More Hobbit comments from a Tolkien scholar

http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1166581061

Anne Petty Talks 'THE HOBBIT'
Xoanon @ 9:17 pm EST


Anne Petty is a recognized Tolkien scholar and specialist in Mythology and Finnish folkore. She is the author of a dark fantasy novel, three books of literary criticism, and many essays on writing, literary analysis, and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. She is also a published poet, with poems, articles, and photos appearing in arts and lifestyle magazines. Anne is a frequent speaker at literary conferences such as the Florida Gulf Coast Writers and Storytellers Conference, the Florida First Coast Writers’ Conference, Seven Hills Writers Conference, and Florida Literary Arts Coalition. Visit annepetty.com

TheOneRing.net asked Anne to comment on the recent activity regarding The Hobbit, she was more than happy to oblige!

Would I prefer that Peter Jackson direct a film version of The Hobbit? Generally, yes, mostly because I'd like to see a continuity of the visual imagery and sense of place that Jackson established in the three Lord of the Rings films. I thought the way Jackon's Middle-earth looked and moved and sounded was breathtaking. It was also amazingly close to the way my imagination saw many of these places and events when I began reading the books so many years ago. For example, the film moment when the Rohirrim emerge onto the field of battle with Théoden's rousing battle cry ringing over the hills, still brings tears to my eyes. I think it would be unpleasantly jarring to see a very different depiction of Middle-earth at this point. Bringing back the entire New Zealand crew who so artfully brought Middle-earth to life would be a plus, in my opinion.

( A case in point is the third Harry Potter film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. )

Ted Nasmith's POV

http://www.theonering.net/perl/newsview/8/1166640774

Ted Nasmith Talks 'THE HOBBIT'
Xoanon @ 1:52 pm EST


Ted Nasmith is a Canadian artist, illustrator and architectural renderer. He is best known as one of the world's most prominent illustrators of J. R. R. Tolkien's works — The Silmarillion, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. More than just an artist, Nasmith is also considered a Tolkien scholar who is well-read in ancient history, religion, and other areas. His talent and knowledge makes Nasmith a highly sought-after guest speaker at Tolkien-related gatherings and conventions — and he is a prominent member of several Tolkien-related organizations (such as the Tolkien Society, the Mythopoeic Society, and Mensa's Beyond Bree).

TheOneRing.net asked Ted to comment on the recent activity regarding The Hobbit, here is what he had to say:

The Hobbit film: Will Peter Jackson direct, or …?

After Kong Kong came out I lost respect for PJ, unfortunately. I remember someone in our group raving at the time, hoping PJ would surely direct The Hobbit soon, but I wasn’t feeling quite so impressed. As it happened, I was having a difficult night then for unrelated reasons, and wasn’t well disposed in general. King Kong, in true LotR epic fashion (as we expected) ran about 3 hours, but which for me was roughly 60 minutes too long for that particular tale, and was a clear case of style and seemingly unlimited budget over substance, if ever there was. Mr. Jackson is nothing if not ambitious, and whatever else you can say about his chosen projects, he is a director who undeniably loves the Big Spectacle, and who is clearly the man of the hour for CGI epics now and to come.

( With The Lord of the Rings, PJ undeniably achieved a far greater epic piece of cinema, though. )

Happy Holidays!!!! The Obligatory Virtual Christmas/Holiday Card Post!

I created several virtual Christmas cards this year - you can pick them up below, depending on your preferences. :)

( LOTR fans/Pervy Hobbit Fanciers )

( Browncoats )

( Lostaways, Losties, or whatever you call yourself )

( Slashers - guess which pairing? ;) )

And last but not least...

( A very personal one - Do you recognize where this picture was taken? )

♥