Now that Peter
Jackson has finally rounded off his adaptation of what is arguably, the greatest
epic fantasy cycle of its kind, I want to share some thoughts on the subject.
Along with many others I have greatly enjoyed the Lord of the Rings films, and
also have enjoyed his somewhat free adaptation of “The Hobbit”, perhaps more
because it is so different from the book it doesn't conflict with my vision.
Although I love the Peter Jackson adaptations, I cannot help feeling a minute twinge of sadness. Before these mega budget and heartfelt adaptations the unillustrated books were the unique preserve of our imaginations. Many people would illustrate the stories, (everyone who could pick up a pencil by my reckonings) but it was your own take on it. There was the Ralph Bakshi film version, referred to as “oh yeah, the film” with descending intonation. The main complaint I heard about this film adaptation was; “it wasn't like I imagined it, so I hated it”. This early attempt probably was not as bad as people said (I liked the orcs, because they were quite varied, and the scenes in Moria were very exciting), but Ralph Bakshi’s twee take on good wizards perhaps reminded people of the hijacking of Tolkien by hippydom in the 1970’s, that put a lot of people off. In fact, I remember when it became quite fashionable to deride Tolkien, the inevitable reaction to someone who had become “too popular”. I read a stinking review by Jonathan Keates, of one of the many re-issues of the Hobbit in either the Sunday Times or the Observer, in which he rather unfairly tried to link it to Fascism (which Tolkien despised) because an Italian Fascist had filched some of Tolkien’s ideas for his own ends, and that Tolkien, Bilbo and Hitler were “little men”.
Although I love the Peter Jackson adaptations, I cannot help feeling a minute twinge of sadness. Before these mega budget and heartfelt adaptations the unillustrated books were the unique preserve of our imaginations. Many people would illustrate the stories, (everyone who could pick up a pencil by my reckonings) but it was your own take on it. There was the Ralph Bakshi film version, referred to as “oh yeah, the film” with descending intonation. The main complaint I heard about this film adaptation was; “it wasn't like I imagined it, so I hated it”. This early attempt probably was not as bad as people said (I liked the orcs, because they were quite varied, and the scenes in Moria were very exciting), but Ralph Bakshi’s twee take on good wizards perhaps reminded people of the hijacking of Tolkien by hippydom in the 1970’s, that put a lot of people off. In fact, I remember when it became quite fashionable to deride Tolkien, the inevitable reaction to someone who had become “too popular”. I read a stinking review by Jonathan Keates, of one of the many re-issues of the Hobbit in either the Sunday Times or the Observer, in which he rather unfairly tried to link it to Fascism (which Tolkien despised) because an Italian Fascist had filched some of Tolkien’s ideas for his own ends, and that Tolkien, Bilbo and Hitler were “little men”.
Thankfully Peter
Jackson gave the films the power, emotion and gravitas, and was recognised by many,
including the Oscars. But in a tiny way, I feel that something was lost. I
still look back to the days when we had our own vision of the scenes and
characters of Middle Earth. For me, the Hobbit took place in the British
countryside where I grew up. I know Mirkwood and Fangorn, because me, my
brother and my mates would spend our weekends crawling in the rhododendrons, in the woods near our home, with the Hobbits
our unseen companions.
I can remember
when we finally persuaded our primary school teacher to read The Hobbit to us at
storytime, and I heard about the trolls being “turned back to stone” from which
they were made. I gasped and a few of the other kids looked at me; “It’s not
real you know!” but I was just fascinated by the concept; this sentient but
brutish species were made of stone, and perhaps not even born at all. The power
over my 10 year old brain was uncontrollable, and I don’t think I ever came
back.
I’ve always had
my own vision of Middle Earth and here are a few pictures of the way I saw the
stories. In a funny way, I don’t mind if you disagree...
 |
Balrog in Moria |
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Balrogs and Orcs in the Wars of the Second Age |
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The Last Battle of Gandalf the Grey |
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Balrog Captain |
