LORD OF THE RINGS BREAKDOWN: Fellowship of the Ring Analysis | The Deep Dive

It's time for an extended deep-dive into LOTR Fellowship of the Ring, part 1 of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Erik Voss goes fully in-depth to explore the themes, the music, the filmmaking, and the connections to the lore of JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, and Silmarillion.

Welcome to The Deep Dive, a new channel in the New Rockstars Digital Network. Hosted by Erik Voss, The Deep Dive is the destination for more pointed media investigations. From full seasons of Marvel streaming shows to cult classic films, Erik will dig to the roots of the hidden agendas beneath every title.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - The Fellowship of the Ring
01:34 - Sauron's Rings of Power
05:35 - Last Alliance
08:31 - The Ring Escapes
10:40 - There And Back Again
12:50 - Frodo and Gandalf
14:25 - Forced Perspective
16:48 - Bilbo Birthday Party
20:20 - Gandalf's Journey
22:12 - One Ring to Rule Them All
25:50 - Saruman
28:30 - Hobbits
31:35 - Ringwraiths
36:25 - Why Didn't They Use the Eagles?
38:00 - Arwen
39:38 - Rivendell
42:00 - Narsil
44:10 - Council of Elrond
48:54 - Fellowship Journey
52:34 - The Pity of Bilbo
54:10 - Mines of Moria
58:14 - Galadriel in Lothlorien
1:06:00 - Argonath
1:07:25 - Amon Hen Battle
1:08:20 - Boromir Death
1:10:04 - Final Scene

VIDEO CREDITS:

Written and Produced by Erik Voss
Lead Editor: Devin Cleary
Edited by Devin Cleary, Aaron Carrion, Tanner DiGirolamo, and Joshua Steven Hurd
Research by Chris Walker
Executive Producer: Erik Voss

[TheTuneShifter]

Tiny correction: Elrond’s wife actually did not die. She had been captured and tortured nearly to death by orcs before being rescued by her and Elrond’s twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. She was healed in body, but she could not bear to be in Middle Earth anymore and had already left for Valinor. That’s one reason why Elrond will soon leave. He wants to rejoin his wife, but he knows he can’t leave until Sauron has been defeated.

[jacobcarlsonWGO]

One breakdown to rule them all! You just made my day, Erik! Thank you!

[venomousnate]

It’s so cool that Christopher Lee is the only person who actually met J. R. R. Tolkien. What an absolute amazing life that great man had.

[patrickdavis]

A tiny detail that I personally love that was glossed over: when the fellowship is grieving on the mountainside, you can see Legolas isn't grieving like the rest but looks visible confused and that's because the Istari are eons old, like the elves, and if Gandalf (an undying being sent by gods) can die then what does that mean about him. Essentially, he isn't grieving so much as going through an existential crisis.

[ayyreuter]

I met Sean Aston not too long ago and he was the nicest guy in the world. He talked about how Samwise is still one of his all time favorite roles he played. He had such love and respect for Sam. Truly a remarkable guy

[shaggycan]

19:35 Bilbo giving up the ring voluntarily is the single greatest act in the entire book.
Frodo couldn't do it, Isildur couldn't do it.

[dlannom]

Wow, the fact that you noticed the 9 notes in Howard’s score that don’t resolve and continue like a ring. Awesome! That’s why you’re the best in the business! Thank you for all your time and the great content you always put out😃

[angelgonzalez]

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." -Gandalf

[terrythornton]

Great job on the breakdown! As many times as I’ve seen this movie, I learned things I didn’t know before. And I love how you highlighted the music! I’ve always noted that as Boromir was dying, he called Aragorn his brother, captain and king. Those words describe Aragorn’s roles in each of the trilogy. In the first movie, he was a brother, part of the fellowship. In the second movie he is the captain leading the defense of the people of Rohan. And in the third movie, Aragorn is the king. Looking forward to your breakdowns of the next two movies.

[bernparks]

I died hearing Tolkien explain the eagles. I was ready for a profound, logical, and academic answer to this question. Then he said "shut up". 😂

[diandradurand]

Bill the Pony was not eaten. He managed to get back to Bree and was reunited with Sam there. Also, Celebrian did not die. She was ambushed by orcs on her way to Lothlorien and tortured. Elrond was able to heal her wonds but she never fully recovered (physically or spiritually). She returned to Valinor to live in peace. Gotta watch our man over at Nerd of the Rings

[TacmaArma]

Haven’t ever been this excited for a breakdown
My all time favorite movie series
Thank you for this, Voss & team!

[cmoreskylines]

One of the greatest movies of all time. 100% my favorite of the trilogies. So many iconic moments. This will always be legendary.

[OmAcC]

This was amazing Erik! I can't wait to see how you breakdown the rest of the trilogy! 😊

[smalls-iizd]

Can’t believe it’s already been a year. Thank you for all the breakdowns and analysis. Congratulations on your coming arrival. I wish you the best of luck Señior Voss. The first days of fatherhood are the best and you will never forget the experience. The first time you lay eyes on your daughter will change your life forever.

[eddieedward]

"...side by side with a friend?"
"Aye, i could do that."

Brings tears to your eyes.

[thecartoonrobot]

Gandalf was also channeling the power of creation to make a declaration of fact a la "Let there be light". He wasn't telling the balrog that he wasn't going to pass, he was making a thing true by declaring it.

[pawacoteng]

Great job Erik and team!

I would have loved at 47:05 if you could highlight Ian McKellen's reaction shot to Frodo volunteering. Whether intentional or not, that one expression spoke volumes of emotions, some contradictory to each other. This is why it is worth it to cast true masters of the craft.

[terranncegilmore]

My wife and I watch all three extended editions every holiday season. Boromir's death brings me to tears every time.

Your closing words were beautiful here

[deontejuteau]

Watching this makes me want to rewatch all of the Lord of the Rings movies even though I've already watched all of them about 10 times since they all came out! Fantastic breakdown!