by Anthony S Burdge Chairman The New York Tolkien Society
To pay homage to J.R.R. Tolkien and at the same time tackle themes
he held dear in a film project is a huge undertaking. The earlier
tales of Middle-earth record the deeds of heroes in the form of
ancient narrative. They are not mere fantasy but the stuff of
legend. Unlike previous fantasy films, Ancanar is rich in characters that have their own depth of history, ancient griefs, motivations and mythical archetypes. Balcomb and Corsiglia fashion a world similar to Middle-earth's First Age but original in its story.
We know that elves are not always dazzling light and soft voices, here their more violent streak is perfectly captured. Dark days were plentiful for Tolkien's elves, respecting that why should Balcomb and Corsiglia's creations be any different? What I also admire is that these elves have no pointy ears. Read Balcomb's article on Elven anatomy and see why. "The Search Begins" after we are told of elves dwelling in a hidden kingdom and a dying father. This makes perfect sense, seek the life-sustaining secret of the elves to aid your dying father, very unique twist to understanding death and immortality. Bravo Sam and Raiya!
These are not the issues your run of the mill fantasy film tackles. Though I am sure Ancanar will have its share of visual effects (as we see in the Ancanar Specials concerning the Rammoth Valley and commentary) this is an emotionally fed character story.
Throughout the trailer she seems to be on the run, avoiding to
be seen. What we know of her is that she was captured while escaping
the destruction of her village. There is not much to be said of
Laliel in the material we have on the film but I shall make a
stab in the dark here as to her character's role and nature: But we will only know upon viewing the film
Recently Jessica and I was quoted on Ancanar.com as saying: What give Ancanar its "Epic" nature, quality and feel is Balcomb and Corsiglia's command of Tolkien's work and his influences. "The spirit of 'northernness'" as Tolkien would say, the heroic, mythical aspects only found in the ancient sagas and eddas is found in Ancanar.
I would like to thank the Ancanar team for honoring Tolkien in
their work and for upholding the spirit of Middle-earth with truth
and honesty. |
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In
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The
tone, mood, and air of the trailer seems heavy and sad at moments,
perhaps to assist the portrayal of immortality. The weight of
being forever bound to the earth must be grave and meloncholical
at times for the elves and its is captured perfectly by Balcomb,
Corsiglia and the actors. When Ancanar questions Finlome on "mortal
man dying of sickness and age while they are granted life eternal,"
(if you are reading this Gregory Kenyon, marvelous performance!)
I practically wept. The weight of the elves is in captured brilliantly
performed by Lister and shows Balcomb has no fear in tackling
the issues of death and immortality. This new twist to seeking
answers shows the movie goes head on to confront the issues.
One particular character
who is seemingly a mystery is 