The Hobbit: The 10 Most Important Films That Led To It Being Made
For better or worse, The Hobbit will change cinema for ever. So we've taken a look at ten films that shaped this new trilogy...
It may not seen the immediate way to describe The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Peter Jacksons return to Middle Earth, but theres no denying the first in the trilogy adapting J.R.R Tolkiens prequel to The Lord of the Rings had an incredibly tortured production. With original helmer Guillermo del Toro dropping out mid way through pre-production, forcing Jackson into the directors seat, followed by a staggered filming schedule due to the commitments of key actors and the late in the day decision to stretch the already over the top two films into a trilogy, demanding even more, the production crew have been through a journey as epic as either Baggins. With such a hyped film, the production process is always quite transparent and it is no more true than with The Hobbit. It is easy to go through the past decade and pick out which movies have paved the way for this unexpected cinematic journey. Some have influenced it for the good, others, despite being amazing films themselves, have had a rather toxic effect. So here, to make sense of just where The Hobbit has come from, we take a look at ten key films that without which, wed not be watching Peter Jacksons visually sumptuous, if rather disappointing return to Middle Earth.
10. Hot Fuzz
Youd be forgiven for thinking the biggest influence of Edgar Wrights 2006 mystery-action-comedy was on next years The Worlds End, the final entry in Wright and Simon Peggs Cornetto trilogy (the first part being Shaun of the Dead). But hidden within this kinetic cop pastiche is not only the cream of British talent (comedic or otherwise), but also Peter Jackson himself, playing the Santa who stabbed Peggs Nicholas Angels obsessive police officer (saying police man is sexist). Also starring in a cameo appearance is Martin Freeman, playing Angels superior, making Hot Fuzz the first film where him and Jackson share a credit. But aside from that rather incidental piece of trivia (the two never met during the production), the film marks the first indication of Peter Jacksons love of Britain; Wright has commented on the wonder he has for the British Isles. And if there wasnt that, its unlikely entry three on this list would have proven to be as influential as it now is.