At the moment when all hope seemed lost, a loud and clear neighing of a horse echoed through the battlefield, stirring King Théoden, Aragorn, and all the warriors who had charged forth.
Michael Bay had long discarded his prejudices. Like everyone else in the theater, he stood up, clenched his fists, and fixed his eyes on the big screen.
"King Théoden is fighting alone..."
From behind Gandalf, Éomer emerged, drawing his sword. "He is not alone..."
Then, more Rohirrim riders appeared over the ridge, bringing renewed hope.
"Riders of Rohan, for the King!"
With Éomer's battle cry, Gandalf unleashed a dazzling radiance, and the Rohirrim charged down the slope toward the Uruk-hai army.
The battle was overwhelming. The Uruk-hai, unable to resist the powerful assault, were thrown into disarray as the cavalry trampled over them, their bodies crushed beneath hooves, their flesh pierced by spears and severed by swords.
Watching the Uruk-hai being flung through the air, impaled, and slain, the audience couldn't help but feel exhilarated.
"Serves them right! Did they really think they could withstand the might of human cavalry?"
"Such ugly creatures belong in hell with Satan..."
Wait—there was no Satan in Middle-earth. Was there even a hell?
This moment was deliberately highlighted with slow-motion shots. Michael Bay followed the charging riders with his eyes, wishing he could jump into the battle himself.
This was a battle destined to be etched in history, an unparalleled cinematic spectacle.
No wonder Gilbert had claimed in interviews that the war scenes in the second film would surpass those in the first. He had even hinted that the third film would be the true pinnacle.
And indeed, this was the first time Michael Bay had watched The Lord of the Rings in a theater. If the third installment lived up to expectations, this trilogy would undoubtedly be worthy of the word "greatness."
Isengard had fallen. The Battle of Helm's Deep was over. Frodo and Sam continued their journey toward Mount Doom.
As the credits rolled, the audience—though attending an early screening with no official curtain call—spontaneously erupted into applause.
The applause was genuine, fervent, and completely unfeigned.
Even after the credits finished rolling, the clapping did not cease. This was the highest praise a film could receive.
Then, someone in the crowd shouted, "Next summer..."
"The Return of the King!" someone else responded immediately.
The first fan seemed encouraged by this and led the entire audience in chanting the title of the next film, just like the year before.
When The Fellowship of the Ring had premiered, fans had eagerly anticipated The Two Towers. Now, before The Two Towers had even concluded, they were already looking forward to the final chapter.
Michael Bay was no exception. He clapped along and joined in the chant for The Return of the King.
Arrogant as he was, even he had to admit that The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was not something Pearl Harbor could ever hope to surpass.
At this moment, Michael Bay couldn't help but admire Michael Ovitz—his foresight was remarkable.
Then again, it wasn't exactly difficult to predict. Anyone with a functioning brain could tell that The Two Towers was unstoppable this year.
As Hankinson and Russell exited the theater together, Hankinson remarked, "I think Gilbert is the best in Hollywood when it comes to filming epic war scenes. No doubt about it."
Russell, however, countered, "Hankinson, Gilbert is the best at everything. He's a genius."
"Yeah." Hankinson gazed at the night-lit streets with a sigh. "It's as if God himself gifted him with talent."
With the early screenings concluded, it was now time for the midnight premiere.
At the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, the official premiere had just ended, and the applause was still going strong. Gilbert and the cast had taken their bows multiple times, only to be met with even louder cheers.
The flashes of photographers' cameras were unrelenting, capturing every moment.
"In the last ten minutes, everyone was standing. That was incredible," Leonardo DiCaprio said as he clapped, turning to Matt Damon.
"That's only natural," Matt Damon responded matter-of-factly. "If a film like this doesn't get a standing ovation, then no movie ever will."
"Fair point," DiCaprio agreed.
Elsewhere, Tom Hanks said to Robert Zemeckis, "No wonder every other film tried to avoid competing with this one. Going up against it would be a disaster."
Robert Zemeckis chuckled. "The studios aren't stupid. The Two Towers is guaranteed to be the box office champion this year."
The premiere concluded, but there was still a press conference to attend.
Gilbert led the cast to answer questions from the media.
During the conference, Gilbert once again teased The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. "The Two Towers is just the appetizer. The Return of the King is the real main course."
A journalist immediately asked, "So when can we expect The Return of the King?"
Gilbert smiled faintly. "Very soon. Next summer. But for now, let's all enjoy The Two Towers first."
The premiere and early screenings had ended, but discussions about the film were just beginning.
This time, Michael Bay had successfully disguised himself and, by sheer luck, managed to avoid being caught by reporters for an interview.
After watching the film, he was filled with thoughts and reflections, realizing just how much he had learned.
Previously, he had refused to acknowledge any significant gap between himself and Gilbert. But now, after witnessing this film firsthand, he had to admit—there was a massive, insurmountable gulf between them.
Meanwhile, early screening attendees who had internet access wasted no time logging onto forums and message boards to share their experiences.
"Great. Absolutely a great, epic film."
"The continuity from the first film was seamless, and the pacing was incredibly tight. Not a single moment felt wasted. The soundtrack and visuals were top-notch, completely immersive."
"I lost track of time in the theater. Before I knew it, the movie was over."
"The Battle of Helm's Deep was beyond incredible. In my theater, everyone stood up and shouted 'Charge!' alongside King Théoden and Aragorn."
"Same in mine! And when Gandalf and Éomer appeared, I nearly burst into tears."
"One viewing isn't enough. I need to watch it three, four, five more times..."
"Anyone going to the midnight screening at the Fairmont Theatre in San Francisco?"
"I'm going! Count me in!"
On forums and message boards, new posts were appearing by the dozens every minute. Viewers who had seen the film eagerly shared their incredible experiences, making those who hadn't watched it yet itch with anticipation.
Missing the early screening wasn't a big deal—there was still time to catch the midnight show.
Aside from a few remote theaters, nearly every cinema screening The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers was packed, with occupancy rates exceeding 90%.
A theater manager called the distribution office. "I recommend adding more showtimes. Clear out a few extra screens if needed. We're at full capacity here, and fans are starting to protest, asking if we can sell standing-room tickets..."
Moviegoers, desperate to see the film, were even willing to stand for the entire screening—a phenomenon never seen before.
Naturally, journalists documented this unprecedented scene, knowing full well that the biggest blockbuster of the summer had officially arrived.
.....
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