Why Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' succeeded as an adaptation
Ultimately, though, the “Lord of the Rings” films have been successful for a reason both fans and detractors alike should be able to get behind, namely, the exposure they’ve provided Tolkien’s original masterpieces in the 21st century.
As one critic said shortly after the release of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the world would now be divided into two types of people: “Those who have read ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and those who are going to.”
Since the first movie was released in 2001, Tolkien’s books have become more popular than ever. “The Lord of the Rings” has sold an additional 50 million copies and currently ranks as the third best-selling novel of all-time.
At No. 4, with more than 100 million copies, sits “The Hobbit.”
It’s anyone’s guess how many more of Tolkien’s books will sell between now and the conclusion of Jackson’s new trilogy or how many new fans will be created as a result.
A native of Utah Valley and a devoted cinephile, Jeff is currently studying humanities and history at Brigham Young University.
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No stranger to the books I eagerly anticipated the LOTR films. Looking back now, there are some things that I love about the films while I loathe other aspects. I expect the same to hold true for this next trilogy, though I do think The Hobbit and More..
Books are books, movies are movies...If Tolkien's son wanted something better, why hasn't he done it? Where are the new "finished" manuscripts? Easy to criticize success...
Love the films...very very entertaining, they More..
The Lord of the Rings trilogy are the greatest films ever made. Absolutely magnificent in every way. I am in eager anticipation of the Hobbit films. As far as I am concerned, Peter Jackson as well as James Cameron are the greatest filmmakers in More..