THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE ART OF THE TWO TOWERS, by Gary Russell, Houghton-Mifflin, 192 pages, $35.
Some argue that Hollywood's films threaten the written word, replacing the imagination with visual images. The more beloved a book, the more some wring their hands in angst that the original text is being eclipsed by easy-to-digest cinematic versions with no more substance than a tub of popcorn.
In the case of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, especially his magnum opus "The Lord of the Rings," not only has the original book spawned a series of films, but the films inspired a new wave of books.
While Houghton-Mifflin's latest offering, "The Lord of the Rings: The Art of the Two Towers," will not settle the book vs. film debate, the book does stand as a testament that the production design of the film was anything but a cheap literary knock-off.
Presented in a handsome hardback, with color throughout, the art of the movie — from concept to final execution — is presented in vivid detail and organized by location in the film's world. It chronicles the variety of imaginations and artistic styles that blended to create the look of the New Zealand-filmed blockbuster.
Gary Russell wrote the text, but he wisely takes himself out of the mix and simply quotes the artist involved in a particular piece. Russell's complete immersion, not only in the work but with the workers, is obvious after even a casual read. The quotes are candid insights into why certain designs, ideas and themes didn't work and were not seen on film — and why others were adopted and adapted to the screen.
These are not the kinds of quotes one gets from quick chats, but from in-depth conversations. Artists are frank about why their ideas didn't fit with the vision of director Peter Jackson and conceptual artists John Howe and Alan Lee.
Lee and Howe are names forever linked to Tolkien's because the pair have been the defining vision of the writer's works for years in books, posters and calendars. For many long-time Tolkien fans, their images, often included on or in official Tolkien publications, have helped form the readers' visions of Middle-earth.
Their work on the films, although highly influential, is not the only important contribution. Less familiar names, such as Daniel Falconer, Jeremy Bennett, Paul Lasaine and others are given their due credit, and their works are showcased just as beautifully as the works by the famous duo.
The book is divided into 13 chapters, each representing a "set" in the film and including the people, culture and creatures involved in each location. The lion's share of the book is the beautiful and sometimes frightening visuals, accompanied by succinct quotations.
It is, in essence, a picture book with insightful captions.
Fans of the cinematic version will not want to miss it, while artists and fans of Tolkien's work will treasure it as well.
E-MAIL: lc@desnews.com