Print this page Behind the Films: The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

Peter Jackson's adaptations of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit brought J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth to audiences around the world. This course explores how these ambitious films were developed and produced, from the earliest planning stages through to their release and ongoing legacy. Participants will examine the challenges of adapting beloved books for the screen, including issues of casting, storytelling, visual design, special effects and location selection. The course also considers audience reactions and debates surrounding the films, as well as the ways in which the adaptations differed from Tolkien's original works.

Suitable for film enthusiasts, Tolkien readers and anyone interested in the process of adapting literature for cinema.

DELIVERY MODE

Face to face

COURSE RESOURCES

• Films of The Lord of the Rings (director Peter Jackson)
• The Fellowship of the Ring
• The Two Towers 
• The Return of the King
• Films of The Hobbit
• An Unexpected Journey
• The Desolation of Smaug 
• The Battle of the Five Armies 

COURSE OUTLINE

• JRR Tolkien's writing of the best sellers The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
• A short summary of each book
• The concept for the film: film rights, technology, Peter Jackson's initial search for a company to fund the project
• Making and release of the three films of The Lord of the Rings
• Making and release of the three films of The Hobbit
• Audience reaction - pluses and minuses 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Appreciate the opportunities and challenges of adapting the book to film
• Understand the importance of selecting locations and cast to the success of the films
• Participate and understand the debate over the adaptation of texts from author to film.