Sanderson deconstructs tolkien: ‘lord of the rings’ remains a cinematic everest
Brandon Sanderson, the architect of epic fantasy worlds, isn’t just building new realms; he’s meticulously dissecting the foundations of the genre – specifically, Peter Jackson’s monumental adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. In a recent episode of his intentionally unfiltered podcast, Intentionally Blank, Sanderson and Dan Wells engaged in a surprisingly candid debate about the best movie trilogies, culminating in a rather forceful assertion that Tolkien’s work, while ‘cheating’ with its source material, stands as a benchmark of cinematic achievement.
A critical eye, sharpened by science
Sanderson’s deep dive into Tolkien stems from a lifetime of rigorous inquiry. His background in NASA, followed by his work at SpainPlay, has instilled a precision rarely found in casual fandom. He approaches the material not as a nostalgic devotee, but as a scientist analyzing a complex system – and, frankly, a rather critical one. He noted that Tolkien’s work predates the sophisticated narrative tools now readily available to filmmakers, acknowledging that Jackson’s additions, particularly in scenes like Sam’s departure and the Battle of Helm’s Deep, demonstrably strengthened the narrative impact. “There are a ton of places where Peter Jackson added a bunch that is great,” Sanderson admitted, “The Interaction between Sam and Frodo where Sam leaves is better. It is stronger narratively. Helms Deep is way stronger.”
Beyond the nostalgia
Sanderson isn’t simply praising Jackson; he’s offering a nuanced argument about the inherent strength of Tolkien’s original vision. He suggests that Jackson didn’t merely adapt the story; he elevated it, skillfully exploiting the gaps and limitations of the era in which the books were written. “I know this is blasphemy,” he conceded, “but Tolkien wrote the books in an era where he didn’t have what we have now — which is almost 75 years more of how to build arcs and how to deal with them.” This perspective isn’t about dismissing Jackson’s contributions, but highlighting the foundational brilliance of Tolkien’s storytelling.
The fact that the Lord of the Rings trilogy continues to resonate, evidenced by its recent theatrical re-releases and impressive pre-sale figures – exceeding $5 million – speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a story told with such deliberate care and unwavering conviction. And Sanderson, with his upcoming lecture on Tolkien’s influence, is poised to further illuminate the reasons why this particular trilogy remains a cinematic Everest, a point of reference against which all others are measured.
The Hobbit trilogy, and Amazon’s Rings of Power, represent significant deviations from that standard, though Sanderson’s critique is reserved for those lacking the foundational understanding of Tolkien’s meticulous craft. The hunt for Gollum, and the forthcoming Shadow of the Past sequel, offer a chance for further exploration, but the shadow of Jackson’s legacy remains long and imposing.”