LOTR Film notes scene 1

New Line Cinema
Lord Of The Rings and The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001) Directed by Peter Jackson

The audience are greeted to a black screen and off screen dialogue (recitations and translations).The dialogue sounds like a prophecy, which sets the fantasy agenda as mysterious. Being a lady’s voice, the dialogue sounds enticing and encourages the audience to watch on as the soundtrack echoes violins and choir.

The title frame of “The Lord of the Rings” centres itself within the black frame as its gold and appears royal and rich in plot.

The set up is clearly indicated as the lady’s voice continues, informing the audience of the “Lord of the Rings” story. There are many close ups of metal burning, the making of the rings and hands with rings. In one scene particular, the medium close up of the elves admiring their rings. The lady elf appears at the front within the depth of field, it could be seen as sexual alluring towards the male audience. It also could be seen as a stereotypical representation of fantasy, with the lady’s long curly blonde hair, white dress and pale pink lipped face.

The low key lighting establishes this introduction as it creates a mysterious shine onto the character’s faces and becomes quite surreal. Also, the editing technique of dissolving transitions allows the story to move quickly and still carry the dream-like sequence.

Fantasy is heavily influenced in this sequence as the mention of “Dwarf Lords of receiving seven rings“, creates a fairytale plot. Once again, a rare birds eye view can witness them celebrating with their goblets high in the air, which links with the common iconography. The low key lighting within this frame allows the candles to be intensified and therefore gives the sequence a historical value.

Another example is the 9 rings “gifted to the race of men”, which is shown through an eye-leveled medium shot of men wearing robes and crowns, suggesting their royalty and important status.

So over one minute into the film, the fantasy elements are already heavily suggested during the set-up and there is a rather deep meaning and historical value to this plot than in the Chronicles of Narnia. This maybe one of the reason why the male adult audience prefer the Lord of the Rings franchise as it is treated seriously and hard core fantasy.