John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in 1892 in South Africa. Three years later, his mother relocated with him and his brother to England. His father’s passing in 1896 resulted in the family, previously affluent, facing financial hardship. When J.R.R. was twelve, his mother also passed away, leaving him and his brother orphaned. They were placed in foster care under the guardianship of priest Francis. Despite the challenges of being an orphan, J.R.R. Tolkien excelled in his studies, finding solace and inspiration in the world of imagination. This imaginative world later manifested in his globally renowned books about Middle-earth.
A compelling biographical film should encompass all facets of its subject’s life. A prime example is Rocketman, which unflinchingly portrays the struggles in Elton John’s life, going beyond the surface. In contrast, Tolkien largely omits such darker aspects. The film introduces the adult J.R.R. Tolkien (portrayed by Nicholas Hoult) during his World War I service, framing the narrative. However, the film struggles to maintain momentum and lacks a certain spark.
While Tolkien possesses the necessary elements for a deeply moving film, director Dome Karukoski’s execution falters, resulting in a somewhat flat, contrived, and occasionally tedious experience. For instance, a potentially powerful and emotional reunion between Tolkien and a war veteran friend is relegated to expositional dialogue. Similarly, J.R.R. Tolkien’s less appealing traits are only briefly alluded to through dialogue.
Strengths of Tolkien include its meticulous depiction of the historical period and its evocative visual language, particularly during the battle sequences, which are visually striking. The film incorporates numerous subtle references, such as Sauron’s emergence from the smoke and the Nazgûl descending upon soldiers, which are appreciated by keen observers. My viewing companion, a dedicated Tolkien enthusiast, noted these visual cues and clever dialogue references, which enhanced the viewing experience. However, these elements are insufficient to significantly elevate the film’s overall quality.
The performances, led by Nicholas Hoult and Lily Collins, are commendable. However, the script and direction do not provide them with sufficient depth to fully explore their characters’ potential. Nevertheless, certain scenes featuring the two actors offer moments of genuine connection and contribute positively to the film.
The Blu-ray edition delivers typically strong visual quality. As an ULTRA HD 4k version is currently unavailable, the presentation is limited to 1080p. The audio is well-balanced between dialogue and action sequences. The supplementary material includes a disappointing promotional First Look featurette that provides minimal insight, alongside a more engaging commentary track.
In conclusion, I found Tolkien to be somewhat disappointing, given my initial expectations. The commendable visuals and performances prevent a complete dismissal. While the film warrants a passing grade, a more inspired directorial approach could have transformed it into a truly essential viewing experience.
