January 24, 2001
Tracking Trailers:
LOTR Will be Big, but
What About Racial Diversity?
Staff Reporter
Lord of the Rings -- Starring Elijah Wood, Ian McClellan, Liv Tyler, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, and John Rhys-Davies. Written and Directed by Peter Jackson. Original Story by J.R.R. Tolkien. Release by New Line Cinema on December 19th, 2001. Rated PG-13 or less (upcomingmovies.com). Trailer Link: Hi-Res Quicktime.
Widely assumed to be the most anticipated film of 2001, the trailer already has as much buzz as Episode One. Fanboys lined up outside of "Thirteen Days" to catch a glimpse at New Line's biggest film series ever. Peter Jackson has the amazing task of creating a fantasy world that is responsible for the current Dungeons & Dragons craze.
So far Tolkien's tales about Middle Earth, Hobbits, Dwarves, Trolls, Wizards, Dragons, and a Gollum, have been used as the basis for endless dice games, novels, LARPs, video games, and sermons. It is one of the most interesting tales ever published. And the fan base is rather prominent.
So far Tolkien's tales about Middle Earth, Hobbits, Dwarves, Trolls, Wizards, Dragons, and a Gollum, have been used as the basis for endless dice games, novels, LARPs, video games, and sermons. It is one of the most interesting tales ever published. And the fan base is rather prominent.
As the film goes, winning an uphill battle is not impossible. "Batman," "X-Men," "Conan," and others were able to capture the atmosphere of the source, and still survive as solid product. And from the quality of images shared from LOTR so far, it looks likely that Peter Jackson knows what he is doing (QuickTime Making-Of Link).
As a warning to you all, I'd like to point out that hype-machines are difficult to topple. When the trailer for "The Phantom Menace" came out, fans across the globe were amazed at the scenes, sounds, and imagery. And then the film arrived. And then the attacks began. Fans expected way too much and Lucas was unable to deliver. That is the gamble when it comes to making blockbusters. Sometimes you're lucky ("Titanic," "Mission: Impossible 2," and "The Mummy"), sometimes you break even ("Armageddon"), and sometimes you bomb ("Battlefield: Earth," and "Little Nicky"). That is the way the blockbuster cookie crumbles.
Now onto the target audience analysis of this column. Obviously it will have a large audience of Fantasy fans, and science fiction crazies. On top of that I'd also add in a large proportion of English Literature scholars and readers. Professors throughout the nation will go to see if digital effects can capture the imagination of a great storyteller. As for the women, I'd say a film of this size does not discriminate. Therefore the audience should be a decent mix. I have come across many female fans of "Willow," and I don't doubt they will be seeing LOTR. Just expect more men than women (like Star Wars). Unfortunately, Jackson decided not to cast any minority actors in major roles, which I think would strengthen the culture of the film. Often blockbusters fail to acknowledge a non-White world. How could Middle-earth exist with only one race of beings. Granted there are "races," it seems that Jackson forgot to diversify his cast.
LOTR is going to be big. That is no shocker. I just hope that is will be as enjoyable as it is interesting.