Chapter 567: The High(2)
Chapter 567: The High(2)
J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, The Lord of the Rings, is the magnum opus of magnum opuses—the masterpiece that refined the fundamental framework and concepts of 'fantasy.'
While the scope of fantasy is immeasurably vast, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Tolkien created the entire world-building template that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of the genre.
Humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, dragons, and more. The Lord of the Rings took races commonly found in mythology, reconstructed them, and brought them to life.
It wasn't just the races; the world-building itself was noteworthy. It featured a history and a setting so sophisticated it felt as if it truly came from another world.
But beyond leaving a massive footprint on the genre of fantasy, the film adaptations boast an incredible level of craftsmanship. This is true even though they underwent some minor creative liberties!
Before then, limitations in technology meant that fantasy films were small in scale. Their quality was often lacking, making the cinematic adaptation of fantasy something of a poisoned chalice.
However, The Lord of the Rings succeeded defiantly. All three films in the trilogy boasted high production values, and even years later, no work has truly managed to topple its stronghold.
Even The Avengers, which enjoyed peak popularity twenty years later, falls considerably behind in terms of sheer cinematic craftsmanship. It was simply that many people felt the entertainment value alone was enough.
People went as far as to say it was a shame The Lord of the Rings was released so early. Considering the later advancements in CG and motion capture technology, it’s a sentiment I can agree with.
"Sons of Rohan!!"
Bwaaaaa-rum!
As soon as the general encouraging the cavalry shouted, the sound of a war horn erupted. The blast of the horn reached toward the heavens, vibrating through the entire world.
What I was currently showing them was one of the most iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings: the charge of Rohan’s cavalry.
I wasn't showing it in a traditional film format; I was projecting it vividly, as if it were in 3D.
Thump-thump-thump-thump-thump!
Not long after the horn echoed, a massive host of cavalry charged toward the enemy.
The sound of the earth trembling, the background music heightening the tension, and finally, the expression of the knight shouting as he charged toward the foe.
Even as a rain of arrows fell from the sky, the horses snorted and pressed on silently. Even when sharp spears were leveled against them, the cavalry never faltered.
Everything was perfect—a scene that truly delivered a "medieval hype" rush. It was truly marvelous how they managed to film such a scene with the technology of that time.
Crunch! Crack! Boom!
The massive tide of cavalry crashed into the enemy army like a tsunami. The continuous sound of things breaking showcased their sheer destructive power.
At that moment, the scene ended. I figured showing Rohan’s cavalry up to this point was enough.
Feeling a strange sense of pride, I looked at the others. Everyone looked dazed, stunned by the vividness of the cavalry charge.
"For the record, that was all a movie. You don't need to worry about the scenes where people fall from arrows or get trampled by horses. It was all staged for filming."
"That... all of that was a 'movie'?"
"Unbelievable. I can accept the numbers, but how did they recreate a cavalry charge like that? Without magic?"
Arwen and Cecile, who were busily investing in the film adaptation of the Xenon Biography, asked in tones of utter disbelief.
I could only shrug in response. I was someone who watched movies, not someone who filmed them.
"I don't know the details myself. Just know that it wasn't a real recording of an event, but a scene from a movie."
"Just what kind of technology do they have to be able to film scenes that look like they belong in our world...?"
"Be honest. Your world can use magic too, right? How else could you film a scene like that without magic?"
Mari poked me in the side, her voice thick with suspicion. I let out a small chuckle and shook my head.
Part of me wanted to show them Saving Private Ryan, just as I had shown Calz.
However, I gave up on the idea because it would be terrible for a pregnant woman, and it might trigger my father's PTSD.
"I've said it over and over, but it's science, not magic. You know that game I was playing earlier while swearing? There's no way a place like that exists in reality, right? They used that kind of technology."
"I feel like I understand, yet it's still hard to grasp. Though it's equally amazing either way."
Mari looked like she had half-given up on understanding. Ever since she had indirectly experienced riding in an airplane, her reaction had been that nothing would surprise her anymore.
In fact, I was the one with many questions. I turned to Cecile and Arwen, who were whispering to each other.
"Earlier, you asked how a cavalry charge could be implemented without magic. Does that mean it's possible to film a scene like that with magic?"
"Hmm? Of course it is. The work would be a bit grueling, but if we mobilized the mages of Albenheim, it wouldn't be a difficult task."
"I heard the theory from Queen Arwen as well. I was confused at first, but it seemed fine. Director Skal will probably find it very useful."
As expected of the "cheat" races. Earth can't even use teleportation, yet they use it casually here.
I let out a hollow laugh internally, then spoke up, figured I might as well hear them out.
"Can you tell me how it works?"
"Well, the way it works is..."
Cecile explained the theory to me exactly as she had heard it from Arwen.
And I didn't understand a single word. She was clearly speaking the Common Tongue, so why did it sound like a foreign language?
Taking my ignorance of magic into account, she tried to explain using the simplest spell, Fireball, as a baseline, but I still didn't get it.
"Did you understand?"
"No. Not a single bit."
"......"
At my blunt answer, Cecile gave a bitter smile. Her expression said, 'I figured as much.'
But it didn't matter. That was the reaction I wanted.
"It would probably be the same if I tried to explain how I filmed that scene. Do you see what I mean?"
"I get what you're saying. It's better to just empty your head and watch."
"Is there perhaps a movie we could refer to when adapting Blood and Iron?"
While Cecile was nodding in understanding, Arwen suddenly interjected.
Judging by her question, she seemed interested in the film adaptation of Blood and Iron as well as the Xenon Biography.
Since it was a movie that could potentially become the Lord of the Rings of this world, it was only natural she'd be interested. I understood that feeling.
"There is, but not right now."
"And why is that?"
"Because Father and Mari are here."
But I couldn't. As I mentioned, Mari was pregnant with my child, and it could severely trigger my father's PTSD.
At first, Mari and my father looked puzzled. It was only natural to be bewildered when they were suddenly brought up.
However, they soon nodded after realizing that Blood and Iron was closely linked to 'war.'
While Rohan’s cavalry showcased 'grandeur,' Blood and Iron emphasized 'misery.' That atmosphere was depicted in meticulous detail.
"I-I am sorry. I wasn't thinking."
Arwen apologized immediately, realizing her mistake a moment too late. She even stole glances at Mari and my father.
Of course, those two weren't the type to find fault or get angry over something like this. They just laughed it off.
"It's okay. You can just watch it later without me and my father-in-law. No need to feel self-conscious."
"...Thank you. I appreciate your broad-mindedness."
"It's nothing. Honestly, I'm curious too, but I have to endure for the sake of the baby."
Mari said this as she gently stroked her still-flat stomach. Everyone watching wore a warm smile at the gesture.
Currently, she was someone who needed protection. Even if it was unexpected, like Ariel, a gift was a gift.
I wrapped my arm around Mari’s slender shoulders and met her eyes. She gave a faint smile, radiating loveliness.
"......Is there anything else you want to see?"
"Is there a movie based on your world, rather than ours?"
As the atmosphere turned mellow, Leona raised her hand and made a request.
I thought deeply about the question. First and foremost, it had to be a movie far removed from war.
Naturally, that included anything gruesome. I should focus on a narrative-driven story rather than just visual effects.
Or perhaps something that caught two birds with one stone. In that sense, there was one perfect movie.
Strictly speaking, it was a movie I personally loved.
"Should I show you the whole thing from start to finish, or just the important scenes like before? For the record, it'll take about two hours."
"Can you show us your world through that?"
"I can't say it's a perfect representation. This is also a type of fantasy. You can think of it as a fictional story, like the Xenon Biography."
Movies are a form of popular culture detached from reality. Sometimes they are made to express art, and other times they are made for vicarious satisfaction.
Just as the Xenon Biography caused a massive stir in the literary world by being treated as a book of prophecy, and further led to an explosion in the number of adventurers.
The movie I was about to show was the same. It would showcase technology that was absolutely impossible through science—let alone magic—but the 'narrative' itself would be satisfying.
"What's the general story? I think it'll be easier to understand if I know that."
Nicole chimed in with a timely and appropriate question. Even if they had acquired general knowledge about Earth, movies followed a different track.
I met each of their many gazes one by one before quietly closing my eyes. At the same time, I recalled the opening of the movie, not the White Room.
It came out when I was in elementary school, but it's still considered a masterpiece today.
If The Lord of the Rings left a massive footprint on the genre of fantasy itself, this movie could be called the beginning of a legend.
A movie that focused on narrative rather than art or expression, incorporating appropriate humor throughout while never feeling purely frivolous.
The start of a universe that served as the most successful example of commercial cinema.
I slowly opened my eyes. As I did, the opening of that scene unfolded.
"The story itself is quite simple. It's the heroic growth of a genius, profligate noble who only cares about himself."
"......That sounds a bit cheap, doesn't it?"
Like Nicole’s lukewarm assessment, the others had similar expressions. As I just said, the narrative itself was simple.
However, making that simple narrative delicious is also a talent. Especially since this was the beginning of a grand epic, it held even deeper meaning.
At this, I wore a confident smile. I was curious to see if they would still say that after watching the movie.
"If you think about it, the Xenon Biography is also just the heroic growth of an ordinary adventurer. Are you perhaps disparaging the Xenon Biography...?"
"N-No, absolutely not! L-Let's just hurry up and watch."
"Can you tell us the title?"
While Nicole was flustered, my father spoke up in a low voice. I replied with a bright smile.
"'Iron Man.'"
"Iron Man?"
"Yes."
If The Lord of the Rings showed them the pinnacle of medieval fantasy...
"It's the great beginning of a narrative that dominated the film industry for about ten years."
Iron Man would show them what science—impossible even with magic—truly was.
Of course, it's just a movie.
That was exactly why it was more fun.