Literature
Sizing Up The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: A Comparative Analysis
Sizing Up The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: A Comparative Analysis
According to many film enthusiasts, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey are two of the most popular films in their respective trilogies. However, which film truly stands out as the crown jewel of its series? Let's delve into the nuances of these two beloved adaptations and uncover what sets them apart.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - A Masterful Adaption
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, directed by Peter Jackson, holds a significant place in the hearts and minds of many. Critics and audiences alike often give this film high marks, acknowledging its faithfulness to the source material and the breathtaking visuals that have become a hallmark of Peter Jackson's work. This movie represents what many consider to be Jackson's finest effort in the trilogy.
The Fellowship of the Ring, simply because it was much more faithful to the book than the other. The Fellowship of the Ring actually felt like Tolkien's writings, with the characters, Middle-earth, and the plot coming to life in a magical way.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - A More Lighthearted Adaptation
While The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is highly regarded, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, while still enjoyable, doesn't quite reach the same heights. Jackson's incredible directorial abilities are evident in this film, but it often falls flat due to unnecessary drama, backstories, and a shift in tone that detracts from the original charm. The Hobbit always had a lighter tone, which is a testament to Tolkien's skill in weaving stories and characters together.
While The Hobbit always had a lighter tone to it, the movie's attempt to replicate the on-screen presence of Aragorn in Thorin Oakenshield unfortunately doesn't work, as the character is just not designed for such an approach. This film’s inconsistencies and loopholes contribute to its lackluster reception.
Rating the Films: A Comparative Analysis
When rating these films on a 10-point scale, where 10 is the best film ever made and 1 is terrible, the division is clear. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers receive high marks, with a rating of 9.5 each. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King earns a slightly higher rating of 9.6, perhaps due to the epic scale and emotional depth. In contrast, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey receives a much lower rating of 6.5, and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, even lower at 3. The Hobbit films receive even lower ratings, with The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, presumably a 3 if seen, falling short of expectations.
The Lord of the Rings vs. The Hobbit: A Lighthearted vs. Dramatic Comparison
While The Lord of the Rings is an epic and fantastic journey that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, The Hobbit is criticized for being more of a cynical money grab. The books are superior because they allow readers to visualize the characters, Middle-earth, and plot in their own minds. Jackson's film adaptations, though impressive, often deviate from Tolkien's source material, diluting the strength of the story's integrity.
While Jackson did inject some elements from the books into The Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit adaptations often go even further, ruining the original charm with unnecessary backstories and a more serious tone. This is unfortunate, as Tolkien knew how to weave plots, stories, and characters together seamlessly.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit serve as exemplary adapting works, but every adaptation has its strengths and weaknesses. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring remains the standout in the trilogy, while The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, despite its merits, fails to reach the same level of excellence. For those who love the magic and depth of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, the choice between these two films may come down to their personal preferences and the type of story they desire.