February 4, 2003

Audiences and Race
Tom

I have noticed in my movie-goings that in FOTR (here in the Boston area), the majority of the audience was caucasian. I, myself, felt sad about this, because I feel that the nature-vs-unbridled-industry theme (not to mention the genetic-engineering theme) needs to be addressed world-wide. I know some Asians and African-Americans who prefer the ponderous Star Wars movies because they see their own faces. I assume this is also why Harry Potter has attracted so much attention across the board.

However, I have noticed that TTT has a much more diverse audience, mostly males. I suspect that is because of the warfare scenes. Nothing levels the playing field for guys more than swordplay. (And nothing levels the playing field for women more than feeling superior to their men who obsess over swordplay.)

I'm hoping that if the Woses are in ROTK, that they are not so blond and grey-eyed. And maybe some of Gondor's other 'southern' allies will look less like the Swedish Olympic team.