Look at this similar scene to Narnia. Amazing so many similarities they all share.
The fight between the Orcs and the Fellowship.
Rather than a simple easy format (like in Narnia) to see where the protagonists and antagonists are, they instantly all muddle together. Many cuts allowing theaction spectacular battle scene to live up to its expectations. Then is a few random cuts to a reveal a close up of an Orc’s face screaming and groaning to show what the protagonists are up against. The sequence is riddled with sound effects of sword, bow and arrows being fired and growling to allow the adrenaline rush. Subjective camerawork is used to allow the audience to experience the battle as well. This sequence caters for the audience audience as they can be entertained by the amount of violence. Also, there is a new creature introduced the antagonist’s cave troll, which is computer generated. However, the use of the low key lighting creates realism towards the experience as it is taken place underground and causes unknown things to happen to the antagonists and protagonists.
The location of Modor becomes the main location where the audience acknowledge CGI was used heavily upon. I believe this is where fantasy can be seen as unrealistic. The enormity of the location as there are too many large camera swoops. However, this can thrill audiences as the amount of creation and power, which can be shown through image amazes hard core fantasy fans. The deep dark soundtrack portrays this area as the antagonists’ den. The use of the soundtrack indicates to the audience of the friendly and evil places so there is no confusion as the plot develops. Also, there are many sound effects on and off screen of Orc growls and screams metal burning, sparks, metal cranking and etc. The colours intensified are the grey, black, red and orange, which give clear connotations to hell.
The best bit about fantasy is the unusual creatures (whether it being a hobbit, wizard or in this case…) an Orc. The extreme close up of the mud and an Orc trying to help a new Orc come to life from the ground becomes quite disgusting, but interesting to watch. The sound effects of mud and the roars of the Orc trying to break free, suggest new life and danger from the amount of power. However, a fight between the orcs pursues as the many cuts make the action unclear, but the end result is murder as there is a new bigger and stronger type of Orc. This is portrayed through the representation of a low angled medium shot of the new Orc with yellow eyes, long hair and dangerous teeth.His body position with his arms folded and dripping wet suggests he is strong and mean fighting machine
Extreme long shots of Frodo and Sam travelling through different locations allow the appeal of audience awe. The colours of nature: green, brown and blue are intensified as the two lonely characters pass the countryside and trees. The soundtrack supports the long journey as the sound of violins and other classical instruments suggest travel, time and endurance. The frame shows how vulnerable and small the hobbits are compared to the locations. This is why mise en scene is so important in Lord of the Rings. These locations are stunning picturesque quality and are defiantly there to wow the audience. No dialogue is spoken as if it was, it would ruin the dream-like atmosphere.
Another item, which was shown in the Narnia film was the computer generated map, which features in this film as well. This allows “Mordor” mise en scene to be introduced.
Another similarity of the mise en scene location, I have found between Narnia and Lord of the rings, is the small scaled houses (Bilbo Baggins home and Mr & Mrs Beaver). When Bilbo welcomes Gandalf in the hobbit house, it creates a light hearted comical value to the location. Gandalf appears as the stereotypical wizard from his long grey robe and wizard hat to the long walking stick. Also, his long grey hair and beard, suggests his wisdom and knowledge. The eye level long shot makes Gandalf appear very tall and Bilbo very small, which places the audience in a very surreal position. Also, the décor of the house with its light yellow colours, rounded windows and doors, carries the whole concept of “the ring”. The wood gives the house historical value and gives some indication of time. Sound effects were used as well to create the sound of the door closing shut, which suggests the heaviness of the thick wood.
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.
CGI can use be used as a transition as the map comes alive and allows the next frame to be the actual battle location. It also suggests this will be apart of history as the map looks old and handwritten.
There are many aerial shots to show how many people and creatures are on each side. A choir soundtrack is used and amplified to suggest this is the final battle and who is victorious for peace for Narnia. This final scene can send audience’s hearts thumping due to the volume of soundtrack, sound effects on and off-screen from the animals and creatures.
There are many extreme long shots that have a depth of field to allow the main characters to be spotted amongst the millions. Also, the tracking along the fields suggest the distance that will need to be travelled for the two camps to battle out. It also allows the audience to see who is on the protagonist and antagonist side.
When the characters finally arrive at Aslan camp, the audience are suddenly brought into powerful and rich colours. Also, a triumphant soundtrack is played to suggest victory will be here. The tracking along the children and the fantasy creatures suggest the barriers between humans and creatures, but they are all coming together to fight evil. The tracking allows the director to show all new fantasy creatures in one or two frames and for the audience to take the atmosphere in. This gives you an idea on the amount of imagination there is in the fantasy genre. The colours that seem to be amplified are the red and gold in a sign of glory and honour. It also suggests a serious battle will take place in the climax.
Whilst comparing the protagonist to the antagonist camp. There is a clear difference, which allows the child audience to fully acknowledge who is who. Many cuts of close ups of weapons and an Ox character clearly points to danger and violence. Also, the darkness suggests they are evil and there is no hope for Aslan and his team.
