The first Hobbit movie

[steuard]

I saw The Hobbit a few days ago, and I enjoyed it. I started to write up some brief comments on the movie to post here, but they got a bit out of hand, so I've posted them on my Tolkien website instead. For those who are interested, have a look at my full review; comments are welcome!

Comments

[ericakeithley.livejournal.com]

I agree that literature can teach things other than what the author specifically wanted the reader to learn. That's part of why it's good for kids to talk things over with a grown up.

I am not sufficiently well read in fantasy to be able to address your second paragraph from my personal experience, but my instinct is that the reason that most heroes in fantasy are male is because that is what the authors thought would appeal to or resonate with their audience. Although I'm sure this is an oversimplification, I think the general perception of the fantasy reading public is predominately male, yes? I also happen to read fantasy, so I know very well that women *do* read it. I'm not much read in the romance genre, but I'm willing to lay money that most heroes in those novels are women. Anyone out there have some data? It sort of makes sense. Now whether that is teaching people the "right" message or not, I can't say.

I agree that you have every right (and even a duty) to select art for your daughter's consumption. And if some literature is too sexist for you, absolutely you shouldn't use it. Or maybe it just needs some explanation.

I have to say that I find it hard to imagine how one could write an exploration of the back story of a novel without it turning into 1) a quasi-anthopological, fictional social studies text (yawn) or 2) a story with a new, lower profile hero. Stories about about people who do something. Whether it's saving the world or taking care of small matters in a village, these things are accomplished by heroes. I think that kids learn about the lives of not-Frodos by seeing them in the real world. By appreciating the people who take care of them, feed them, teach them, etc. While art is important, seeing what the real people close to them (both heroes and back story folk) do is way more important.