THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
© 2001 New Line
HARRY POTTER Vs. LORD OF THE RINGS?
By: Frank KurtzDate: Wednesday, November 07, 2001
Source: Toronto Sun/BBC
Peter Jackson and John Rhys-Davies have been talking about the potential tussle to come at the box office between HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE and LORD OF THE RINGS: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.
While talking to the Toronto Sun, Rhys-Davies sided with RING, saying, "I wish HARRY POTTER well, but, I dread to say, I actually think when the two films are looked at side by side you'll see that the one has a texture and a depth and a moral dimension to it that will make HARRY POTTER look a little slight.
"And that's not a bad thing. I'm not being dismissive of HARRY POTTER. I think it will do well and I hope it will do well. But it's pretty light-weight stuff. [RINGS author J.R.R. Tolkien] is a considerable writer and I think a considerable thinker.
"There is also a resonance (to the story) that is particularly appropriate at this time. Although it is a fantasy relief, it (the trilogy) was written in time of war and I think it will be perceived in a time of war.
"When it gets down to it, Tolkien is talking about good and evil, about standing up to defend your culture and your whole being and the existence of your societies. And, if you don't do that, darkness will fall right across the earth."
Meanwhile, RINGS helmer Peter Jackson also gave his take on the tussle.
While talking to the BBC, Jackson dismissed talk of a battle, saying, "Everybody paints this sort of competition between HARRY POTTER and LORD OF THE RINGS...It's sort of crazy because I just wish HARRY POTTER all the best, and I'm sure it'll be great. I'm a huge fan of the books so I'm looking forward to it."
Jackson notes that the relaese of his film in December may even be benefit by POTTER, saying, "People have another year to wait for the next HARRY POTTER film, but we're coming along four or five weeks later."
