Literature
Critiquing Amazon’s ‘The Rings of Power’ and a Look Back at Gene Deitch’s 1966 Hobbit Cartoon
Introduction
Amazon Prime Video’s recent production 'The Rings of Power' has received a mixed reception from viewers and critics alike. For those unfamiliar, the series delves into the Second Age of Middle-earth, roughly 6,000 years before the events of 'The Lord of the Rings'. While many enjoy the series for its extensive visuals and production value, others find it wanting, comparing it unfavorably to the seminal works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Visuals and Costumes: A Matter of Dignity
Some have criticized Amazon’s interpretation of the costumes and visuals, deeming them unimpressive and reminiscent of what some might call a cheap knockoff. This critique suggests that the attention to detail and aesthetic quality fall short in comparison to Peter Jackson’s expansive trilogy. It's argued that the visuals and costumes are either unoriginal, underwhelming, or completely out of place within the grand and culturally rich world J.R.R. Tolkien created.
Lore and Characters: A Distorted Canon
The characterizations and lore of 'The Rings of Power' have sparked considerable debate. Critics argue that the show guts the original source material, distorting the characters and their roles. The changes made to the storyline and the characters are said to be decidedly out of step with J.R.R. Tolkien’s original writings, detracting from the narrative and cultural depth of the Middle-earth universe. This distortion raises questions about the authenticity and reverence for the source material.
Storyline and Dialogue: A Missed Opportunity
The storyline of 'The Rings of Power' is often cited as being nonsensical and poorly developed. The dialogues are described as being uncomfortably disjointed and unrealistic, especially in contrast to the eloquent and poetic language that has become synonymous with Tolkien’s work. This mismatch between the rich linguistic heritage of Middle-earth and the dialogue in the show is seen as a significant oversight and a missed opportunity to capture the essence of Tolkien’s writing.
The Show’s Ostensible Goals and Critiques
Some viewers argue that 'The Rings of Power' is a rehash of similar narrative styles seen in other franchises, such as Marvel’s Phase Four. Allegations of promoting a model championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are met with skepticism. The show is criticized for its perceived essentialism and the disavowal of traditional values, suggesting a cynical and nihilistic deconstruction of the very essence of Middle-earth.
A Historical Look: Gene Deitch’s 1966 Hobbit Cartoon
For those seeking a comparison, referring back to a historically significant early animation of Middle-earth is enlightening. In 1966, the same Gene Deitch who would later work on 'Tom and Jerry' released an animated cartoon featuring 'The Hobbit'. This cartoon’s plot and characterizations are notably closer in spirit to Tolkien’s source material than modern interpretations like 'The Rings of Power'. This short animated film serves as a stark reminder of the potential for butchered adaptations and the importance of faithful storytelling.
Concluding Thoughts
Ultimately, 'The Rings of Power’ seems to fail in conveying the depth, nuances, and cultural richness of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Many argue that it is merely a rehash of outdated concepts and that a proper interpretation should lean more on historical and literary fidelity than contemporary narrative trends. Critics suggest that the show's true motives might lie more in chasing profits and promoting certain ideological agendas, rather than honoring the source material that intrigued and captivated readers for generations.
As Tolkien might have said, 'For the people forget, and I make books.'