Why Peter Jackson Decided To Turn A Small Book Into Three Huge Movies
Why Peter Jackson Decided to Turn a Small Book into Three Huge Movies
A Tale of Corporate Greed, Production Chaos, and a Director’s Struggle
In what seemed like an impossible task, Peter Jackson embarked on transforming J.R.R. Tolkien’s small and whimsical children’s book, The Hobbit, into a grand epic trilogy of movies. However, the journey was not as glorious as one might think.
The Production Woes: A Labor of Law Firms, Deadlines, and Corporate Greed
New Line Cinema, the studio holding the rights to The Hobbit, was under immense pressure. They had to adapt the book into a film by 2010 or risk losing those rights forever. Despite their initial reluctance due to their strained relationship with Jackson after his lawsuit over unpaid profits from The Lord of the Rings, they eventually approached him to direct the project.
The Studio’s Demands and Jackson’s Resistance
New Line’s co-founder, Robert Shaye, famously stated that Jackson would never again direct a film for New Line. However, after a series of flops, Shae miraculously changed his tune and begged Jackson to return. Jackson, however, showed little interest in revisiting Middle-earth.
The Hobbit’s Transformation: A Triumph or a Tragedy?
The Hobbit was made to meet a deadline, not out of love for the source material. The films were stretched and molded to fit the Hollywood blockbuster formula, resulting in a story that deviated from Tolkien’s original vision.
The Films and Their Reception
Despite the production woes, the Hobbit trilogy was a box office success. However, the films were met with mixed reviews from critics and fans alike, who felt that the story lacked the depth and cohesiveness of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The Legacy of the Hobbit Trilogy
While the Hobbit trilogy may have been a financial success, it left a lasting impact on Peter Jackson’s career and the world of fantasy films. The production woes served as a reminder of the darker side of Hollywood, where corporate greed often overshadows artistic vision.
Looking Back at the Saga
As we reflect on the making and reception of the Hobbit trilogy, it’s impossible not to compare it to its predecessor. While The Lord of the Rings was a labor of love, the Hobbit was a labor of law firms, deadlines, and corporate greed.
A Final Look at the Scores
In the words of All Things Considered, let’s take a look at how the Hobbit trilogy truly scores in quality, behind-the-scenes drama, and production woes.
