The Fellowship of the Ring: E16 Mount Doomscrolling
Jan 6, 2023
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Joining the fun is BillBurr Baggins, a guest celebrated for his take on hope and optimism in fantasy. He and the hosts dive into the magic of 'The Fellowship of the Ring,' analyzing its worldbuilding and cultural impact. They muse on what could've been if different directors were at the helm, and reflect on the themes of temptation and friendship woven throughout the story. The discussion also touches on representation in Middle-earth and the film’s legacy amidst modern adaptations, all while keeping the tone light and humorous.
Bill Burr humorously reflects on Gollum's solitary lifestyle, prompting thoughts about contentment outside societal expectations and the absurdity of isolation.
The podcast discusses 'The Lord of the Rings' franchise's immense cultural and financial success, reshaping Hollywood's approach to fantasy adaptations and mainstream appeal.
Emphasizing Tolkien's remarkable world-building, the hosts note how his intricate lore set a high standard for future fantasy narratives in film and literature.
Deep dives
Bill Burr's Perspective on Gollum
The episode features comedian Bill Burr sharing his humorous insights on Gollum from 'The Lord of the Rings'. He highlights the character's unconventional lifestyle of living alone and eating fish, suggesting that Gollum appears to be content without societal expectations. Burr’s commentary delves into the absurdity of Gollum's existence, pondering why someone so isolated could find happiness that many others might envy. This sets a comedic tone while also prompting listeners to reflect on the nature of contentment amid solitude.
Impact of the Lord of the Rings Franchise
Discussion centers on the significant cultural and financial impact of 'The Lord of the Rings' franchise, which grossed approximately 2.9 billion dollars across three films. It is noted that the franchise achieved remarkable success, combining critical acclaim with audience adoration, a feat not matched by other major franchises like Harry Potter or James Bond. The podcasts explore how 'The Lord of the Rings' paved the way for the nerd renaissance in cinema, showing that even deeply rooted fantasy can attract mainstream audiences. The unique appreciation for this franchise lies in its ability to meld intricate lore with mass appeal.
The Evolution of Fantasy Films
The episode analyzes the shift in the film industry towards high-budget fantasy adaptations following the release of 'The Lord of the Rings'. With properties like Harry Potter, X-Men, and Spider-Man rising after their success, it is suggested that this era redefined the genres and also introduced a model where franchises became paramount. This discussion includes reflections on how adaptations can connect deeply with cultural trends while showcasing the capacity for fantasy to engage a wide range of viewers. The hosts illustrate how the lingering appeal of fantasy narratives has influenced production decisions in contemporary cinema.
The Rich World-Building of Tolkien
Insights into J.R.R. Tolkien's profound world-building are shared, emphasizing how he nearly single-handedly constructed the high fantasy genre. The conversation highlights Tolkien's meticulous attention to detail, including invented languages and genealogies that added depth to his fictional setting. This discussion underscores how the extensive backstory contributes to the richness of the movies while the limited adaptations of source material are often criticized. The hosts agree that this ambitious construction of lore set a benchmark for future fantasy narratives in literature and film.
Themes of Good vs. Evil
The episode delves into the central theme of the battle between good and evil permeating 'The Lord of the Rings'. The law and order established through the fellowship stands in stark contrast to the chaos represented by Sauron and his minions, reinforcing a classic narrative structure. Furthermore, the significance of moral choices and personal sacrifices made by characters is emphasized, with discussions on Frodo's burden and Sam's unwavering loyalty. These elements serve to enrich the narrative, present relatable moral dilemmas, and depict the complexity behind fundamental concepts of heroism and treachery.
The Future of Film Adaptations
As the conversation draws to a conclusion, the discussion focuses on the implications of modern film adaptations, referencing recent attempts like 'Rings of Power'. The hosts assess whether these adaptations successfully capture the essence of the source material or falter due to overly elaborate storytelling. They argue that while 'The Lord of the Rings' thrives on its tight narrative and well-structured arcs, modern adaptations often deviate toward convoluted plots without the same level of engagement. The episode ends on a critical note regarding the importance of maintaining faithful representation of beloved stories while adapting them for new media.
In a pod, in the cloud, the Shuffle Bois and special guest BillBurr Baggins leave the POW camp of life and talk about a hopeful, optimistic, escapist fantasy, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The first entry in Peter Jackson’s masterpiece trilogy, so many things make it great: its fundamentally sincere and positive message, the spectacular worldbuilding and execution of Peter Jackson’s vision, and its perfect pacing (despite its extended runtime).
We also trace the behind-the-scenes making of the film, muse on what the movie would look and sound like if other directors had made it, and discuss the film’s long-lasting impact on culture, whether that be through memes, the attempted cash cow that was the Hobbit trilogy, or the absolute trainwreck debacle that was Amazon’s “The Rings of Power.”
00:00 Intro
04:16 Actual Topic Intro
16:00 Plot Walkthrough
34:00 Themes of LoTR
41:13 How did the movie get made?
1:02:00 Echoes in the culture
1:09:50 It's reception in 2000s Culture
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