The Hobbit film adaptations introduced significant alterations to J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved source material, notably omitting a crucial element of the original book. This transformation was somewhat anticipated given the nature of adaptations. Following the monumental success of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, it seemed like a logical progression for Warner Bros. to tackle The Hobbit. However, the studio’s approach to this adaptation raised several eyebrows. While the films achieved commercial success, numerous aspects of The Hobbit trilogy did not resonate well with fans and critics alike.

The production faced numerous issues, contributing to a sense of rushed storytelling that starkly contrasted with the more measured pacing of The Lord of the Rings. A particularly contentious decision was to split The Hobbit into three separate films, despite Tolkien’s original work being a single, moderately-sized book. This division undoubtedly boosted Warner Bros.’ profits, yet it also resulted in the inclusion of numerous subplots and action sequences that were not inherently required by the source material. Consequently, the trilogy’s tone diverged significantly from that of Tolkien’s original narrative, missing vital thematic elements that defined the book.

The Hobbit Movies Overemphasize Action, Overlooking Key Themes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Book

The Exaggerated Action Sequences Distract From Bilbo’s Character Development

The adaptations of The Hobbit place a considerable emphasis on action sequences that the Lord of the Rings trilogy is celebrated for. However, these action elements are not nearly as central in Tolkien’s original narrative. While the book does culminate in a significant confrontation, Tolkien provides only a brief description of this climax, with the focus primarily on Bilbo’s character journey rather than drawn-out battles. The films, however, amplify the action significantly by incorporating various battles and confrontations throughout Bilbo’s adventure. This shift transforms the narrative from a lighter tale with occasional dark moments into a grandiose, high-stakes epic.

This alteration in focus detracts from the essence of Bilbo’s character development as he navigates his journey, which is the heart of The Hobbit. While this is not as evident in An Unexpected Journey, both The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies lose sight of the primary narrative established in the book. They prioritize action over character arcs, a choice that, while understandable given the cinematic format, could have benefitted from a more balanced approach.

The Increase in Action in The Hobbit Was an Expected Outcome of Its Film Adaptation

The Narrative Required Expansion and Action Appeals to Audiences

The exaggeration of action in The Hobbit films was likely a foregone conclusion, as such sequences are inherently cinematic and tend to resonate well with audiences. The iconic battles of the Lord of the Rings films continue to receive acclaim even after more than twenty years, and Warner Bros. aimed to replicate that success with The Hobbit. Financially, the studio succeeded, although the films faced mixed reviews regarding their fidelity to Tolkien’s original material.

Moreover, the decision to extend The Hobbit into three films inevitably led to an expansion of Tolkien’s original narrative. Given that the action scenes in the book are relatively brief and less detailed, it became evident that filmmakers would need to elaborate on these moments to fill screen time. This approach, while potentially controversial?as seen with the additions in The Rings of Power?is common in cinematic adaptations aiming to engage audiences. The climactic battle in The Hobbit serves as a thrilling conclusion, even if it leans excessively towards action rather than character-driven storytelling.

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