This the perfect time for me to do a post about Peter Jackson and his Middle Earth series, considering that the last part of the Hobbit trilogy will be coming out next week.
You guessed what I’m going to say next - Peter Jackson's infamous Lord of the Rings legacy has been one of largest grossing film series in the last decade - starting off when he began his odyssey in 2001.
BOOK COMPARISION: You could say this is not the most original film series in the entire world. Magic and fantasy have been about for many years, but Tolkien was the “grand-daddy” of fantasy. And before films, there were books. These books were written by the late acclaimed author J.R.R Tolkien. Not unlike his films, his books were highly successful and inspired C.S. Lewis to write his Narnia Chronicles. Later there were other authors who followed this line – Alan Garner and Terry Brooks loosely based their creations from Tolkien’s work. Although Tolkien originally wrote his Rings Saga in one massive book, this was later divided into three quite reasonably sized books which inspired Jackson to create three Rings movies. This is understandable; however, when you look at the size of the Hobbit book, it amazes me how Jackson has managed to stretch the franchise into three major motion pictures considering The Hobbit is probably smaller than any one of the original Rings books. After seeing what he has created so far, you can definitely see how Jackson has embellished the films to make them stretch to the time he requires to produce three movies.
QUALITY OF FILMS: Although they were published many years ago, nobody has forgotten about Tolkien and his stories. The books remain as popular as they ever were and therefore when the films came out, it was no surprise that they were so successful. However, it’s important to note that it might have been possible these pictures could have failed miserably if Jackson hadn't had a good idea of what the series required. There is a certain magic to these films – and it’s partially his good eye for casting – and the location that he chose. Each and every one of the movies has a very distinct style, and he is consistent in his locations - always filming in New Zealand to depict Middle Earth (are most New Zealander’s Hobbits – or is it just the magical landscapes?). Again it is notable that the casting was about as good as you’re going to get. Sir Ian McKellen, who was famous for many things beforehand, was the best choice for Gandalf, (who I also believe would have easily fitted into the role of Dumbledore in Harry Potter if he wasn’t involved in Middle Earth) and to many he is Gandalf. Also, Martin Freeman, Hugo Weaving and Orlando Bloom have done very well from the publicity around these movies.
FRANCHISE: As mentioned before, it must be noted that it not just the films that promote the story, it’s also the franchising around a movie. Lots of publicity and easily obtained merchandise really make money. Children and adults watch the movies and then buy the accompanying toys, games and other sundry items, bringing in quite a profit.
LEGACY: In conclusion, I think everyone’s excited the see what will happen in the future, the Silmarillion perhaps? Is it possible that the franchise has been out for too long, and that turning the Hobbit into three separate parts has been harmful? The purist might say yes it could be – but as long as the public is willing to pay to see the movies the movie makers would say “hardly”. As long as there is a market to tap and people pay money at the box office, it doesn’t really matter what you’ve done to the original story. The lovely thing about franchises is how far you can go to try and squeeze every single cent out of them. Not only are the toys, games and TV dinners important but as mentioned about Harry Potter, if people go back and buy the books, it can’t hurt. Would I say this series of films is better than other franchises? No, I wouldn't. I would even question the plot being somewhat unlike its original book. But does the film going public really care about the changes which make it fit the silver screen? As long as it’s entertaining who cares? And that’s what I'm talking about.
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