Today, British cinema has lost one of its really great presences. Sir Christopher Lee has passed away at the age of 93. Always a looming and absorbing figure on screen, Lee made his name through the Hammer Horror movies from 1957 to 1976. His portrayal as Dracula is considered to be among the most iconic of all time. He also was one of James Bond's most cunning adversaries in The Man with the Golden Gun and cemented his cult status as the creepy Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man.
In the 21st Century, Lee opened himself to whole new fan base by appearing as the white wizard, Saruman in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Also he entered sci-fi folklore with his role as Sith lord, Count Dooku in Star Wars Episodes 2 & 3. More recently, he featured in Martin Scorsese excellent film, Hugo. in 2011, his achievements were recognized by the British Film Academy who awarded him their Fellowship Award.
Cinema will miss his piercing gaze and his deep, powerful voice from his career spanning over 70 years. Here are three of my personal favourite Christopher Lee moments.
Everyone remembers the mania of Lee's character, Lord Summerisle in its infamous finale. But its his work up until that point that is so memorable. From this one scene, Summerisle is both charismatic and bold with his speech regarding his pagan religion. From the horrified expression from devout christian Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward). You can see how easily Summerisle is manipulating this man into the horrifying later events.
As Saruman, Lee proved he had lost none of his on-screen menace. In one simple scene, Saruman turns from friend of Gandalf (Ian McKellan) to a dangerous adversary. It's the relish in which Lee carry off the Tolkien dialogue that creates the nervy winds of change. Also it will finally answer the question as to what happens when wizards do battle!
In an other otherwise underwhelming affair, Lee's Count Dooku proved to be the ace card in the pack. Sporting a genuinely malicious air, Dooku was effortlessly cool and skilled with a light-saber. From this Lee managed to produce a battle scene that is one of the franchise finest. It was a save worthy of the great Mariano Rivera!
So finally Peter Jackson's return to Middle Earth comes full circle, The Hobbit Trilogy has encountered a decent reception upon its release, but maybe less positive than the beloved Lord of the Rings saga. Jackson has still been able to conjure up the same old magic as before though such as the hair raising introduction of Smaug the Dragon. He will be sure to make Tolkein proud though with this final installment inThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
As Smaug the Dragon (Benedict Cumberbatch) reigns havoc upon the town of Laketown, a small band of survivors led by Bard (Luke Evans) make for the mountains of Erebor in search of shelter. Meanwhile Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) is growing concerned with Thorin's (Richard Armitage) dark obsession over a precious king stone. All the while a surge of Orcs descend upon the mountain for a battle that will decide the fate of all!
The finale to Jackson's six part Middle Earth series is one that will no doubt please fans. The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies wraps things up in a more convenient way than that the multiple endings of Return of the King. Events are given a major kick start as Smaug reigns a fiery death upon Lake Town, cue utter chaos where only an act of sheer heroism by Bard will save the day! Unlike other episodes, Jackson through good editing has stripped this one down to the necessary content and there is no dragging feeling or any sense he is looking to draw things about because he can.
Loyalty and brotherhood are the key focuses of Five Armies, Thorin's increasing insanity is the element that really keeps the story
on its toes. The once steadfast and beloved leader has descended into a stir crazy man who under the dragons influence is beginning to suspect his fellow dwarf men. Bard's story though is the one that captures our heart, as he is a simple man pushed into being a De-facto leader. Through his courage to save his family and his desire to regain the lives of other villagers, we find the movies sympathetic and compassionate voice. A well shot bargaining conversation through the Erebor gate with Thorin demonstrates his heroism and his opponent's unwillingness to budge.
In this installment, there are missteps in The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies such as an underwhelming three way battle when veterans Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) and Elrond (Hugo Weaving) do combat with the Nazgul. By rights this should have been a standout scene, but in a heartbeat it is gone to quickly! Plus although this a well paced final part, it never fully realizes its potential and feels a little too confined to the shadows throughout. This brooding sense of inner conflict aids the film in some parts but in others it simply delays the action.
But we are richly rewarded with a stunning final battle sequence as the Elk mounted Elf, Thranduil (Lee Pace) along with foul mouthed dwarf Dain (Billy Connolly) do battle with a sea of orcs against Erebor. However, it is the moment that Thorin emerges from the gates to lead the charge that really breathes life into this affair. There is also a heavy emotional undercurrent to this battle which was seldom seen in Return of the King and lives and bonds are shaken forever through a single blade. It is the kind of finale, only a director like Jackson could deliver.
Martin Freeman has proven to be an inspired piece of casting as Bilbo Baggins and has grown into the role magnificently. It is the way he portrays the Hobbit's humbleness and quiet bravery that adds layers to this character. More impressively, the cracks in Bilbo's character are beginning to show
through. Jackson is subtle with his hints, but through Freeman, these give a powerful
indicator what is to come. Five Armies though belongs to Richard Armitage as Thorin, a true presence in this series, this movie he plays both hero and villain to perfection. His finest moment comes from a stunning hallucinatory sequence against the golden floor of Erebor as the Dwarf leader finally clues into what is causing his new lust for his treasure!
The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies is perhaps not as memorable as many would have hoped, but Jackson has still succeeded in giving JRR Tolkein's Middle Earth a fine send off! Farewell everyone, it has been an experience.
