4...And Exotic Locales
In addition to the epic battles, Peter Jackson is also great at creating exotic settings from the books, many of which he based on influential artwork inspired by Tolkien. He captured perfectly the autumnal beauty of Rivendell, as well as the fey and quiet grandeur of Lothlorien. And his depictions of Isengard and Mordor demonstrated the mechanistic, despoiling evil that is Sauron.
The Silmarillion contains many more opportunities for Peter Jackson to show off his gifts. Ive already mentioned Gondolin, the wondrous city in a hidden valley of the mountains. Theres Menegroth, hall of the elf king Thingol (father of Luthien). Menegroth was also known as the Thousand Caves, and was hewn by dwarves to resemble a subterranean forest. And the sylvan dwelling of the Laiquendi of Ossiriand, green elves who had hidden dwellings in the trees. There are also plenty of settings that would let Jackson utilize his skills in the grotesque. Ive mentioned Angband. Theres also Tol-in-Gaurhoth, the fortress of Sauron, where he was joined by his powerful servants Draugluin the werewolf and Thuringwethil the vampire. And several scenes feature post-combat destruction, such as the ruins of the elf city Nargothrond, in which the great dragon Glaurung dwelt.