Why LOTR Sucks: Lots Of Talk

I’ve read that the filmmakers thought they needed to introduce Liv Tyler’s character to the movies so that it was clear why Aragorn did not want to marry Éowyn. I believe the real reason is that everyone involved wanted to have a love interest in the first movie to draw in a female audience. Unfortunately, I think her presence does nothing but detract from the story. Their relationship does not grow through the plot. She is ever present, like a ghost in your attic or herpes. J. R. R. Tolkien’s characters are rich and alive. The characters and scenes added by Peter Jackson are stilted and cliched.

Because Jackson has no idea how to structure or pace a movie, we’re now stuck in the middle of a lot of conversation that throws a lot information at the viewer. Some of that information was already explained in the opening monologue, again proving it was unnecessary. We get a lot of close ups of Liv Tyler about to cry, but not quite. We get an introduction to Boromir, who is perfectly cast. We hear some drivel about why Aragorn is scared to be king, which doesn’t really make sense.

All I know for sure is Liv Tyler’s presence in the movie is it’s greatest sin.

Minutes Watched: 1:37.34

Number of Montages: 4

Number of slow motion close-ups of people crying: 2

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