The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost… for none now live who remember it. — Lady Galadriel (Cate Blanchett)

No introductory quote resonates with the essence of its narrative quite like this one, encapsulating the profound effect Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy has had on the cinematic landscape. The franchise has evolved into a monumental segment of modern pop culture, cementing its status in blockbuster history and elevating its cast and crew to new heights. However, reflecting on the expectations prior to the release of The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001 reveals the uncertainty that surrounded its ambitious production. The mere mention of its release year highlights the immense stakes involved in crafting such a grand cinematic endeavor, especially in an era before the dominance of Marvel Studios, where undertaking such a project was considered a financial gamble.

Every great tale has a beginning, and while The Lord of the Rings’ saga commences with the creation of the Great Rings, its production journey kicked off in 1995. Peter Jackson, inspired by his childhood memories of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, aimed to create a fantasy film after completing The Frighteners (1996). This ambition transformed into a desire to adapt The Lord of the Rings into a live-action format. Prior to this, Jackson was known primarily for his campy horror-comedies like Bad Taste (1987) and the psychological thriller Heavenly Creatures (1994), which didn't imply his potential for directing multi-million-dollar epics.

At the time, Jackson had a deal with Harvey Weinstein and Miramax, a relationship that aided him in acquiring the rights to The Rings from producer Saul Zaentz. However, the planning phase was fraught with disagreements, as Miramax rejected Jackson's proposal to create two films from the book and insisted on condensing all of Tolkien's narratives into a single two-hour feature. It was only after forging connections with New Line Cinema that Jackson was granted the opportunity to expand his vision into a trilogy.

The success of The Fellowship of the Ring was crucial, given the significant risks involved: failure would jeopardize the careers of everyone associated with it. Yet, rather than simply serving as a stunning introduction to an epic journey through Middle-earth, The Fellowship of the Ring stands as a flawless beginning, showcasing a level of craftsmanship that highlights the cast and crew’s understanding of the stakes involved. The film is not just a landmark in high-fantasy cinema but a transformative work that has shaped the medium itself, with no other blockbuster achieving a similar level of influence since its release.

Returning to the forging of the Great Rings sets the stage for the trilogy's epic clash between good and evil. The film opens with Galadriel's haunting narration, efficiently immersing viewers in the rich world of Middle-earth—its magic, history, races, and landscapes—ensuring that even the most passive viewer is aware of the unfolding events. Galadriel reveals that 19 magical rings were given to the various races during the Second Age, each used to govern their realms.

“Yet they were all of them deceived,” she continues, “for another ring was made…” This was the One Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron in Mordor, with the intent to control the other ring-bearers. In response to his rising power, an alliance of Men and Elves was formed to combat his forces, depicted through breathtaking action in the film's initial sequence, where massive hordes of Orcs clash with disciplined lines of soldiers, showcasing intense and visceral combat.

The cinematography by Andrew Lesnie captures the scale of the battles through grand sweeping shots, while handheld close-ups convey the raw intensity of the skirmishes. The innovative CGI system MASSIVE animated individual fighters, making this battle a remarkable spectacle that serves as a foreshadowing of the epic confrontations yet to come throughout the trilogy.

The victory against Sauron is short-lived; Isildur (Harry Sinclair) defeats the Dark Lord and claims the One Ring, only to lose it when he is ambushed, leading to its disappearance for centuries until it is found by Gollum (Andy Serkis), who becomes corrupted by its power. The ring eventually comes into the possession of Bilbo Baggins (Ian Holm), who hides it in the Shire, a serene locale depicted as a peaceful place where conflict is minimal and life is simple.

However, on Bilbo's 111th birthday, the Ring awakens, prompting Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) to notice its corruptive effects on Bilbo. When the Ring is passed to Bilbo's nephew Frodo (Elijah Wood), Gandalf recognizes its dark history and sends Frodo, along with three other Hobbits—Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), Merry (Dominic Monaghan), and Pippin (Billy Boyd)—on a perilous journey that reveals the gravity of their mission.

As the film expands its world-building, each new location enhances the rich tapestry of Middle-earth. Saruman the White's (Christopher Lee) tower looms ominously over the landscape, a stark contrast to the ethereal beauty of Rivendell, where light dances through its waterfalls. The Mines of Moria serve as the film's centerpiece, showcasing a once-great Dwarvish stronghold now stripped of its former glory by dark forces.

Howard Shore’s masterful score not only complements the film's various settings but also enhances character and thematic identity through recurring motifs. The score introduces themes that evoke nostalgia for the Shire while a tense brass motif underscores the threat posed by the Nazgûl, the corrupted beings who serve Sauron.

After being saved from the Nazgûl by Strider and Arwen (Liv Tyler), the Hobbits arrive in Rivendell, where they meet the Fellowship: Boromir (Sean Bean), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), Gimli (John Rhys-Davies), and the true identity of Strider as Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen). Together, they embark on a mission to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.

Adapting Tolkien's work and managing such a substantial cast is no small feat, yet Jackson and his team succeeded in casting actors who brought each character to life. While the characters are archetypal, the performances add depth, especially as relationships evolve over time. The camaraderie between Legolas and Gimli, and the deep loyalty of Frodo and Sam are central to the narrative.

Ian McKellen’s portrayal of Gandalf is a standout, embodying both strength and wisdom with an irreplaceable charisma. The pivotal moment in The Fellowship of the Ring occurs during the journey through the Mines of Moria, testing the Fellowship's resolve and unity. Shore's music reflects the group’s descent into darkness as they face profound loss and betrayal.

As the story progresses toward The Two Towers (2002), the film concludes with a message of resilience and hope amid adversity. This deeply human element at the heart of The Lord of the Rings resonates universally, reflecting the struggle for a better world and the light that persists in the face of darkness.

“A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins,” Gandalf remarks early in the tale, “nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.” Two decades after the release of The Fellowship of the Ring, this sentiment rings true; newcomers can still appreciate its cultural significance, while devoted fans continue to find new layers of meaning with each viewing.

NEW ZEALAND • USA | 2001 | 178 MINUTES (THEATRICAL) • 228 MINUTES (EXTENDED EDITION) | 2.39:1 | COLOUR | ENGLISH • SINDARIN

Cast & Crew Director: Peter Jackson Writers: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson (based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien) Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, John Rhys-Davies, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Sean Bean, Ian Holm & Andy Serkis.

Originally published at https://www.framerated.co.uk on December 16, 2021.