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Force of Hobbit reveals more departures from Tolkien's Middle-earth - Lord of the Rings news - J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings

September 01, 2000 at 15:58:36

In a fascinating look at how the sets are being designed and constructed for Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' movies, E! Online's Force of Hobbit On Location segment for September reveals that yet further departures from Tolkien's vision of Middle-earth have been decided upon.

The visual necessity of distinguishing cultures and regions for the viewing audience undoubtedly mandates part of the story-telling which goes into set design. In discussing the sets for Cirith Ungol, Dan Hennah, Supervising art director, says Hennah tells E! Online's John Forde that "the team was inspired by Dutch artist M.C. Escher's drawings of impossible buildings. 'The sets are asymmetrical and mazelike--they don't quite make sense. So, to Sam, who's running through this place, it's completely disorienting.'"

Tolkien purists will undoubtedly be quick to point out that Cirith Ungol -- indeed, all of the fortresses of Mordor, except for the Barad-dur itself -- was built by Gondor, and would in reality resemble an early Numenorean design. The fortresses were manned by Gondorian soldiers for more than 1600 years before they were finally abandoned. The forces of Gondor probably only possessed them for about 1000 years, maybe a little longer.

On a more positive note, a few comments about the Minas Tirith models are encouraging for purists. There will indeed be huge pillars and statues lining the hallways of some sets -- hopefully including the hall where Denethor greets Gandalf and Pippin.

Treebeard will definitely be in the films, and the Helm's Deep set is being reused for Cirith Ungol.