Yet many has been written about Peter Jackson's film version of The Lord Of The Rings. Too much in my opinion. Therefore I decided not to join this ridiculous hype. But a few days ago I watched the second part The Two Towers (2002) and this changed my decision rather rapidly. So here I go. Mind you I do not want to discuss content, actors and storyline. For this you can better surf to other sites or just read the original Tolkien books. But nevertheless there is one important element in the movie that has to be explained. I shall keep it short.

Almost every human being agrees with the fact that most books of J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) are masterpieces. Especially The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is legendary. Personally I have read The Hobbit and mentioned trilogy in 1986 and 1987. By now many years later mainly three elements stayed in my memory. First, apart from the excellent story, the list of unusual names. Second the map of Middle Earth which was included in each book. By using that map, drew by the master himself, you were able to keep track with the voyages of the characters. And third the exact descriptions of the landscape including the accompanying buildings. Very illuminating and specific as every part of the environment was written by Tolkien. So during reading my fantasy was constantly being trigged. Wonderful worlds were created inside my head.

I am sure that my last recollection also applies for Peter Jackson, because his movie version appears to be one big viewing pleasure. The extensive fields, architecture, lightfall, trees, rivers, mountains - and everything else that Tolkien wrote- are magnificent pictures without exception. Breathless I let all images plane from my retina.

People who have read all books and are afraid that their fantasy do not match with Jackson's created worlds can watch the movie peacefully. Just do not listen to the actors, do not get annoyed at their ugly heads, but enjoy quietly with full awareness of the moving paintings in The Two Towers. Literally a beautiful movie.

- February 2003 -

Bruce Allpress .... Aldor
Elijah Wood .... Frodo
Sean Astin .... Sam
John Bach .... Madril
Sala Baker .... Man Flesh Uruk
Cate Blanchett .... Galadriel

Written by: J.R.R. Tolkien
Directed by: Peter Jackson

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