This is the final post about plots. In the first post we explored what the creators of South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, describe what makes a good plot:
“take the beats of the outline and if the words ‘and then . . .’ belong between those beats . . . you got you something pretty boring. What should happen between every beat that you’ve written down is either the world therefore or but.”
Then we explored two movies, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker and The Super Mario Bros. Movie and how they follow the wrong beats using ‘and then’. The second blog post went into how to make Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker a better movie by changing the beats to therefore. In this final post we will explore a movie franchise that follows proper beats: Lord of the Rings.
The Lord of the Rings: Average of 93% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes
The story begins with the introduction of the One Ring, forged by Sauron to dominate all other rings of power and control Middle-earth. It falls into the possession of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, who then passes it to his nephew, Frodo Baggins, and is therefore tasked to destroy it to prevent Sauron's return to power.
Frodo sets out from the Shire accompanied by his loyal friends: Samwise Gamgee, Merry, and Pippen. Along their perilous journey, they encounter various allies including Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others such as Boromir, Faramir, but not everyone stays an ally.
Their quest takes them through the Mines of Moria, the Elven realm of Lothlórien, and the city of Minas Tirith. They face numerous challenges, battles, and moral dilemmas along the way.
Meanwhile, Sauron marshals his forces to reclaim the Ring, which he believes will grant him ultimate power. He sends his armies of orcs, trolls, and other creatures to hunt down Frodo and his companions.
Ultimately, Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom with the intention of destroying it. However, Frodo succumbs to the Ring's temptation and claims it for himself. Gollum, an ally turned foe who is obsessed with the Ring, attacks Frodo and bites off his finger, seizing the Ring for himself. But in his moment of triumph, Gollum loses his footing and falls into the fiery chasm of Mount Doom, destroying himself and the Ring in the process.
With the destruction of the Ring, Sauron is vanquished, and his armies are defeated. Middle-earth is saved from darkness, but not without great sacrifice. The hobbits return home to the Shire.
I love these movies and I feel that this should be the epitome and standard on how movie plots should be made. What movies do believe follow therefore or but beats? What do you like most about Lord of the Rings?
