The Lord of the Rings Films Offer Jewels of Catholic Wisdom
CINCINNATI—When The Lord of the Rings: The Return
of the King hits theaters on December 17, moviegoers will flock to see
the final installment of director Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s
masterpiece. While Tolkien loyalists will pay close attention to the film’s
faithfulness to the book, movie lovers will seek an entertaining film. But
how many will notice the deep religious symbolism found in it?
The Catholic symbolism
in The Return of the King and its predecessors, The Fellowship
of the Ring and The Two Towers, is featured in St. Anthony
Messenger’s December article, “The Lord of the Rings Films: Splinters
of the True Light.” Aided by a handful of Tolkien experts, Rose Pacatte,
F.S.P., film reviewer for the magazine, explores Peter Jackson’s movies and
their messages. After November 20, the article will be posted at: http://www.AmericanCatholic.org.
When Tolkien’s
three-part masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, was released in 1954
and 1955, the world marveled at fiction so rich and involving. Half a century
later, the films have been met with equal scrutiny and praise for Peter Jackson’s
mastery of the revered material. Also remarkable are its themes of virtue,
providence, redemption and social justice.
Tolkien, who was Catholic, denied including
Christian allegory in his stories, yet it’s
hard to miss such themes when reading his books or
seeing the films. “Like all good authors,
Tolkien wrote from his deepest beliefs,” says Tolkien
expert and children’s literature specialist Tim Lambarski. “These were permeated
by his Christianity and his deep spirituality.”
Professor Michael Forster, a representative from the Tolkien Society,
believes that Peter Jackson’s films have maintained the spirit and message
of the books. “It’s about friendship, nature vs. the machine, and the manifold
richness of God’s creation,” he says. “When you discover something so good,
you want to celebrate it.”
Seven examples of social justice found
in the films are described in this article, as is a light of truth that permeates
Tolkien’s stories and Jackson’s movies. “If we are open,” Sister Rose writes,
“the splintered fragments of the true light of truth and love will continue
to enlighten us through myths and wondrous stories told in word and image.”
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Stephen Webb Media Officer Communications Unit NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: +61 2 8267 4308; Mobile: 0423 259 945; Fax: 9267 4716; Web: nsw.uca.org.au/cu/ & insights.uca.org.au/ ------------------ The Communications Unit publishes the monthly magazine Insights, conducts public relations for the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, and provides a variety of communications services. These include writing, editing, web consultation and development, desktop publishing and graphic design, public relations and advertising. For a consultation or free estimate on your project call the Communications Unit at (02) 8267 4307.
