Biopics are notoriously offensive to real subjects and their families. Just ask the makers of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “First Man.” From major changes to small omissions, cinematic retellings of real lives never get all of the details right.
So it makes sense that the Tolkien estate would disavow the upcoming biopic about the Lord of the Rings author.
“The family and the [Tolkien] Estate wish to make clear that they did not approve of, authorize or participate in the making of this film,” a statement released Tuesday says. “They do not endorse it or its content in any way.”
The film will undoubtedly diverge from J.R.R. Tolkien’s life in many ways. But that doesn’t mean audiences shouldn’t watch it.
“Biopics typically take considerable license with the facts, and this one is no exception,” Tolkien biographer John Garth told the Guardian. “Endorsement by the Tolkien family would lend credibility to any divergences and distortions. That would be a disservice to history.”
The film may not strictly follow history, but as long as it differs only in details, not the spirit, of Tolkien’s life, audiences will still have much to learn and enjoy. The trailer leaves hope that the film will treat its subject with the idiosyncrasy and deference owed to one of the greatest fantasy authors of all time.
Where the film differs from real life, viewers may be inspired to do some research themselves, which may introduce more readers to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.
“As a biographer,” Garth said, “I expect I’ll be busy correcting new misconceptions arising from the movie. I hope that anyone who enjoys the film and is interested in Tolkien’s formative years will pick up a reliable biography.”
Tolkien, “the father of modern fantasy,” wrote novels and created his own languages. He associated with literary powerhouses such as Dorothy Sayers and C.S. Lewis.
In telling his story, “Tolkien” has taken on an understandably momentous task, and it will necessarily fall short. But that doesn’t mean audiences shouldn’t enjoy it, especially if the film comes close to matching its subject’s spirit.
