The Lord of the Rings — A review

1st April, 2019.

OK … I know … 

It’s April Fool’s Day.

But frankly?

I could never see the point of leaping out on someone and yelling ‘April Fool’ … after playing a damn silly — and possibly unfunny — joke on them.

We have to ask: “Paul, are you turning into a grumpy old git?”

I think the answer’s going to be “Yes,” at the moment!

~≈§≈~

Grumpy or otherwise?

Grumpy or otherwise, and in-between the stuff I should be doing?

Is one simple fact.

Occasionally, I like a movie.

You’ve possible worked that out, already: especially if’ve read what I wrote about The Limehouse Golem.

Hmm … 

I’ll be honest?

I think I’ve got something going on, right now.

Yes: much like tonights film, I’m on a quest.

In my case, for an emotionally satisfying movie.

In the case of the Ralph Bakshi directed, 1978 version of The Lord of the Rings … ?

I’m not sure I could tell you.

~≈§≈~

The Lord of the Rings opens by given a potted history of the Second Age of Middle Earth.

Of how Sauron attempted to conquer the world: by creating the One Ring, to control other rings used by Elf, Dwarf and Man.

And of how he lost the Ring, during the wars of that time.

The Ring drifts through the ages until it comes into the possession of Frodo Baggins (Christopher Guard): who’s Uncle Bilbo (Norman Bird) had left it to Frodo.

However?

Frodo is given a warning: by his old friend, Gandalf (William Squire).

That the Ring is the most powerful thing in Middle Earth …



That Sauron has sent his Black Riders to capture it.

And that Frodo’s only hope may be in reaching the Elven realm of Rivendell.

It won’t be safe … but could be the only place that would offer help … 

~≈§≈~

The only help Elrond (André Morrell), Lord of Rivendell, CAN offer?

Is advice.

And a plan.

The Ring is powerful: too powerful — in spite of pleadings from Boromir (Michael Graham Cox) — for any at Rivendell to wield, themselves.

An Elf or dwarf using it?   Would become corrupted.

A Man?   Likewise: much more quickly.

Taking it to Minas Tirith, the city leading the fight against Mordor, would see it captured.

Keeping it in Rivendell, or taking it to Lorien?   Would see them destroyed.

The only realistic option … ?

To see the ring destroyed: by taking it to Mount Doom, the place it was forged, and throwing it into the heart of the ancient volcano.

The plan is a potential suicide mission.

Mount Doom is in Mordor.

The heart of Sauron’s own territory …

~≈§≈~

Now … 

It has to be said, the Bakshi version of The Lord of the Rings is famous as the greatest unfinished project in movie history.

Mostly?

Mostly because — according to statements from Bakshi, himself — the film’s producers, United Artists, took the phrase, Pt 1 out of the title: as they felt no-one would “… pay to see half a movie.”

Today, when franchises rule, and three movie box sets reign supreme?

That seems especially daft.

It’s ALSO one of the few films known to be extensively filmed in Rotoscope: a form of animation where live action footage is traced over, to produce the final animation.

I’m … 

You know, I’m not sure what to make of that.

Beyond the fact it gives The Lord of the Rings a unique look and feel.

Personally?

Personally, I think that the Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings will stand as the definitive film version of Tolkien’s work.

But think that Bakshi’s 1978 version, even in the incomplete state that it is?

Will stand as a unique, and brave, first take.

The Lord of the Rings (1978)

★★★☆