As the credits finally rolled on The Return of the King a few years ago, I found myself in tears. This was not due solely to that lovely boy Frodo having to spend eternity with elves and old men, but also because that was the end of what, for me, had been the most incredible cinematic experience of my life.
There are films I have enjoyed more than Lord of the Rings, but in terms of beauty, authenticity and depth, to me it has no real competitors. One of the reasons for this, I feel, was the conflation of first class animation and authentic costumes and sets. Whereas the new Star Wars trilogy was a mess of animation overload (and I am a SERIOUS star wars fan, well I’ve got a light-saber anyway), Lord of the Rings struck just the right balance.
I don’t get to the cinema much, but I have been lucky to witness the previews for both The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and King Kong in the last few months. I have to say I am very excited about them. At this stage, I am just hoping that they get the balance right between animation and real sets.
I’m not saying animation isn’t first class these days. The raft of online and traditional animation schools these days should ensure this. But sometimes, less is more. I wish George had remembered that. In the meantime, I can’t wait!
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