For my final project for the Film, Gender, and Sexuality class, I chose to edit a major Hollywood film, or rather, a film series that told one story in three parts.
J.R.R Tolkien’s works are incredibly well known, but with the prevalence and visibility of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, it is surprising to me how often the Hobbit is simply looked over. It is a beautiful, meaningful story, and sets the foundation for Frodo’s story.
Many people talk about the strong bonds between the many male characters, their connections and vulnerabilities. Legolas bringing Gimli with him to the Undying Lands when the time comes for him to pass from the shores of Middle Earth and Sam’s unflinching loyalty to Frodo are often cited as examples of strong masculine bonds that are also often perceived as romantic relationships.
However, fewer discuss Bilbo’s admiration of Thorin Oakenshield, and Thorin’s deep trust and respect for Bilbo Baggins, or the bond that Bilbo and Bofur made, by being open with one another.
My project exists to highlight existing moments of vulnerability and trust, while also making it as clear as possible that, at least in this, Thorin and Bilbo are in love.
The title comes from the Mithril mail shirt that Thorin gives to Bilbo in the midst of his gold madness, parting with an invaluable item while he is going mad from greed, simply to be certain Bilbo is safe. It is an item Bilbo kept long after his adventure, and it it the strongest substance in Middle Earth. This gift was so ludicrously expensive that some people perceive it as a courting gift.
I had strongly considered diverging further from the canon of the film than I already did. There wasn’t actually a love triangle in the movies, and the loyalty Bilbo and Thorin argue about in the film is truly about the location of the Arkenstone, but the biggest divergence I almost made was letting Thorin live, and come back to Bag End. Ultimately, this was removed, because I felt it makes his words as he’s dying cheaper, and they’re some of the most honest, heartfelt words we hear from him, and it is certainly the most vulnerable moment.
This project was fun, if difficult, and I did my best to convey the story, the divergence from the story, and the relationships involved to the best of my ability, in clarity and in visuals.
I am in fact someone who prefers to interpret the film with this view of their relationship (though I don’t usually perceive Bofur as the romantic rival I did my best to paint him as in the project), but I know that it has never been stated to have been an intended pairing, by the filmmakers or Tolkien himself, and I accept that.
It certainly made a wonderful project to work on, though.
Film, Gender, and Sexuality 