Peter Jackson, the visionary filmmaker behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has finally shed light on which of his iconic films stands out as his personal favorite. Spoiler alert: it’s none of The Hobbit movies.
In a recent interview with Letterboxd, Jackson, along with Philippa Boyens, Miranda Otto, and Kenji Kamiyama, fielded a question that fans have been pondering for years: which LOTR movie does the director himself hold closest to his heart? His response, unsurprisingly, was as modest as the man himself.
Jackson’s Humble Take on Revisiting His Work
Peter Jackson started off by admitting he doesn’t revisit his own films.
“I can’t watch my own films,” Jackson confessed. “I just, I mean, one day… I sort of enjoy it more as more time goes by, so one day I’ll watch them again. I hope you enjoy ’em!”
This reluctance isn’t uncommon among filmmakers, many of whom find it difficult to detach themselves from the creative process and view their work as mere spectators. However, when pressed, Jackson did manage to name a favorite: The Two Towers.
“The Two Towers, I think,” he said cautiously. “But if I see them again, I might have a totally different one.”
This nuanced response speaks volumes about Jackson’s relationship with his work. His films, each meticulously crafted, have resonated with audiences in unique ways, making it challenging even for their creator to pick just one.
Why The Two Towers?
Fans of the trilogy will hardly be surprised by Jackson’s choice. The Two Towers, the middle installment of the trilogy, is often hailed as a cinematic masterpiece. Its blend of gripping drama, unforgettable characters, and the epic Battle of Helm’s Deep has cemented its place in film history.
The Helm’s Deep sequence, in particular, is a standout moment that showcases Jackson’s skill in orchestrating large-scale battles without losing sight of the characters’ emotional stakes. It’s a testament to how the director balanced spectacle and storytelling—a hallmark of the entire trilogy.
Many fans, including Jackson himself, find The Two Towers endlessly fascinating for its ability to deepen the narrative stakes while introducing iconic new elements like Gollum’s internal conflict and the Ents’ battle against Saruman. It’s a film that refuses to be overshadowed by the grandeur of The Fellowship of the Ring or the sweeping conclusion in The Return of the King.
No Consensus Among Fans
Interestingly, Jackson’s pick aligns with a fan base divided on which film of the trilogy reigns supreme. Online threads and polls reveal a lack of consensus, with each installment garnering a near-equal share of adoration.
- The Fellowship of the Ring often earns praise for its introduction of the world of Middle-earth and its tight-knit ensemble.
- The Return of the King stands out for its epic conclusion and record-breaking Oscar sweep.
- Yet, The Two Towers maintains its position as a fan-favorite for its blend of intimate character moments and sprawling action sequences.
For Jackson, perhaps, the choice of The Two Towers represents his appreciation for the film’s narrative complexity and technical achievements.
Jackson’s Personal Film Favorites
Beyond his work on The Lord of the Rings, Jackson’s favorite films offer insights into the inspirations that shaped his own filmmaking journey. When asked about his all-time favorites, Jackson cited King Kong (1933) and The Night of the Hunter (1955), two cinematic classics that reflect his love for storytelling that combines visual wonder with emotional depth.
These choices also highlight Jackson’s reverence for films that broke ground in their time, much like his own trilogy has done for modern fantasy cinema.
What’s Next for Middle-earth?
With Jackson’s trilogy firmly etched into cinematic history, fans are eagerly awaiting The War of the Rohirrim, an animated film set in Middle-earth. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced with input from Jackson’s longtime collaborators, the film is set to explore new facets of Tolkien’s world. The hope is that it can recapture some of the magic that Jackson brought to the screen.
Meanwhile, Jackson’s musings on his work remind us of the enduring legacy of The Lord of the Rings. The films have not only defined a generation but also set the gold standard for adapting epic fantasy to the big screen. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Helm’s Deep, the emotional farewell in The Return of the King, or Frodo and Sam’s journey in The Fellowship of the Ring, there’s no denying that each film holds a special place in the hearts of millions.
So, does Jackson’s pick of The Two Towers sway your own opinion? Maybe it’s time to rewatch the trilogy and decide for yourself.
