November 16, 2004

Why FotR is not the best LotR film
Eonwe

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The notion seems to be abroad (more so on fan sites like this than among the general film-going public) that Fellowship of the Ring is the best of the three fabulous Lord of the Ring films. But that turns out to be wrong, dead wrong. I have maintained my silence as long as possible, but this opinion has been expressed so many times in this forum recently that I feel compelled to speak out. To borrow Aragorn's words from the RotK EE (I think): "He has gone unchallenged long enough." That's right, I just compared FotR to the Dark Lord Sauron. (Which ought to make Annatar happy, since he tabs FotR as his favorite.)

My main feelings about FotR can be stated very simply: how can it be the best film of the trilogy if it does not contain any of the singular best scenes of the trilogy?

Does FotR contain great scenes? Absolutely. Personal favorites include the Gandalf-Frodo conversation in Moria, the Argonath, Boromir's death, and of course the Bridge of Khazad-dum. But does FotR have anything to compare to the best moments of The Two Towers or Return of the King? No way. Is there even debate on this issue? Does anyone really think the collection of scenes just mentioned from FotR can top Gandalf falling with the Balrog, Gollum's internal debates, the build-up to Helm's Deep, the breaching of the Deeping Wall, the Last March of the Ents, Gandalf and Eomer's charge down the hill, and Sam's "the tales that really mattered" speech from TTT? And I am not even going to start listing the incredible scenes in RotK because I would be here all night.

Here is the litmus test. Think of your five favorite, most amazing scenes from each episode, the scenes you most look forward to seeing when watching one of the films. OK, now comparing the lists, which movie has the best best scenes of the trilogy? Personally, I think my list of favorite LotR scenes could go seven or eight deep before I named one from FotR. Scout's honor.

Eonwe


p.s. This same reasoning can also be used to explain why Godfather is actually slightly better than Godfather Part II.

p.p.s. Full disclosure: I am not, nor ever was, a member of the Boy Scouts.