The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
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SME103: Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug delivers jaw-dropping visuals and one of cinema’s most memorable dragons—but at what cost to Tolkien’s story? Jeff Haecker sits down with Patrick Mason, Rob Leonardi, and Kathryn Laffrey to unpack the film’s most talked-about choices. From Gandalf’s tense confrontation at Dol Guldur to the haunting beauty of Erebor, the panel highlights where the movie shines—and where it strays. Is Smaug’s verbal duel with Bilbo the high point of the trilogy? Does expanding Laketown add depth or unnecessary padding? And why does the elf–dwarf romance raise such strong objections from Tolkien readers? The discussion balances lore, theology, character themes, and filmmaking craft, offering both critique and appreciation. While not shy about departures from the book, the panel recognizes the film’s strengths: Benedict Cumberbatch’s chilling performance, stunning production design, and moments that genuinely capture Middle-earth’s wonder. Whether you love the movie, struggle with its changes, or fall somewhere in between, this conversation digs into what Desolation of Smaug gets right—and what it risks losing along the way.
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