Review by Calvin Trager
December 9, 2002
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is big. You knew that. The
Tolkien novel is monumental, and Peter Jackson's three-part production works
hard to honor it. The film series has its flaws, some of which originate in the novel; for all its breathtaking scope, Tolkien's work can be turgid and repetitive. Other
books have more subtle characters, and allow actors more room to shine.
Sometimes the film actually improves Tolkien, as with last year's scene of the
death of Boromir.
Sometimes the films fall short of the books, either because of limits
of the medium, or because of misguided efforts to make it more funny or
action-packed. But the bottom line is: this is a great story, and Peter
Jackson's production is worthy of it.
Of course, this film is already famous for landmark technology.
Astounding computer graphic, makeup, and miniature effects strut about like
supermodels on a catwalk. Software aptly named Massive creates gazillions of
little critters, each programmed to pick a fight with the nearest other
critter, and each with different levels of weariness, impulsiveness, and
intelligence. Push a button and a hundred thousand of these start whaling at each
other. In the dark. In the rain. For a long, long time. My mind began to wander.
Movies aren't made for me though, but for people who are eager to see
fantasy creatures pound each other at length. I'll buy a ticket only once (well,
twice), but they'll buy three or twenty. Jackson hinted at his
frustration in an interview. "I have to make the most successful film I can," he said, "both financially and artistically." Sounds like those aims aren't always in concert. He brightened when talking about the extended version of this film that will be out eventually on DVD. The extended first film, "The Fellowship of the Ring," has just come out,
and thirty-five restored minutes results in a movie that, paradoxically,
feels shorter, because it makes more emotional sense.
The technical showpiece of the film, of course, is Gollum, a
computer-generated character based on the movements and expressions of
actor Andy Serkis. Serkis performed in a bodysuit studded with markers; he was
then erased from the film, and replaced with a stylized version of himself as
a grayish, depraved river hobbit. Perhaps feeling claustrophobic in this
shadowy incarnation, Serkis knocks the role to the ground and throttles
it.
"The Two Towers" is real big, because beneath the cinematic trappings
there's an older and grander story than many fans, or even cast and crew,
perceive. Those who know the deeper story, the one that Tolkien loved, will find
even more to think about, while those cranky critters scramble around in the
rain.