Other possible movies based on Tolkien's work

[CSteefel]

I was interested to see the discussion of a possible version of the Hobbit, perhaps by Peter Jackson. I don't see this book as having sufficient drama and even plot to make a really good movie, although I must admit I found more to admire there upon a recent re-reading than I had remembered. Still, this was mostly Tolkien's richly textured descriptive prose showing up here and there, but the story still comes across as a bit too much of a simple adventure story in my mind (the story is not completely woven into the historical fabric of Middle Earth the way Lord of the Rings is).

Anyway, what other works, stories, or passages from Tolkien might make a good movie with the right additional material? I will probably change my view next month, but a few that come to mind:

1. Turin and Tuor
   I have seen discussion of a possible book to be released by Christopher Tolkien. These stories, particularly if used as a sort of counterpoint, might make a good movie.
2. North Kingdom of Arnor
   Although not all that much in the way of stories have come out of this period in the 3rd age, I have always been fascinated for some reason by the North Kingdom and the battles with the Witch King. I thought I was the only one, but I guess if somebody is naming this Board "The Barrow Downs", there must be some others. Perhaps the end of the kingdom and the death of Arvedui, followed by the battle between Earnur and the Witch King. Obviously what would need to be added here, however, would be a more human story to counterbalance the historical setting.
3. Story of Thror and Thrain
   Much would have to be added here.
4. Earlier Days of Gandalf
   Perhaps the first (2063) or second visit (2850) of Gandalf to Dol Goldur. I think this would be more interesting than the actual attack on Dol Goldur that takes place during The Hobbit.

Just some thoughts...

[mormegil]

The only viable option I can see is The Hobbit. Yes the story is more simple, yet that is one of the major reasons why it would make a good movie. The movie could stay fairly true to the books.

The other movies you suggest, while extremely interesting to me, probably wouldn't be that interesting to many of the LOTR movie fans. The crowd would be too much of a niche crowd for a major motion pciture. The Hobbit, however, is something that would draw most all fans of the movies and books and would likely be less violent than the trilogy movies and therefore be viewed even by a younger crowd. Likely it would be a great box office success.

[Macalaure]

There are many tales from The Silmarillion that would make a good movie: The Rebellion of the Noldor, Beren and Lúthien, The Children of Húrin (with Túrin), The Fall of Gondolin (with Tuor) (perhaps together with the Ruin of Doriath and the Voyage of Eärendil). These four could make a nice quadrilogy as they're the main ingredients of the Silmarillion proper. The Drowning of Númenor and the Last Alliance would make a good one film, too.
The problem is, that the rights to the Silmarillion are with Christopher Tolkien. Talking him into selling them might prove to be not so easy a feat, mildly speaking.

There's a whole forum working on a Silmarillion movie fan project (Link) You will even find some resident Downers there.

Here's a site that has a lot ideas on a Númenor movie. (Link) Made by the same person who runs Ardalambion.

There was a film script for the Children of Húrin somewhere on the net once, too, but I can't find the link right now. I will maybe edit this later.

[Anguirel]

Macalaure, you are my conscience! I haven't visited the Silm Film project for a long time and I think it's time for me to pop back there occasionally...

I've written a Leithian script there and there's also an exciting Fall of the Noldor script by the other relatively active member, Huinesoron...

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Turin and Tuor
I have seen discussion of a possible book to be released by Christopher Tolkien. These stories, particularly if used as a sort of counterpoint, might make a good movie.

It's unfortunate that (at least so far) CT hasn't found/edited a
more comprehensive account of Tuor (like that provided for
Turin). Together as a film , intercut somewhat like Peter Jackson's
LOTR, they would make an interesting movie, with the more
upbeat Tuor tale contrasting with Turin. Of course, it would
probably be a higher movie rating, unless the unwitting incest
is finessed.

[Aiwendil]

I've said it before - the Turin saga would make a cinematic masterpiece. Or rather, it could make a cinematic masterpiece; if done in Hollywood in this day and age I don't expect it would nearly live up to its potential. I can see it as a dark "cult classic", not well received or known in the mainstream but revered by a certain breed of film connoisseur. I can see it as a Bergman-esque film, for instance.

There are other stories in the Silmarillion that could make good movies as well. "Beren and Luthien" has all the trappings of a great hit. "The Fall of Gondolin" could perhaps be done. "The Ruin of Doriath" might work.

But I suspect that if any of these were done today as big budget, high profile films, they would not be done right. And I do not just mean that changes would be made to the stories.

Here's an idea I haven't seen before: what about Roverandom as a sort of children's movie? Perhaps a cartoon? Though I would worry that the style would be "Disneyfied" to use Tolkien's (disparaging) word.