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Bêthberry · 12-20-2002, 08:45 AM

I'm not sure I would accept Christopher Tolkien's criterion, Child, that LOTR is too complex and rich a work to be translated to screen.

After all, we have seen some plausible or at least relatively successful adaptations of those very solid paperweight tomes, the nineteenth century novels of realism. And the movie Tom Jones was wildly successful at capturing the boisterous tone and actions of Henry Fielding's novel, certainly not one any shorter than Tolkien's.

I think the question is really one of audience. Peter Jackson has conceived of his audience as one fed by film rather than by book, particularly the swashbuckling Star Wars adventures, and so Lucas' films are touchstones by which PJ connects with audiences today.

There are, of course, other issues involved in recognizing the differences between novel and film, but certainly this concept of audience stands out to me as one reason why PJ calls down upon himself the wrath of the Tolkien readers, despite the accomplishments of the films.

Bethberry

[ December 20, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

12-20-2002, 08:45 AM	#13
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	I'm not sure I would accept Christopher Tolkien's criterion, Child, that LOTR is too complex and rich a work to be translated to screen. After all, we have seen some plausible or at least relatively successful adaptations of those very solid paperweight tomes, the nineteenth century novels of realism. And the movie Tom Jones was wildly successful at capturing the boisterous tone and actions of Henry Fielding's novel, certainly not one any shorter than Tolkien's. I think the question is really one of audience. Peter Jackson has conceived of his audience as one fed by film rather than by book, particularly the swashbuckling Star Wars adventures, and so Lucas' films are touchstones by which PJ connects with audiences today. There are, of course, other issues involved in recognizing the differences between novel and film, but certainly this concept of audience stands out to me as one reason why PJ calls down upon himself the wrath of the Tolkien readers, despite the accomplishments of the films. Bethberry [ December 20, 2002: Message edited by: Bethberry ] __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.