So, I’m perusing the news this morning and I came across a piece about Elijah Wood. Specifically, the article was about a new show that Elijah is starring in. The series, Wilfred, does sound offbeat and may indeed prove to be a fun show. However, midway through the article, is this nugget of information:
In October, Wood heads to New Zealand to resume the role of Frodo Baggins from “The Lord Of The Rings” trilogy in “The Hobbit,” directed by Peter Jackson. Wood says he’s “really excited” about it and compares it to a family reunion.
Okay. The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings have long been my two favorite pieces of fantasy literature. Hell, they’re probably my two favorite works of fiction period. When I first heard about an upcoming live action movie of LOTR, I had definite misgivings. It wouldn’t have taken much to totally fuck it up beyond all recognition. I was pleasantly surprised by Peter Jackson’s effort, and after watching The Fellowship Of The Ring, I eagerly awaited the next two movies. Granted, there were elements and plotlines whose exclusion saddened me somewhat, but I understood why they weren’t in the films. There simply was no way to include everything and keep it within a suitable time frame. I thought Jackson did a damned good job.
Now, he’s making The Hobbit. I honestly don’t know if I will bother going to see it. I first encountered that story when the animated version came on television back in the mid ’70′s. A year or two later, I read the book and have loved it ever since. But I don’t know if it will work as a live action movie. While the idea of such a venture does appeal to me, I feel there is a much greater chance of totally fucking up the tale when putting it on the big screen.
For one thing, the mood and atmosphere are totally different, and in my opinion, would be very difficult to capture without becoming ridiculous on film. An animated version would perhaps be the best way to go, as the story is much more fun and whimsical than LOTR and might be more easily achieved through animation.
I had misgivings from the time I first learned The Hobbit was given the green light to become a movie. I don’t want to take anything away from Peter Jackson; I think he’s a great director and he puts out high quality work. But….I would have to describe myself as a ‘rabid’ fan of Tolkien’s work, and I’m not interested in seeing it changed up on the big screen. I’m sure Jackson will put out a great adventure flick that will capture the attention of those who go to see it, especially those who have never read Tolkien’s books and whose only knowledge of the stories comes from the films themselves.
But…I don’t know. Frodo will be in the movie. Legolas, Saruman, Galadriel, the Necromancer, Radagast, and some character named Tauriel will also be appearing in the film. None of those characters are in the book. Well, to be fair, the Necromancer and Radagast are mentioned during a conversation, but that’s it. So….I don’t think I will be going to see the film when it’s finally released. I will refrain from passing final judgment on it until I see the trailer for the movie, but with the latest news about Peter Jackson’s latest effort, I think I will pass.
Frodo?? HELL NO!
WTH??? Why would those characters even be in that movie??? Unless the movie is told from a flashback point of view?
Shit…. I think I’ll pass….
From what I could gather, they are going to show the battle between the White Council and the Necromancer (Sauron), as a lead-in to LOTR.
That alone will probably change the mood and atmosphere of the movie. Sounds like it’s going to be more of an intense adventure, with some darker elements, and not the humorous, rollicking tale as put forth by J.R.R. Tolkien.
“a’rabid’ fan”
Oh noes! You gots the rabies too! Get well soon!
And a change in style again…
I will be watching things as they develop IRT “The Hobbit”. Remember all the hellabaloo when it was first announced that LOTR was going to be a “live action” film? Especially from the legion of loyal followers of all which is Tolken, the howling was long and loud. As the movie progressed to the selection of actors, and then filming, finally bits and pieces of the movie made it to the net, and a large faction of the nya sayers were put at ease. Was it perfect? No, of course not. Haven’t seeb a film yet which was 100% faithful to the book it was based on. But have to give Jackson credit for doing as good a job as he did. And if nothing else he was faithful to the spirit of the books. With any luck at all, he will do the same with “The Hobbit”. At least his track record would indicate this will be the case. We shall see, but I won’t dismiss the whole thing out of hand, because he has to please the suits (read that as the producers, studio types, and other hangers on) who control the money and such.
Oh, and love the new look!!