Cinematography Books
Star Wars or LOTR?
Which is the better movie saga. Obviously the LOTR books are amazing, but taken strictly at their merit as films. Which is better and why? Acting, directing, cinematography, editing, music??????
I’m sorry for the confusion…I am speaking of the ORIGINAL Star Wars trilogy…I try not to think about the other ones
It’s incredibly difficult to really pinpoint which is better. Peter Jackson’s trilogy was an amazing feat. In fact, just last night I was watching one of many documentaries on Return of the King. The special effects used in the Palleanor (sp?!) fields battle are simply breathtaking.
But at the same time, looking back on the original Star Wars trilogy, the special effects were also breathtaking for the times. Lightsaber duels, the Death Star trench and Endor forest scenes, these were all special effects that at the time were unthinkable. As for the new prequal trilogy, the effects are still stunning, but I feel they’re almost over-done. Granted, it’s a sci-fi flick. But I feel that the new trilogy fails to keep up the ‘space cowboy/western set in space’ feel that Lucas wanted the original trilogy to have.
As for directing, I think Peter Jackson nails it on the head. With Star Wars, George Lucas directed only four episodes: I, II, II and IV. You’ll notice that most Star Wars fans find episodes V and VI the best. Coinscidence? I doubt it. Before Attack of the Clones came out, Hayden Christensen was in a movie called “Life as a House,” staring alongside Kevin Kline. After seeing this movie, I was even more excited for AotC, knowing that Hayden would be playing Anakin. Like many fans, I was severely disappointed by his performance in AotC. But I really don’t think it’s his fault. I blame it on bad directing and a lousy script.
Judging the music is much harder for me. Being in my mid-twenties, I grew up with the Star Wars trilogy. The music is embedded into my brain. In fact, my boyfriend and I have already planned to incorporate it into our wedding next year. (in as tacky-less a way as possible 
) I have a strong admiration for John Williams, not only for his work on Star Wars, but on Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, and many other films. Yet Howard Shore’s masterpieces for Lord of the Rings are equally powerful. He makes it very easy for us moviewatchers to feel the emotion of each scene. Two thumbs up, one for Williams, one for Shore.
Like I said earlier, it’s extremely difficult to really say one is better than the other. Both sagas are equally brilliant in their own merits!
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