Am re-reading the Hobbit right now, trying hard to use my imagination to make stuff up that wasn't already colonized by the Rankin Bass cartoon (of which I'm still fond, actually) and the suggestions of similar designs that could be used from the Lord of the Rings films.
Was wondering what anyone out there might feel will be fun things to see, things they hope are done right, or things that may be done wrong. General thoughts about tone, stuff that should be edited out for brevity's sake, or creative or casting decisions are also welcome.
Personally, I've just reached the chapter Riddles in the Dark, and I wonder how the hell they're going to portray absolute darkness. Probably some low-light silhouettes or grayed out, barely visible forms, but it seems like a very book-friendly section that might not do so well if they do it wrong.
As for tone, a bit of darkness will be OK, the story itself talks about people being killed in battle, eaten and torched by dragonfire, but if they try to make the tone a 1:1 transition to the darkness of Lord of the Rings, I think they'll miss the mark. It'll be difficult, but if the comedy and the danger are balanced it'll be cool. If they try too hard to make it focused on children they may wind up talking down to the entire audience, kids included.
Also hoping the Dwarves will be a bit more dignified than in LOTR. In Fellowship it felt all right, but after that, not so much.
I figure there are some folks who don't care to see this at all, either because it's invading their mental territory or they really don't need to see it. I'm guessing by the amount of times this post will be read but NOT replied to, your vote will be counted through your stony silence :)
Was wondering what anyone out there might feel will be fun things to see, things they hope are done right, or things that may be done wrong. General thoughts about tone, stuff that should be edited out for brevity's sake, or creative or casting decisions are also welcome.
Personally, I've just reached the chapter Riddles in the Dark, and I wonder how the hell they're going to portray absolute darkness. Probably some low-light silhouettes or grayed out, barely visible forms, but it seems like a very book-friendly section that might not do so well if they do it wrong.
As for tone, a bit of darkness will be OK, the story itself talks about people being killed in battle, eaten and torched by dragonfire, but if they try to make the tone a 1:1 transition to the darkness of Lord of the Rings, I think they'll miss the mark. It'll be difficult, but if the comedy and the danger are balanced it'll be cool. If they try too hard to make it focused on children they may wind up talking down to the entire audience, kids included.
Also hoping the Dwarves will be a bit more dignified than in LOTR. In Fellowship it felt all right, but after that, not so much.
I figure there are some folks who don't care to see this at all, either because it's invading their mental territory or they really don't need to see it. I'm guessing by the amount of times this post will be read but NOT replied to, your vote will be counted through your stony silence :)
