Looks at Peter Jackson's trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings" complex origins and narrative structure, its generic patterns and thematic concerns, issues of representation - masculinity, femininity and race, and their industrial context - from theatrical release to DVD extended editions.
Unquestionably the cinematic phenomenon of the twenty-first century to date, Peter Jackson's trilogy was a project of enormous artistic vision and financial risk. It is also a rich text for those studying Film and Media, perhaps for the first time. Studying The Lord of the Rings is the first book to consider the films in these terms, looking in turn at each of the major concepts: their complex origins and narrative structure
their generic patterns -- to which genre do the films belong? -- and thematic concerns
issues of representation -- masculinity, femininity and race
their industrial context -- from theatrical release to DVD extended editions
film language -- fusing classical mise-en-scène with cutting-edge technological practice.
The aim throughout is to highlight critical debates and key terms, to relate these to the texts and to explore their stylistic and cultural impact. Liberally illustrated with over 30 stills, Studying The Lord of the Rings also includes over 20 classroom worksheets for readers who want to put theory into practice, making this an essential introduction to Film and Media Studies.
