The Hobbit Film Adaptation:
- Overview
- Bilbo's Introduction & Prologue
- Thorin's Character
- Bard, Bilbo and Slaying the Dragon
- The Necromancer
For discussion of the sequel film to The Hobbit see:
The Bridge Film Hobbit SequelBilbo’s Introduction, Motivation for Quest & Prologue
Bilbo the Hobbit (image © Alan Lee)
Bilbo is the heart of The Hobbit story. We follow his journey from being a quiet homely hobbit, ignorant of the wider world, to becoming a seasoned adventurer, with the courage to face his fears and stand up for his beliefs. The peaceful image of the Shire is central to Bilbo's character and to the themes of the story- providing a contrast with the dark landscapes explored during the adventure. The start of the film must introduce our protagonist Bilbo and his life in the Shire.
Bilbo and hobbits are introduced by a narrator in the book, and the narration device is used throughout, creating the tone of a children's story. I propose dropping the rather childish narration device- it would be more cinematic to show what kind of character Bilbo is. The film could begin with scenes introducing Bilbo- he cooks a large breakfast at cosy Bag End, then sets out on for a day’s walk in the Shire, helloing a few friends on the way. The first scene in the book is Bilbo's meeting with Gandalf, and beginning the film here would give the audience very little time to see Bilbo’s life in the Shire before the quest has begun.
Bilbo is chosen as the 'burglar' for the quest by the wizard Gandalf. Bilbo shows no direct interest in leaving the Shire, and Gandalf rather forces the quest on him, knowing it will be good for him. There is a possibility in a film adaptation that the references to Bilbo’s undiscovered adventurous side will be missed, and that Gandalf taking Bilbo on the quest will feel like a forced abduction. A more direct illustration of Bilbo's desire for adventure would avoid this- so I propose that on Bilbo’s walk he reaches the top of a hill he stares out eastwards towards the mountains, wondering what lies beyond the Shire and indicating his curiosity for the wider world.
Another possibility for the start of the film is to tell the dramatic story of Smaug attacking Erebor (in the style of Jackson's prologue to Fellowship of the Ring). This would however give the wrong emphasis for the story, as the treasure quest should be secondary in The Hobbit to Bilbo's personal journey. It is better for the audience to learn about the quest storyline from Thorin at Bag End, and so can share in Bilbo's reactions to learning the tale.
Rather than to tell the whole quest backstory, it may work to hint at what is coming Bilbo's way by introducing Thorin (the second major character) before An Unexpected Party. After the scene showing Bilbo staring eastwards towards the mountains as evening falls, the prologue could cut to the mountains where we see three dwarves huddled round a fire. The audience would learn that Thorin longs to return to Erebor, but some dark threat lurks there. The dwarves are searching for Gandalf as they need his council. This provides some backstory for the audience, suggesting a link between Gandalf and Thorin and hinting at what’s to come.
View my Hobbit Film Adaptation in pdf format.