laughingcrow wrote:They probably will be considered classics by popular culture in terms of effects and the sheer scale of the project, much in the same way that Zulu, Star Wars and Ben Hur are.
Senior Crow --
"Zulu" is widely considered a classic in the UK? Not surprising, but it's practically a cult film over here. (I finally saw a beat-up print at the American Cinematheque. Very impressive movie.)
Ever seen the, I think 1939, version of the oft-filmed "Four Feathers." (There were some American version, but I'm talking about a British film, directed I think by Zoltan Korda). Someone from England told me that it airs every Christmas or something.
Though it's probalby the most blatantly jingoistic film I've ever seen -- particularly striking in terms of contemporary politics (it takes place mostly in what we now call Afghanistan, I think), it was an absolutely wonderful, amazing movie. Completely blew me. (I'm editing my original comments here. I meant to say "completely blew me away", but seeing as I liked it so much, I'm wondering if the orginal version wasn't in some way more accurate.)
As to "classics" which I don't much personally care for, I'll lead that off with "Gone with the Wind" (though I'll admit it's sort of entertaining in small chunks) and anything directed by Michelangelo Antonioni. Actually, though I love William Wyler, didn't much care for "Ben Hur" either.
"Star Wars" is great fun, and in terms of film history incredibly important, but not a great film in any normal sense of the word. "The Empire Strikes Back" starts the beginning of a possible evolution toward greatness but to say that it didn't quite pan out is obviously a major understatement.
LOTR may not be all that "important" in sense that it may not inspire much imitation, but in terms of mature filmmaking, I don't think there's really much argument that there's with the Star Wars movies. I really think that Peter Jackson has the potential to emerge over time as a top-tier all-purpose director in the same general category as a John Ford, John Huston or Akira Kurasawa.