Is Guillermo del Toro Right for 'The Hobbit'?
And do you really want this film to get made?
I brought this up on the podcast I just posted (listen here), asking whether or not Guillermo del Toro is actually the best choice to direct The Hobbit and its sequel and whether or not these films should even be made.
I don't ask this because I think Del Toro is a bad director, to the contrary I think he is a fabulous director, but I am not sure if something such as "The Hobbit" is "his style". I also begin to wonder how fans will react should Del Toro's film not fall directly in line with what Peter Jackson did.
In an interview with TheOneRing Del Toro already mentions how he will be taking meetings with Andy Serkis and Sir Ian McKellen as well as composer Howard Shore. This obviously gives us Gollum/Smeagol and Gandalf. I can only assume a new Bilbo will be cast since we are going back in time and I can't quite remember, but isn't that it for returning characters?
This tells me Del Toro is going to try and keep in tune with what Jackson pulled off and we all know he is going to call New Zealand home for four years while making the films at Jackson's WETA Workshops. So, will we actually get Del Toro's Hobbit or will it be Jackson's? Does it matter? I think it does.
Moving beyond those details, I have seen four of Del Toro's films: The Devil's Backbone, Blade II, Hellboy and Pan's Labyrinth. I can tell you The Devil's Backbone kicks all kinds of ass, Blade II is the best of the franchise by far, Hellboy is a decent diversion I haven't returned to since its DVD release and Pan's Labyrinth was phenomenal. However, Del Toro's tendencies don't necessarily speak blockbuster. He is a unique director with vision, his more personal films such as Backbone and Pan's are what makes him so great. I have a feeling that may end up lost in what seems to be a script largely written by Jackson and his Walsh and Philippa Boyens writing team. Del Toro is assumed to be collaborating but to what extent is unknown.
The more I think about it the more it bothers me that we are going to get what is starting to feel like a Lord of the Rings prequel, and it's going to take one of our more unique filmmaker's away from us for FOUR YEARS. That's right, no At the Mountains of Madness or any of the other films Del Toro is always speaking about. Nope, instead we are going to get a film that will feel as if the story has already been told.
Don't get me wrong, I am anxious for the film and pray Del Toro will knock it out the park. There is a large chance he will be able to bring his unique style of filmmaking and storytelling to the franchise and still fit into the blockbuster corporate mold. Del Toro is passionate about film and I don't think he would make these films if he didn't believe in them. Perhaps I am just upset I am going to have to wait probably five years or so before I get a true Del Toro film, but I betcha when that day comes it's gonna be great.
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I say yes.
It should fit in with Jacksons work but I dont want a simple paste and copy job.
Del Toro is the right man to put his own flavour in the mix.
I absolutely love Pans Labyrinth, at first I thought I was watching a great kids film when he suddenly hit me with harsch adult reality. And he can pull it off to put both in one movie.
He managed to pull a good Hellboy out of his hat, which to me seems a lot harder than a x-men or spidey flick.
Mimic, Blade II, yeah from what I've seen so far: he's the man.
I totally get what you're saying Brad. I agree that The Hobbit has a similar feel to LOTR,. It's a 'walking' adventure; this time to find treasure 'instead' of Mount Doom, and all sorts of things that sprout up and challenge a certain group/fellowship on their journey. That being said, Hobbit is quite light and more fast paced than LOTR, so I think it would be interesting to have someone other than PJ direct it, even though his influence will only help retain the 'middle earth' feel and strengthen integral LOTR characters like Gandalph and Bilbo . If P.J had been solely responsible there would have been concern that The Hobbit would feel too much like LOTR, but with the help of Toro's creative mix those fears can be lessened. So basically what I'm trying to blabber is that the film shouldnt involve too much Peter Jackson, but yet not too little either, so a great director like Del Toro is a perfect ingredient to the whole mix. I'm sure Del Toro will only grow as a director from this experience and will return (unfortunately 4 years later) with even better films!
Here's to hope!
I totally agree with you dude, Pan's did seen to target children in the beginning , but then just became incredibly real! This is exactly what 'Hobbit' requires, since it's a children's book in a way, but does have adult themes in the mix. Bilbo's charac ter does transform from being reclusive and afraid, to brave and loyal. Such elements if presented correctly can engage adults and children alike. Moreover, I am sure the effects will kick butt, cant wait to see the evil Smaug! Goullum (once again), beorn, trolls, goblins, eagles, wargs etc etc!
BTW Hobbit is my favorite book of all time, the first time I read it was only a couple of years ago (I'm 27!) :)