Battleangel

What can I say? It’s big, really big. Almost too grandiose up to a point where you kind of loose interest in two little hobbits. This is also what fans of Tolkien have pointed to. Furthermore, the biggest change as I feel from the the first movie is the splitting of storylines. Now there are three separate stories that all have a life of their own. The problem imho is that keeping separate story lines is difficult. Especially since there this movie has no beginning and no end. You are left in a state of wanting more - not that this really makes it a bad movie or anything. I’m just pointing out that the claim by some, that TTT in fact feels more like a “complete” movie is not true. With three lines of events and so many places and people you are bound to feel a little lost (unless you’ve read the books and know it by heart of course). Dramaturgically speaking, the fellowship divided and together plays out very differently.

I remember complaining about the first movie and that all the fast camera slides and cuts made the movie feel distanced. This I still feel firmly about. Sometimes TTT is so beautiful you don’t know if you’re dreaming or if you are awake. Again I feel the beauty is overshadowing the story. And about getting to know the characters in depth .. ? Naaa, remember this isn’t exactly a therapy session with Sigmund Freud
Now, I suppose I could have gotten this backwards. Maybe it would be all crap if the shots got extended by a couple of seconds. I trust Mr. Jackson with this. The fast pace might work to its advantage. It’s hard to tell.

All in all I’m pleased with the movie. One of the best movies of this year .. and not just for a sci-fi freak like myself but for anyone I suppose. The battles are magnificent. The creatures are wondrous and the scenery is breathtaking. The storyline evolves slowly but steadily and there a very few still moments and no risk to doze off.
No emotions are spared. Take the scene where Elrond is persuading Arwen to go leave Aragorn in favor of her elfish heritage - as we see an aged Aragorn on his deathbed, blending to a stone sarcophagus of the very same. And cold autumn winds sweep the scene and leaves whirl as the camera pulls back and reveals an ever young Arwen in black cloak and veil by the foot of the grave. A tune of grief plays. Wow … eerie.

The worst thing about the movie is how you are going to survive another year before you get the conclusion …
:xmas: