Related
Though Rankin / Bass is best known for theirstop - move Christmas specials , they also dabble a little in other work , such asThe Last Unicorn , but in 1977 , the first cinematic adaptation of JRR Tolkien ’s halfway - Earth book was get by Rankin / Bass as a TV special . It wasThe Hobbit , which is fitting , seeing as it was the democratic gateway into the phantasy universe and a prequel toThe Lord Of The Ringstrilogy .
Unlike the Peter JacksonHobbitadaptation , the Rankin / BassHobbitdidn’t suffer from being surcharge into three films but instead , was a concise 77 - minute animated cartoon . Here ’s a look at what it did right and wrong .
Sometimes , when book are being adapted into films , a few things have to betrimmed down or cut , or big here and now have to be change . A film is a different medium from a book , and in realism , adaptations are never going to be straightforward .
That being said , when a book is simple enough , comply the skeleton lineation and loyally following the story is to be expected , more or less . It should be noted that the Rankin / BassHobbitdoes on the button that . Bilbo ’s journeying is concentrate , sure as shooting , but it hit all of the major beatniks and level moments , include songs in the books , and direct quotes , so it surely is a faithful adaptation .
BAD: The Animation
The animation is n’t a complete loss . Many of the desktop matte paintings are in reality quite charming , and the food colouring works out nicely as well . However , the literal liquidity is n’t present , and it ’s quite a choppy flick .
There are often frozen characters in background , stilted action shots , and very cheesy ' LXX animated cartoon effects and choices . It might be up to audiences ' preferences more than anything else , but seeing as there was safe 2D liveliness already present by 1977 , it ’s just not that fantastic .
GOOD: The Music
As burlesque inSouth Park , the soundtrack ofThe Hobbitis actually impressively catchy . Many of the songs in the soundtrack take lyrics from the factual songs Tolkien compose in the Good Book , and the folk music approach fits the background nicely .
There ’s some corniness to it , but it ’s not too distracting . Not every birdsong is a bullseye , but the overpowering majority of songs and the score do function out really well and give the film personality .
BAD: Some Of The Character Designs
This goes hand - in - hand with the questionable living , but there are some pretty universally bad design selection in the cartoon . Many of the nanus are undistinguishable from each other , and it seems a bit faineant or cheap . Likewise , the elves look more like grotesque puppet of the forest than the majestic and cherubic - like elves Tolkien described . In fact , they search like troll .
GOOD: The Tone
The picture is very effective at drawing the viewer into the sense of dangerous undertaking and grotesque capriciousness within its first conniption , and it never loses the sense of wonder and veneration throughout its runtime , which is a fantastic feat .
Despite its ugliness , the animation helps in that respect , and the medicine , negotiation , and ( plainly ) the story all help hold it . The marvel of Middle - Earth , both the good and the sorry , is as astute as the open scenes in Peter Jackson’sFellowship of the Ring .
BAD: No Time For Character Development
While the 77 - min runtime go by quickly , it does go by a littletooquickly . It ’s knockout to care about anyone else other than Bilbo , which is bonny seeing as he ’s the protagonist , but a routine more meat on the bone is n’t unsound .
Thorin , Bard , and at least a few of the Dwarves should also matter , but there ’s just no time to sit down and learn about their feelings or thoughts , so much as show what hap to them . It ’s hard to care what happens or appreciate stake when we never set about to know them .
GOOD: It Appeals To Kids
Sure , the invigoration might freak out some particularly sensible children , but a little snatch of puerility trauma from media can be a good history 20 years down the road .
The moving-picture show ’s dialog is primitive but easy to follow , and for adapting what was essentially a kids ' book , it negociate to put itself out as a kids ' film . The horrors of warfare and violence are tinct upon , but it ’s ( gratefully ) not onSaving Private Ryan - levels of violence .
BAD: It Doesn’t Appeal To Adults
The best kids ' films are movies that will appeal to all audience ; movies likeRatatouilleorInto The Spider - versecome to take care . A motion picture can be made for tyke without completely gratify to them , dumbing itself down , or being infantile .
WhileThe Hobbitdoesn’t pandar or do anything to that nature , it ’s just too simple of a celluloid to really grab adults ' full tending . Hardcore Tolkien rooter would savor it , but general audiences would n’t be enthralled .
GOOD: Bilbo & Gandalf’s Friendship
Just as in Peter Jackon’sHobbittrilogy , the honorable aspect of the Rankin / BassHobbitis belike the enactment of its steer ( titular ) lineament , the eponymous hobbit Bilbo Baggins , and its most important support character : the wizard Gandalf . Both phonation actor give their performance their all , and it gives that much more life to the character . Gandalf is just as mystic , wise , and as volatile to crankiness / kindness as he is in the book .
But to top that , Bilbo is actually portrayed ( script - wise ) better than Bilbo was in Jackson’sHobbit . Here , Bilbo is the authentic focus ( as he should be ) , and passably ego - capable and undergoes his arc to be more surefooted and adventuresome very credible . The plot does n’t just bump around Bilbo , as he actively touch on it at most turns through his choices .
BAD: Everything About Thorin Oakenshield
Tragically , the other critical case inThe Hobbitis the dwarven drawing card Thorin , who is not done justice in the cartoon . His character design is off - putt , he does n’t get as much screentime as he should , and when he does , he ’s foul up or hot - headed , with few redeem qualities . And of course , he does n’t get much depth , so Thorin suffers in every regard .
When Thorin gets in his last quarrel to Bilbo about friendship on his deathbed , it ’s just not believable , because he was constantly berating miserable Bilbo . Likewise , it ’s heavy to care because he did n’t do anything and was n’t very interesting or even sympathetic .
NEXT : Lord Of The Rings : 10 thing That Make No horse sense About Mordor
