I never try to analyze a film during the first viewing. In fact, that’s one of my tests of the film’s quality. If I find myself glancing at my watch, or spotting plot points because they jump off the screen, I know I haven’t been sucked into the story, which is why I’m in the theater. So, as a testament to the quality of the story telling of LOTR, I will admit, after the first viewing I was fascinated with Jackson’s vision of the Tolkien classic, which left us in the midst of so much more to come. I actually wasn’t sure where the plot points were because I was too busy watching the film.

Therefore, it took a second viewing, with pencil in hand, to answer my original question: Will Jackson use a Three-Act Structure to tell his story? The answer? Yes!

Be warned, if you haven’t seen the film, I might be giving away plot info you don’t want to know, so wait to read on until after you see it, and do see it. And please read my Preemptive look at LOTR for an explanation of the Three-Act Structure.

The Breakdown of LOTR @ 178 minutes:

The first 5 minutes goes to “back story,” filling us in on what came before (which includes The Hobbit, a must read!) After 5 minutes, we meet the Hobbits. As expected for a First Act, we meet our reluctant hero, Frodo; the loyal, Samwise; and the mischievous, Pippin and Merry. Bilbo vanishes. The Black Riders are unleashed. And 35 minutes into the film, Frodo learns, “This is the ring. You must leave!” Plot Point One.

Therefore, Act One for LOTR is 0-35 minutes. (35 minutes)

In Act Two, the Hobbits go to The Prancing Pony and hook up with Aragon, the Ranger. Saruman imprisons Gandalf. And after The Riders poison Frodo with a blade, we meet Arwen, Elrond, and the elves. But now we learn, “The ring can’t stay with the elves in Rivendell.” The counsel assembles (introducing the rest of the quest party: Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir) to decide what to do about the ring. However, the ring’s evil power castes its spell over the group. Only one, Frodo, seems impervious to the darkness and at about 90 minutes (almost the halfway point), Frodo says, “I will take it.” And the Fellowship organizes to complete the quest and take the ring back to Mordor to destroy it. Please note the individual conflicts set up between the characters when you watch the film. At about 105 minutes, they are forced through the mines. At about 120 minutes, they fight the Trolls and the Balrog.

When Gandalf falls into the darkness at 125 minutes, Act Two ends! As we often find in a quest plot (see my comments on Star Wars: Episode IV ), the hero’s mentor (Obi-Wan for Luke and Gandalf for Frodo) leaves because the hero must continue the journey alone. Remember: Plot Point Two for Star Wars was when Obi-Wan dies(?) Now the story gets a twist, takes another turn, giving us Plot Point Two at about 125 minutes.

Therefore, Act Two for LOTR was 35-125 minutes. (90 minutes)

The quest party is devastated, letting down their guard, captured by The Lady Galadriel and her Elves of the Wood. Her mirror tells Frodo at 140 minutes that destroying the ring is “his task alone.” Boromir tries to take the ring at 150 minutes, making Frodo realize he must go alone. At 155, the Orc army attacks. And as his consistent with a third act, good characters (Boromir) die. Lurtz (a villian for this episode), leader of the Uruk-hai is killed. And the Hobbits, Pippin and Merry, are captured for a cliffhanger. The story ends wonderfully, with Frodo and Samwise leaving on their own to destroy the ring, and Aragon, Legolas, and Gimli vowing to rescue Pippin and Merry. The End!

Therefore, Act Three of LOTR was 125-178 minutes. (53 minutes)

Do these times fit a Three Act Structure? Yes. This Act Three is longer than usual, but this film doesn’t actually end here and as I’ve always remeinded, “this is art.” Also remember, all three LOTR stories were filmed at the same time, unlike the Star Wars Trilogy.

However, more important than times, do the situations and changes follow the plot flow of a Three Act Structure? Yes, and very well! This brings me to my final point. Is it the Three Act Structure that makes this film work so well? Of course not! There are plenty of Three Act flops. It’s story telling, directing, cinematography, acting, and music. And, in the case of LOTR, we get a Perfect 10 in all cases. Remember, when I brought up the question of structure of LOTR at Westercon 54, I was just curious, that’s all.

Read my review of Lord of the Rings at “The Smoking Gun” page of The Chiaroscuro.