Other possible movies based on Tolkien's work - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Brinniel · 10-02-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macalaure

What do you think about the idea to make an animated Silmarillion TV-series? It's not only cheaper, but it also doesn't have to keep itself to the restrictions of a movie.

I would have to say a definite no on animation. The only animation I really like these days is 3D, and that only works with children's films. The Silmarillion is much too serious for any sort of animation.

As for putting the Silmarillion on TV, it could work but it's highly unlikely. TV shows are difficult to put on the air, and very few survive a season without being cancelled. A project like the Silmarillion would be risky and the audience would have to be drawn into the show within the first episode (43 minutes). Though, perhaps you are thinking of a mini-series? Something like that would be less risky and like you said, cheaper. The only thing I'd be afraid of is that the word "cheaper" would show in the work. I admit I haven't seen many mini-series, but the ones I have seen tend to be slightly low-quality and the visual effects are just plain awful.

I'd prefer to see parts of the Silmarillion on the big screen. If it were to be made a film, I'm sure the filmmakers and cast would be excellent and the budget would be huge. As much as we'd like to see all the stories on screen, the reality is that a general audience would probably only take to a few of the stories anyways.

Personally, I always desired to see Turin's story on the big screen. I know it would be successful for reasons that have already been stated.

As for the tale of Beren and Luthien, it could make a great movie, but as much as I hate to say this, I have a feeling that non-readers would think the story as another Romeo and Juliet rip-off....

piosenniel · 10-02-2006, 06:45 PM

I would love to see an anime, miniseries version of the Silmarillion done by Production I.G. - the people who did Blood: The Last Vampire, Ghost in the Shell, and Jin-Roh: the Wolf Brigade.

I think it could be well done . . . given enough financial resources, of course.

CSteefel · 10-02-2006, 08:40 PM

I think the basic problem with a film based on The Silmarillion is that the text as it reads is largely historical--the human drama shows up here and there, but is not fleshed out the way it is in the Lord of the Rings. The exception is the Turin story, and to some extent the Tuor story. I am afraid that the film would be like the beginning of LOtR, with narration used to convey the history that needs to be presented.

So the problem would be to draw a human story out of the whole thing, using the Silmarillion as the historical backdrop.

Well, I still like the idea of a film about Arnor. Guess I will start work on the script...

mormegil · 10-02-2006, 10:31 PM

While the story of Turin may work it would be fairly difficult to actually make it a PG-13 which, I assume, would be a requirement as it was for the LotR. The story is more graphic and more disturbing, what with the incest and all

.

But the Sil as a whole or in part is not likely to ever be a 'successful' film, as I've spoken before because of the simple fact that it cannot possibly draw in the same fan base as did LotR. CSt spoke on the historical aspect which is very true and thusly it's not nearly as cohesive a story as the LotR and most segments. you pick are either too long or too short. Also while most, if not all of us, enjoy both he LotR and the Silm there are a lot of LotR fans that have never even read or intend to read the Silm I think this would carry over into the movie. There simply wouldn't be enough interest to make it profitable.

But if I'm ever independently wealthy I will buy the rights and make the movie myself, not for a profit, but for the enjoyment of it all

10-02-2006, 06:45 PM	#2
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	I would love to see an anime, miniseries version of the Silmarillion done by Production I.G. - the people who did Blood: The Last Vampire, Ghost in the Shell, and Jin-Roh: the Wolf Brigade. I think it could be well done . . . given enough financial resources, of course. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

10-02-2006, 10:31 PM	#4
mormegil Maundering Mage Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 4,651	While the story of Turin may work it would be fairly difficult to actually make it a PG-13 which, I assume, would be a requirement as it was for the LotR. The story is more graphic and more disturbing, what with the incest and all . But the Sil as a whole or in part is not likely to ever be a 'successful' film, as I've spoken before because of the simple fact that it cannot possibly draw in the same fan base as did LotR. CSt spoke on the historical aspect which is very true and thusly it's not nearly as cohesive a story as the LotR and most segments. you pick are either too long or too short. Also while most, if not all of us, enjoy both he LotR and the Silm there are a lot of LotR fans that have never even read or intend to read the Silm I think this would carry over into the movie. There simply wouldn't be enough interest to make it profitable. But if I'm ever independently wealthy I will buy the rights and make the movie myself, not for a profit, but for the enjoyment of it all __________________ “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. "So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

10-02-2006, 08:40 PM	#3
CSteefel Wight Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 204	I think the basic problem with a film based on The Silmarillion is that the text as it reads is largely historical--the human drama shows up here and there, but is not fleshed out the way it is in the Lord of the Rings. The exception is the Turin story, and to some extent the Tuor story. I am afraid that the film would be like the beginning of LOtR, with narration used to convey the history that needs to be presented. So the problem would be to draw a human story out of the whole thing, using the Silmarillion as the historical backdrop. Well, I still like the idea of a film about Arnor. Guess I will start work on the script...