As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have found ourselves turning to streaming services for entertainment and a much-needed escape. Luckily for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved Middle-earth stories, there are plenty of documentaries available on these platforms that offer a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of literature’s most iconic fantasy worlds.
First up is “J.R.R. Tolkien: Master of the Rings,” which originally aired on PBS in 2001 but can now be found on Amazon Prime Video. This two-part documentary takes viewers through Tolkien’s life, from his childhood in South Africa to his time as a soldier in World War I and beyond. Along the way, we see how his experiences shaped his writing and get an inside look at some of the inspirations behind Middle-earth.
One particularly interesting aspect of “Master of the Rings” is its focus on Tolkien’s relationship with C.S. Lewis and their involvement with The Inklings, a literary discussion group based in Oxford. We also hear from scholars and experts who discuss the impact that Tolkien’s work has had on popular culture.
Another must-watch documentary for fans is “The Hobbit Enigma.” Available on Netflix, this film explores some of the controversies surrounding Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of “The Hobbit.” Specifically, it looks at why Jackson chose to stretch out what was originally intended as a single movie into three separate films – a decision that many critics felt led to an overstuffed storyline and diluted characters.
“The Hobbit Enigma” features interviews with various members of Jackson’s team as well as other industry experts who weigh in on whether or not they think this decision was ultimately successful. It also dives into some lesser-known aspects of production such as how visual effects were used to create certain creatures like Smaug.
For those interested in learning more about Tolkien himself rather than just his works, there are several documentaries to choose from. “Tolkien’s Great War” is available on Amazon Prime Video and focuses specifically on the author’s experiences in World War I. Through letters, diaries, and other documents, we get a sense of what it was like for Tolkien to fight in the trenches and how these traumatic events impacted his writing.
Similarly, “Tolkien: In Love with Words” (also on Amazon Prime Video) takes a deep dive into Tolkien’s love of language – something that is evident throughout his works. We hear from linguists who explain the complexities of Elvish and other Middle-earth dialects while also exploring how Tolkien’s fascination with words grew over time.
Of course, no discussion of Tolkien documentaries would be complete without mentioning “The Lord of the Rings: Behind the Scenes.” This DVD set (which can be found secondhand or through some libraries) includes hours upon hours of footage from the production of Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. From concept art to rehearsals to final shoots, viewers get an almost overwhelming amount of access to every aspect of bringing Middle-earth to life onscreen.
One standout feature of this documentary collection is its focus on technical aspects such as costume design and special effects. We see how prosthetics were used to create characters like Gollum and learn about the challenges that came with filming scenes involving massive armies or complex sets.
It should be noted that while many Tolkien fans may have already seen “Behind The Scenes,” it remains an invaluable resource for anyone interested in filmmaking as well as those who simply want more behind-the-scenes tidbits about their favorite Middle-earth characters.
Overall, there are plenty of documentaries out there for fans looking to delve deeper into J.R.R. Tolkien’s world(s). Whether you’re interested in learning more about his life story or getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes at some iconic films, there is sure to be something out there that will satisfy your curiosity – all from the comfort of your own home.