theoden and Eowyn speak, he tells her that he would see her smile again, something that she cannot do. Despite seeing the movie dozens of times, tonight’s performance was the first time I noticed that as she is talking to a dying Theoden, she smiles. Theoden was granted his wish.
The Houses of Healing
Viewers of the theatrical release only are cheated out of the scenes in the Houses of Healing, and they are beautiful scenes, even more so if you have read The Return of the King. A very special part of Tolkien’s book is Aragorn’s role as a healer, and the prophecies regarding healing being in the hands of the king. This plays a very important part in Tolkien’s story and I am glad that the extended edition of the film gives fans a few moments within the Houses of Healing. The addition of these scenes also allows viewers to hear Liv Tyler’s song which plays over the part where Aragorn is caring for Eowyn. It is a beautiful song and I am happy for her sake that it exists in this version of the film. Eowyn and Faramir in particular go through physical, psychological and spiritual healing in this place and this is one of many areas where I am thrilled to have the book knowledge to flesh out these brief scenes.
The One Ring
Since Christmas of 2003 I have worn my own One Ring, a silver version instead of the gold, and have long had a fascination with the look of the ring and with its role as a character in Tolkien’s work. And it is not just the One Ring. All of the rings given to men and elves and dwarves are intriguing and unfortunately time does not permit the films to deeply explore these rings. Even so, that gives the rings an air of mystery. As Frodo’s journey continues and he gets closer and closer to Mordor, the film makers represent the weight of the burden Frodo carries by showing the chain cut deeply into his neck. It is heavy. It is a responsibility that Frodo ultimately cannot handle on his own, and the loyalty and bravery of Sam is what saves the day as he encourages Frodo to keep going, carrying him at one point. I am very happy with the way the editing team put together the sequence of the One Ring being destroyed. I am glad it didn’t just plop down into the lava never to be seen again. That moment where it sits afloat and the writing on the ring begins to glow and the voice of the ring begins to be heard is a very satisfying one. And when the ring finally sinks we can momentarily see the writing afloat on the top of the lava before it too disappears, signaling the final defeat of Sauron. Again, a moment where I feel like cheering.
The Failure of Frodo
I had mentioned in another post that I had not read any of The Lord of the Rings prior to my seeing all three films and I avoided all spoilers in regards to the storyline. I was not sure what was going to happen when Frodo got to Mt. Doom and I was devastated the first time I saw The Return of the King in the theater as I watched Frodo be overcome by the ring and that evil look on his face as he yanked the chain loose from his neck and slipped the ring on his finger. Like Samwise Gamgee, I wanted to yell, “Nooo!!!!”. I left the theater after that first viewing with a feeling of sadness in the pit of my stomach that was so profound that even writing about it all these years later brings back a vivid sensory memory. Despite all the triumph of the characters in the film, all I could think was that Frodo failed. Now I realize that is all a matter of how you look at it. He did display a tremendous amount of bravery and heroism in getting the ring to its place of destruction. But in a twist that is so unlike many heroic tales, the hero fails and does so right at the most crucial moment in the story. That feeling in relation to the books and films has never quite left me. What is so powerful about it is that it captures the spectrum of despair and hope that Tolkien’s work embraces.
“How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand… there is no going back? There are some things that time cannot mend. Some hurts that go too deep, that have taken hold.”
When I heard that for the first time it felt like someone had looked into my soul and finally affirmed what I so often felt when I read heroic stories or watched heroic films. I always wondered how the characters in books and films would go on with their “normal” lives after such fantastic, dangerous, life-changing adventures. I always wondered what Han and Chewie would do once Darth Vader and the Emperor were destroyed and Han’s love for Leia was declared. Could he go back to a life of smuggling? I don’t think so. How could Alice go back to a conventional life after her trips to Wonderland? How could the kids stand to go back to day to day life in England when they had been to Narnia? There is a melancholy feeling right at the back of these kinds of stories that is not often explored but it is one I have been aware of for as long as I remember, because it is that same feeling I always got, and still get, when I’ve finished a particularly satisfying book or watched a particularly satisfying film. It is over and I’m not ready for it to be over. I’m not ready to let these characters go. I’m not ready to try to go back. Annie Lennox’s song, Into the West, so perfectly captures my feelings when all is said and done that I include the song at the end of this review.
I could go on and on but perhaps it is best if I stop here with my thoughts on The Return of the King. After all, I’m getting sleepy. I would encourage you to bring up other parts of the film that you like as that will give me the excuse to expand upon my thoughts in the comments. In other words, I am looking for you to enable me. 🙂 [Update: I enabled myself this morning. Here is a link to a comment of mine below where I expand on my thoughts on this film]
In my reluctance to leave this experience behind, allow me to close with a few of my favorite things about the overall experience:
1. Sharing this with my wife.
It is one thing to have a spouse who turns a blind eye to your geekness. It is quite another to have a spouse who supports it by embracing both you and the things over which you geek out. Mary is just such a spouse. She genuinely enjoys science fiction and fantasy. She does not have near the level of devotion to it that I do nor is she a big reader of either genre. But when she expressed her excitement about this event and continued to do so every week, I knew it was from her own attachment to the films and not merely to satisfy her obsessed spouse. It has been such a pleasure sharing this experience with her.
2. Meeting new people
At The Fellowship of the Ring we met a man who is in Missouri on business, whose wife and children were partaking of the same event in their hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. At The Two Towers he found us again and we learned that he is a civil engineer who has been in Missouri for a state wide bridge replacement project that began in September of 2010 and is slated to end September of 2012. He spends his week in Missouri and flies home to see his family on the weekends. Needless to say, we felt for the guy. At The Return of the King we saved a seat for him and we exchanged numbers and made plans to get together on occasion so that he doesn’t have to spend his entire week, week after week, alone in an apartment hundreds of miles from family and friends. As corny as it sounds, a fellowship was formed.
3. Geeking out with co-workers
The Executive Administrative Assistant at my place of employment, the heroine of my lost One Ring story, is a big Lord of the Rings fan as well. For some unfathomable reason neither of us thought about talking to each other about this event and only discovered on the day of Fellowship’s release that we were both going. The past two weeks have been spent geeking out over the event, much to the chagrin of our non-geek co-workers, and discussing how hard it has been on our ever-aging bodies and minds to keep such late hours every Tuesday for the past 3 weeks.
4. The anticipation
As ridiculous as it sounds I was unprepared for what my reaction turned out to be to each of these three films. In the days leading up to each Tuesday night I was busy and only mildly engaged with the idea that I was going to see the film. But on each successive Tuesday I found the anticipation rise up within me and my excitement was at fever pitch. My attachment to these films has not waned since their initial release, and it was so much fun to feel that anticipation overtake me, as if I was a child on Christmas morning.
5. Seeing these on the big screen
I truly never thought I would ever see the Extended Editions of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy on the big screen. Thank you Fathom Events for making this possible. The films were glorious on the big screen, proving that some movies, the truly epic ones, continue to benefit from this format despite the quality and size of televisions being produced today.
6. The Group Experience
There is something special about seeing a film with a group of people who love it as you do. The majority of the crowd had obviously seen these films many times and yet it surprised me how loud and genuine the laughs were during the parts of the film that were humorous and how engaged the audience was overall. This type of movie theater experience is the closest experience to live theater that I have ever had. And I am happy to report that for each of these films we had a “good audience”.
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on these three films and thank you doubly for your enthusiasm in engaging in conversation in the comments section. No set of books or films has ever moved me the way that The Lord of the Rings does. The combination of the books I have read by and about J.R.R. Tolkien and the books I have read about Peter Jackson and this film project coupled with the films themselves and all the hours of extras on two different sets of DVDs that I have watched over and over again make this the most influential fiction I have had in my life. One day I’ll have to post about the extras and what they mean to me and how they inspire me. For now I will draw the curtain on The Lord of the Rings and wish you all a pleasant good night.
with all the love you have for these movies..did you ever wonder, since most of the “fellowship” went together and got a tatoo, if any of them really had the deep feeling of the entire movie that you have? At the time I think some did. But if you asked them now do you think any of them would say that they still felt their character is still alive in them? Or that the movie itself is the top of the list for emotional feelings?.. just wondering.
there are a handful of movies I can watch over and over and over and each time I find myself so deep into the movie that I never want it to end. I have felt this wasy about a few books too. I could only dream that Jackson would love and make the Pern story!
I am so glad this was such a good experience for you..and you found a new friend!!! you sure can’t beat that!
Deslily: I have no doubt after watching the extras so many times that they did indeed have a deep compassion and commitment to the film and to each other. The tears they shed on the day of their final shoot was just one of many indications. I also think of the crew when I think of that “how to you go back” quote. I realize that many of them had to move on to the next film, but I often wonder how difficult it was to go from a film that had that much camaraderie for so very many years. I think it would be so difficult.
I suspect that some of them have that same feeling today. Seeing so many of the characters interviews pop up on The One Ring dot Net regarding their possible involvement in The Hobbit and reading most of them practically beg to be in it indicates to me that they hope to experience that kind of magic again.
It is interesting that you bring up the Hobbits in particular because Sean Astin asks a similar question to that in his autobiography about the experience, There and Back Again: A Hobbit’s Tale. He talks about the precious quality of those friendships but as an older actor he also expressed the hope that those bonds wouldn’t fade because he knows all too well that they do.
That old cliche about lightning not striking twice: I do so hope that is true for the two Hobbit films.
yes I read Sean’s book before I saw him at the convention.. of course there’s closeness when working with each other.. I just wonder (even if not actually said outloud) if they ever sit and think about it as the wonderful experience it must have been.. unlike a 10 week shoot for a movie this was 3 movies back to back.
it does make you wish it happened to you and others too.
I wonder that too Deslily. And I appreciated Sean Astin’s frankness about that in his book. I have got to think that the experience for most of the actors is one that may truly be once in a lifetime, not only because of the time they spent together but also moving to a new country and spending years there. I would hope they look back on it fondly once in awhile.
When I watch the extras and see the crew I know in my head that many days it probably felt like very hard and thankless work, yet I cannot get away from also thinking that many of them were working in pursuit of their passions which is not something everyone has or takes the opportunity to do. I’m sure some are left with bitterness from the experience, that is human nature after all, but my dream is that the majority of them are grateful for the time they had in Middle-earth.
I did not read this post fully, I stopped when you said there would be spoilers (thanks) but I scanned to view the photos. Once again, I am mesmerized by the images
What impresses me most is how quickly you were able to put your thoughts together and then publish the post. Lightening speed! Whew! I think that alone is a testament to your passionate liking of this trilogy. That alone, friend, is a huge motivator for me to finish book one, read book two and be ready for book three by November. Although, it is good to know there is grace ready for me if by chance I don’t make it to book three by November. 😉
Oh yeah, sorry that I don’t have all the book names down and refer to them by number, but really, they all seem to merge in my mind as one large book LOTR which is making it difficult for me to remember the sub-names.
Ibeeeg: I actually thought specifically of you when it came to adding that spoilers line after you mentioned not seeing the second or third film or reading the second or third book.
Thanks! It didn’t feel fast as I spent a couple hours on it before going to bed, but I was motivated by my passion and the good vibe that was coursing through me. This morning I am just as passionate but incredibly sleepy! 🙂
Actually the book was written just as one large volume. It was the publisher who, largely because of post-war paper issues and cost, decided to break it up into three parts. So if you just remember it all as The Lord of the Rings then you are doing great. J.R.R. Tolkien wasn’t fond of the three books and especially didn’t like the title “Return of the King”
It sounds like this was a wonderful experience on so many different levels.
TBM: It was, it really was!
Okay, I decided to add a few more things this morning. Big surprise.
1. I forgot to talk about Peter Jackson’s introduction. In it he discussed the pressures of expectations for this third film, especially in light of the fact that the much of the filming for it was completed before the first film ever came out so they didn’t have the benefit that some sequels have at being able to start a fresh shoot after a successful first film.
He also discussed the Battle of Pelennor Fields. Evidently there was a French battle in which there were six thousand riders (cannot recall which he said it was now) and he admitted to always wanting to see what that was like. He was thrilled then when Tolkien wrote that there were 6,000 riders. He made sure to tell his digital effects guys that he wanted that many horses in the shot.
2. Speaking of the Battle of Pelennor Fields, it is funny how the mind works. I’ve seen the film enough times that I found myself thinking, as Eomer and Merry and others searched the field for the living and the dead, “boy this would be a nasty mess to have to clean up!” In The Two Towers Eomer and his men piled and burned the carcasses of the Uruk Hai that they killed, and that was just a small drop in the bucket compared to the dead from this battle. I cannot imagine how un-glamorous the job of dealing with the dead would have been. And the stench!
And that of course led me to thinking about the oliphants when I woke up this morning. Would the cooks of the city go out and field dress the oliphants? Would all that meat go to waste or would they by necessity have to utilize it?
I know, I’m crazy.
3. One of my favorite individual scenes in the movie is when the Nazgul dive bomb the city of Minas Tirith. The camera angles and the way in which the camera sweeps over the city, following various flight plans of the fell beasts is one of the highlights of the battle sequences. I am particularly fond of the look and sound of the winged creatures. They are worm-like and dragon-like at the same time and the sound of their beating wings, especially with great surround sound, makes your heart beat fast.
Just a wonderful post. I know what you mean about being sad when it’s over and also about having a spouse to share it with. Last year, my husband (who is not a geek or a LOTR fan, unfortunately for him) watched the entire extended trilogy with me over the Fourth of July weekend. I loved every second of it and was sad when it ended. I wish I could have seen them on the big screen!
Melissa: Wonderful of your husband to do that with you, especially as he is not a fan. That is a big commitment for a holiday weekend. I tend to be a bit maudlin when I watch these too much by myself, so it has been wonderful to have my wife and friends to discuss this with, as well as all of you. I am so thrilled with the comments on these posts. I love talking about Lord of the Rings.
I so wish there was a theater nearby where I could’ve watched these three on the Big Screen. This one, ROTK, is my favorite of the films (or very nearly so, behind Fellowship). It’s so deep and tragic and beautiful for so many different reasons.
“I was devastated the first time I saw The Return of the King in the theater as I watched Frodo be overcome by the ring and that evil look on his face as he yanked the chain loose from his neck and slipped the ring on his finger.” Indeed. This is portrayed well in the books, but seeing it play out on screen gives a completely different reaction. We’re so used to the hero prevailing in our cinemas that when one fails, especially at the pivotal moment, we’re thrown for a loop. The trio of actors at Mt. Doom did such an amazing job here.
I listen to these three soundtracks quite often, relishing in the wonderful music of Howard Shore. Lacking the visual stimulation, the audio alone is tear-jerking at times.
Ahh. Relatedly, I did order the extended blu-rays, which I should be getting any time now. Can’t wait to see them again.
I’ve enjoyed these three reviews. Great stuff, Carl.
You’ll have to let me know how they look on blu-ray, Logan. I’m anxious to hear. I have marveled at some blu-ray films and been less than thrilled at others and I am hoping these fall into the amazing category.
I only have the theatrical release soundtrack for Return of the King but I desperately want the full recordings of all three films. They are still so expensive but I just need to buckle down and save for them. It would be a worthwhile expenditure for me. The music is so wonderful and it is very tear-jerking at times.
Glad to hear that the experience did not disappoint Carl. Tho, I knew it wouldn’t.
and I’m a sword geek also so, it’s not just men that covet sharp pointy things. ^_^
I actually saw the Return of the King once in one of the few remaining drive-in theatres around here (since torn down) and remember the Pirate boats coming in along the riverbank and the orcs jeering at them about being late with a thunderstorm sparking and brewing on the horizon behind the drive-in screen…the thunder joining with the swell of spirits sweeping the battlefield. That was truely magical!
sgist: That sounds magical! I haven’t been to a drive-in for years, I’m sad to say. The drive-in was such a staple in my youth and even in my earlier marriage Mary and I would go see re-released films at the drive in when we lived in Tulsa.
Hooray for sword geeks! I keep meaning to watch Reclaiming the Blade as it is available on Netflix. I suspect it is a must-watch for those of us who loved the weapons in The Lord of the Rings films. One of these days I want to get a replica of Strider’s sword so as to have that ‘before’ and ‘after’ set up in my office. I would love to get Arwen’s sword replica as well.
Every year since the film’s release I add more LOTR memorabilia to my collection as well as Tolkien or Tolkien-related books to my book collection. I’m excited to think that the Hobbit films will add more collectible material into the mix.
There’s one part of this film that I truly love – when Aragorn goes into the mountains and summons the army of the dead. Genuinely creepy and I thought the visual effects were stunning. Equally good is when they then pile out of the ships to decimate the unsuspecting orc army. Classic.
Yes, I like that part as well. I seem to recall enjoying the description of the paths of the dead and that whole sequence more in the book, but given all that they tried to work into Return of the King I think they did a great job in a short period of time. I liked the effects as well. Love the crown of the dead king. I have the mini-helmet of that one that I got for Christmas this past year. Very nice!
it is profoundly comforting to find someone with whom you can be a geek.
i can understand Jackson’s anxiety in trying to keep the grandeur and momentum going. And really, in the first two you wonder how he is going to top those battle scenes, or even the vistas, but between Minas Tirith (which I thought was a brilliant capture of the book’s description) and it’s battle was magnificent and appropriate for this grand finale. Now I can see why he was so anxious about having to take the helm of The Hobbit…
It is more noticeable in the books regarding Frodo, of his diminishing status as a traditional hero (if one could even call him “traditional” to begin with). Sam occupies most of the narrative and his success as a companion to the ring bearer (even as he carries it for that short time) is of utmost importance. Just the same, how Frodo is affected by his role/purpose receives wonderful treatment–as you say, how could he ever go back? LOTR is full of new creations, as many as there are new relationships.
starting to paragraph in a serious way.. best check the laundry.
these have been such fun posts, Carl!
L: Yes it is. 🙂
And don’t hold back, write away!!!
I hadn’t thought about how filming the entire trilogy in one go put Jackson at a disadvantage in some respects over the more traditional method of filming movies and sequels. It is a testament to the quality of what they were doing that they did not feel compelled to go back and scrap everything and start over after the success of Fellowship and then The Two Towers.
I was going to write a bunch about Sam and him being the true hero of the story but I already knew I was being long winded and I was pretty exhausted as I was typing this all up last night. I have always appreciated the character of Sam and am always moved by his lines, but that appreciation grew after listening to the (abridged) audio version of his book. To see that he developed such a strong investment in Sam and wanted so much for him as a character was heartening. Sean Astin has some problems and his book puts it out there in a very frank way, but contrary to the experience some had with it I found my respect and understanding for the guy growing as I listened to it. The passion he brought to Samwise Gamgee is evident in the performance.
Thank you Carl. That was a great essay.
Samwise Gamgee has always been my favourite character in the Lord of the Rings. From the very first scene where he is ease dropping on Gandalf. His consistent, untiring devotion to his friend during the journey. Frodo would have failed time and time again without his friend helping, caring, feeding, and saving him from doom. The final climb on the path to Mt Doom is heart wrenching.
The next time you watch the movies, note well the treatment of Sam, it is amazing. I love especially the finale where he gets his girl and a family.
I wonder if we will see the like of such a story again, and such an amazing treatment on film?
“The last pages are for you, Sam”, Frodo – The Return of the King.
Thanks Ian, I appreciate it.
The friendships in The Lord of the Rings are one of the stand out things about the books and films for me. I believe I was more cognizant of that, particularly seeing strong male friendships, having come to the work as an adult. In adolescence we sometimes lose site of the importance of same sex friendships and I know in my early marriage I was more focused on that relationship and my daughter. As I’ve grown older the bonds I have formed with various male friends have given me a level of satisfaction that I could not imagine doing without. Being able to have a strong and emotional relationship with another male is so very important and I think Lord of the Rings demonstrates the beauty of those relationships in such a powerful manner.
I too enjoy how the film ends with Sam, whose journey is really continuing forward as Frodo and Gandalf’s and others is coming to an end, at least in Middle-earth.
There are and will be amazing books and films out there, but I would be hard pressed to think anyone will truly duplicate what Tolkien did any time soon, and I feel similar things about this film trilogy as well.
Did I miss something? Were these rereleased and I was not told?!
Daphne, where have you been? You would think you’ve been acclimating to new house pets or something! 🙂 Yes, all three extended editions of the movies were remastered and released on consecutive Tuesdays for the past three weeks for one nigh only engagements. It was wonderful!
Dash it all, now I’ll have to watch ROTK. I do actually own it on DVD – I’ve just never opened it.
*gets up after passing out* You own ROTK and you’ve never opened it? Please tell me you’ve at least seen the film?!? 🙂 Is it the extended edition? That is the one you really want to watch. The things they have added in are not only important to the story but many are also beautiful scenes in their own right.
Ah, well, the successful conclusion to a three-week journey. Well done, all.
First I have to express my incredulity that ibeeg stopped reading before finishing book 1 and has not continued the trilogy. I read them back-to-back-to-back the first (and each subsequent) time, unable to do more than put one book back on the shelf before beginning the next. I wonder if he (she?) read The Hobbit? Regardless, I’m amazed that anyone could not be enthralled (a fitting word for the ring books).
But then I expected the same level of interest from a friend to whom I gave the first Pern book, only to be told it was “unreadable, boring, juvenile junk”. That’s a friend from whom I soon drifted. So I can only say there’s no accounting for taste, or lack of it.
Now to your post and the film(s). Fine post, fine set of them. You gave me much enjoyment in the reading and pondering of them, thank you. Though this 3rd film is my least favorite of the films, it’s only because of the loooong drawn out sequences with Frodo, Sam and Gollum in Mordor, which I find excruciatingly drawn out and over done. I know this is just my viewpoint, so this is no criticism of Jackson or you. The other thing that I don’t care for in this one is the set of scenes in the Halls of the Dead. Unlike you, I had a clear picture of this in my mind after multiple readings of the book, and Jackson’s, and the FX crews, vision was out of sync with mine. If you can imagine seeing a version of Alice in Wonderland, and finding the film maker had replaced the white rabbit with the pink Energizer bunny. Though the dialogue might be spot on but the image is just not right, you know?
That said, there is much to like in this film. You didn’t touch on Shadowfax much, but I think he is perfect. The Nazgul and all the evil creatures are extremely well done, in all of the films. The gates of Mordor are exquisitely portrayed. As you point out the acting is excellent and the sets, costumes, camera work is superb, as is Shore’s music.
No, I don’t think they would have eaten the oliphants, any more than they would have eaten dead horses from Rohan.
I bought and watched the original DVDs, then bought and watched the extended versions. I loved the films in the latter, but it was the extra features, especially those on the sets, art, selection of locations, etc. Fascinating, and I watched just them yet another time. I can’t decide not if it’s time to re-read the books or re-watch the DVDs or just enjoy my memories. You have certainly given me to think on it.
RkR: Wondered when you would weigh in, glad to see you pop in here! I imagine Deanna is just like the rest of us and is overwhelmed with book choices. Here of course is where I admit that once the films were finished and I decided to finally read the books, I actually read The Two Towers, then Return of the King and then finally Fellowship. Strange, yes, since I rarely read books out of order, but I could not resist that fantastic Alan Lee cover for The Two Towers calling to me. I had heard, and have since experienced, that the beginning of Fellowship is difficult. I find the beginning okay and somewhat meandering until after the Tom Bombadil section and then it starts to pick up steam. I’m sure others don’t feel that way at all, it was just my experience and I am quick to tell folks not to give up on LOTR if the first part of Fellowship doesn’t grab them.
Actually I did read The Hobbit first, read it for the first time just before Fellowship came out, if I recall correctly.
I could see after reading The Return of the King how the paths of the dead sequence would be a disappointment to fans of the book. My faint recollection of the first time I read it was that it was much different and that the book version was excellent and I would have loved to have seen it filmed that way. I do believe part of it was time constraint and the other part was Peter Jackson’s ‘monster movie’ sensibility, which comes out here. I can forgive it mostly because this is one of the rare films where the green-cast phantom look works for me. Generally I dislike it.
I didn’t touch on A LOT of stuff Richard that I would have truly loved to talk about. I could really and truly do a section by section review of these extended editions and be in heaven doing so and not run out of things to say. And this is not hyperbole! 🙂 Your comments on the sets, etc. really confirms my own feelings which are that I need to write more extensively about the extras on the DVD’s, even though I will be doing so largely for my own sake. Heck, people can go watch them for themselves. But I’ve wanted to write about them for awhile and I should follow that urge. Maybe when Deanna and I do our read of The Return of the King in November I will post on these. I always re-watch the extras a couple of times a year, one being in November.
I love the horses in this film. They are so beautiful and having seen the section about the horses and about those who adopted them after filming was completed I became deeply attached to them. The film can’t really convey just how important they are to the story like the books can, but at least they got it right in picking majestic, beautiful horses.
I don’t know about the oliphants. Were elephants never hunted for food? I seriously don’t know, which is why I was pondering this. And I wouldn’t go so far as to say that in another age they wouldn’t have eaten horses. 🙂
As much as I love these extended versions of the films, and it is pretty obvious that I have a major attachment to them, it is the extras that I have watched and pondered over more than the films. They came along at a time when I was becoming aware of the importance of pursuing one’s passions and at a time when my nonfiction reading was turning towards approaching work with passion and creativity. So watching the work that went into these as well as the relationships that were born from it is inspiring to me each time I watch it. To say that I learn things about my self and my own approach to life every time I watch them is not an exaggeration and is not said for effect. It is very true.
I’ve enjoyed everyone’s input on these posts and the chance to converse, and I thank you Richard for sharing your own thoughts, feelings on this stuff as it always prompts me to write more, as you can see!
Geez! How did I miss that? I totally had no idea. Oh well. I would love to see these on DVD some time. We have a blu-ray player that we never take advantage of — this would be a good time to use it!
Yes, now that these are out on blu-ray you should snatch them up for a LOTR fest! 🙂
I can’t tell you how happy it makes me feel that the last three Tuesday nights were such a great experience for you. It truly warms my heart for you.
I truly need to read the LOTR books and watch the movies/extras again this year. I have been meaning to read LOTR the book again since the first movie came out. I’m officially adding that as a goal to accomplish before the The Hobbit comes out next Christmas. I did read The Hobbit out loud to my kids just a few years ago so its still fresh in my mind ( well atleast as fresh as any memory is in my mind 🙂 ).
2011 has turned into one of the most magical years of Fantasy for me. Incredible fantasy books from my favorite authors ( GRRM, Rothfuss, Sanderson ) to devour. The release of LOTR on Blu-Ray and the HBO Game of Thrones series which I so hope will be out on DVD this holiday season. News of an upcoming American Gods series on HBO. I have felt giddy many times this year already with such good fortune.
I want to echo your thoughts on Miranda Otto’s performance. I for one am always drawn to Eomer and Eowyn’s performances in each film. Both excellent choices.
Minas Tirth is incredible but I do feel it’s a city past it’s prime. I always have wanted to see it at the height of its power.
Sam is the Hobbit I always identified with most in the story. Sean portrayal of Samwise I have always thought was perfect. I to interanlly cheered for how his life ended up as much as it pained me how much Frodo had to give up of his own happiness to save Middle Earth. There core friendship is such a powerful part of the story for me. I think it means more to me than any other part of the films.
Peter Jackson’s comment you passed on made me gasp. I for one am so GLAD he didn’t have the chance to make many changes on ROTK. I feel there was true magic going on when all three of the films were being made at one time. So many movies I feel are ruined by sequels were I believe choices are made for all the wrong reasons are made after the success of a first film has come out. By making all 3 films at one time I’m glad the last one was not tainted by the success of the earlier films. This is one of the reasons I’m glad they are making both of The Hobbit films at the same time. That way Jackson won’t be influenced by the inevitable comparisons of the new films to the first ones. He’s in a no win scenario. By making the Hobbit films back to back I hope he just throws all he has into them and damn what the critics will say. Hopefully that way he can strike lighting twice.
Also to Deslily I hope that her Pern films are made one day. I have read the first 3 books twenty some years ago and remember really liking them. In fact those Whelan book covers are images I also still love as an adult.
Man I love talking LOTR as well.
Jeff: I’ve been thinking of re-reading The Hobbit myself, since it has been 10 years since I’ve read it. Now is the time because it won’t be too fresh in my mind going in to the films but should give me enough of a memory so that I can compare and contrast the two as I read it.
Yes indeed, there is a lot of great fantasy stuff coming down the pike, or already released, this year. Good quality stuff too, which is always a good thing. There have been some great science fiction books (or potentially great anyway) released and slated for release this year but unfortunately that hasn’t translated to film or television. Would love to see a revival on that front as well.
Minas Tirith is certainly past its prime in the film but I do like to think that the return of the rightful king led to a season of prosperity and a return of the glory of Gondor, at least for a time. In a dream world we would have the whole of The Silmarillion created by this team so that we could see the rise and fall of races, see the buildings, etc in all their splendor and on and on.
I too am glad Peter Jackson filmed all at once because they did capture something magical in that one long shoot and I’m sure he thinks so too or he wouldn’t be doing it again. I did find it interesting though to think about that feeling of pressure to live up to expectations when the bulk of the work you did for a film coming out in 2003 was done many years prior. Now granted they still flew the cast back and did all kinds of added stuff, but the core of the thing was completed and like you I believe that was one of the keys to the trilogy’s success.
I’m crossing my fingers for that second strike of lightning! 🙂
And I am committed to at least reading the first Pern book at some point. That commitment was bolstered after reading Among Others earlier this year, but it has been there in the past anyway because of folks like Deslily who love it so and the great Michael Whelan covers that I remember so fondly from my bookstore job days.
Re: Pern, just remember, it has fantasy trappings but it is SF. You don’t see much of that in the first book, but it becomes more apparent as the series moves on. I really love the Pern books and have read them all several times each.
argh! I had a whole thing written and it disappeared saying i could join a discussion but my comment went poof!!!!
I hope i remember what I said lol..
RkR: the sci fi part came slowly and subtle so I was able to handle it because I am not a big sci fi fan ..of reading (love movies)..I too have read all the books a few times but the first trilogy and the harper hall trilogy I’ve read more then the others.. (just received Todd’s latest addition in the mail..he’s no where as good as his mother but I refuse to leave Pern!!!..
Jeff: I would give anything if Jackson would do the Pern movies!!!!! holy moley they would be so great!! But since they never made the splash the Harry Potter did they will never get made. Heard long time ago they were going to make it a cartoon.. *gag* but nothing appeared.. so I doubt I will ever see Pern in a movie in my life time *sigh*..
I only recently found a used hardback copy of the White Dragon!! How I would love to go to Dragon con as Anne McCaffrey is supposed to be there to sign..though I have my doubts as she’s in her 80’s and has has a heart attack once already but if she’s there I’d love to find someone going I’d send my book to them LOL
Deslily: That would be very special if you could somehow at least get your book there for her to sign. I better get with it and at least read the first one soon or she will be yet another science fiction author who I have not read in their lifetime. And that is a a pretty large list already and sadly growing larger at a rapid rate.
After seeing what they did with the flying creatures in Avatar, I certainly think the technology is now there to make a pretty convincing live action/CGI version of the Pern books.
OMG yes!!!! there’s no doubt in my mind what so ever!! but remembering avatar didn’t take just 10 weeks to make ..it would have to be another labor of love like Jackson had for LoTR! but for now I have to just wait for other good things to come out like The Hobbit.. can’t wait to see Gandalf and Gollum again!!!
I’m a little late commenting on this but still…
I’ve always been of the opinion that they should have shown the extended versions in the theater in the first place – the scenes don’t add that much more length and just make so much difference (in a nuanced way). Considering my complete annoyance with the alterations to Faramir’s character in the film, the Houses of Healing would have gone a long way to making up for that.
I will say this – one of the things I will never quite understand about the films is Peter Jackson’s decision to have us (and Merry) know right off the bat that Dernhelm is Eowyn. It made for a far more powerful moment when we didn’t know until the “I am no woman!” reveal. I wish that had stayed the way it was in the books. The casting of Eowyn (and Eomer) was absolutely perfect, however, as was essentially all the casting.
I did re-watch RotK this weekend on whatever Men’s Channel was showing them (I own the extended editions but was switching back and forth between that and Return of the Jedi for my son’s benefit) and will always be disappointed also at the lack of dignity that Denethor got in the film. He was far more a tragic hero than an insane guy in the books and I’m sad that changed.
Only other real pet peeve is still the “Frodo clutching the cliff” moment – way overdone in film. That said, this weekend, for the first time, I understood why it was done – that visible decision to keep living. I don’t like it but I understand it.
The films are wonderful, though, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to do the three-week event also!
Ah, tis never too late Heidi. Really glad you weighed in.
I imagine the thing with Eowyn was many fold. First, audiences are stupid. Now before you crucify me with that statement, I certainly don’t mean ALL audiences. But looking at the kind of films the standard movie goer will pay good money to see, it cannot be argued that we all go out for the most intellectual fare there is. And I include myself in that. I suspect many, many people, including perhaps myself who hadn’t read the books, would have been a bit mystified by the disappearance of Eowyn, who before they left for the big battle was one of the few major characters, only to have her show up suddenly in that moment. I could be wrong, but I think it would have been too confusing for the average audience.
The Lord of the Rings films are so good that I am certainly in agreement that the more they could show the better and other than the 1 time in theaters on their initial runs, I’ve never watched anything but the Extended Editions. They ARE the Lord of the Rings films for me. And I believe the additional Faramir stuff would have taken the edge off of some who were very annoyed, and possibly rightly so, by the changes, especially in The Two Towers.
I’ve only read that part of Return of the King once so I remember little about Denethor other than having a greater understanding of how he had been looking in the palantir and where his thoughts, etc. were. I’ll be looking out for that when I re-read it in November.
I think in regards to your statement about the scene with Frodo you are doing what I would like to see others do in regards to the films. “Understand” the decisions even if one doesn’t “agree” with them. You can watch the extras or the commentaries and hear the writers’ explanations for why they changed certain things. While a person may not agree with them and be fully right in not doing so, I would at least like to see people either acknowledge that the film maker had a reason for it OR at least offer an alternative to how it could have been filmed and still have it work. I don’t think film makers are gods, PJ included, and I’m sure there are areas where he could have stayed closer to the books AND made it work in the time allotted, etc. I just don’t often hear those things from people who want to complain, instead they usually just stick doggedly to the book and aren’t willing to acknowledge the fact that you could not film ANY book as it is written because books and films have different sensibilities. (a rare exception might be a book written by a film maker, and I’m still not sure that could be done).
Great stuff Heidi, thanks!
Hi Carl, I was toodling around your blog and found this post. I found it soooo refreshing, as there seems to be a lot of LOTR film bashing these days. After many viewings, a lot of people have picked at it to the point that they’ve become hostile. But I still love the films and wanted to share one of my favorite scenes and of a moment I had with it. I went to the Fathom event showings of it too. I usually cry at the end of the first two films, then cry through about the last hour of ROTK. At this showing, my tears began when Frodo collapses on Mt Doom and Sam says, “I can’t carry your burden, Mr. Frodo. But I can carry you.” (I hope I got the quote right) Just typing it brings tears to my eyes. My partner wasn’t with me for the last film as he had to work that night, but the woman sitting next to me, who we sat next to at the first two films, put her hand on mine and squeezed it as she began crying too. It became one of those unique moments with another human being that happens so rarely in a lifetime that it stays with you for a long time afterwards.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving…Steve
That is awesome, thanks for sharing that. I know EXACTLY how you feel.
I don’t understand the LOTR bashing. It has become popular with some to do so and I suspect most of those people are ones who, once it got wildly popular, feel they need to distance themselves from it. Kind of an elitist attitude that I don’t particularly care for myself.
No films are ever perfect and we could nit pick all kinds of things if we wanted to, but where is the joy in that? Its okay to be passionate in one’s devotion and I am certainly that about the LOTR books and films. Very passionate.
So fun that you discovered this as I always smile when I find others who feel similar to me about these films.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!
And one more thing. When ROTK was first released, I went to see it on an IMAX screen. When it was done, I thought to myself, “I can now die in peace without ever having to see another film.” Then the remastered extended versions came out 😀
The Extended Editions (and all the extras) and THE movies for me. As a package they far surpass anything that ever has been done or I suspect will be (other than the Hobbit versions as far as doing the same thing goes). I’ve watched them oodles of times and they have not lost any of their luster.
Thanks for this passionate review, Carl! I enjoyed it a lot. I’ve never seen the extended versions on the big screen, but I own them and watch them probably a couple of times a year. Including all the “extras,” which of course adds quite a few hours to the fun. By the end of those I find myself disbelieving they could ever even have made those movies. It seems impossible, but they did it!
Just two comments about your comments. Frodo’s “failure,” I can see where someone who saw the movies first could feel rather gut-punched with how the end played out. However, if you think about it, Frodo himself set up the antidote to that way back when he first showed mercy to Gollum (just as Bilbo had done all those years earlier). There are many deep touches like this throughout these books, that I think blend into a sort of symphony of grace that makes the story that much richer.
The second, is about my regard for Samwise. He (and Boromir) I never could quite envision in my mind, through all the dozens of times I’ve read the books since 1969. Until the movie, and Sean Astin’s amazing portrayal, it had never occurred to me how deeply important his character was. They did that so beautifully in the movie and I am grateful to the moviemakers for that gift. (I disliked Boromir all through the Fellowship, too, reading, until I saw Sean Bean’s Boromir. Another outstanding performance.)
It’s such fun to watch and re-watch, read and re-read, and talk about these things. Thanks for opening up another chance! And I can’t remember if you’ve ever mentioned him, but have you come across The Tolkien Professor’s series of podcast lectures & discussions about Tolkien’s work (ALL of Tolkien’s works)? If not you should look him up. Fascinating and revealing stuff.
Thanks for the comment. I’ve actually been in the midst of re-watching all the extras over these past few weeks, a tradition I indulge in a few different times throughout the year. I’m right there with you in the feeling of disbelief that all this came together the way it did and that they all seemed to keep their passion for the project. It makes you want to believe in magic.
I agree with your thoughts on Frodo’s ‘failure’. I don’t see it as a negative thing at all, I think it is one of many things that makes this so powerful. Frodo was a “real”, and by that I mean “authentic” character in that he was both heroic when need be and all to “human” as well. Makes it so much easier to relate to him and his journey.
It is hard for books, especially those where characterization isn’t the main thrust, like LOTR, to always get the nuances of who the author thought the character was. I do like that the films bring these characters alive in a way that gives the reading of the books an added dimension, and vice versa.
I have not checked out The Tolkien Professor, but I will. Have you seen this recent news?:
http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/05/tolkiens-lost-qhobbit-dinnerq-speech-will-be-remastered-for-fans