The forgotten Lord of the Rings film that Tolkien never wanted to see, FREE at this Buenos Aires cinema in November

The Forgotten Lord of the Rings Film Tolkien Rejected

Before Peter Jackson’s famous adaptation, an animated version of The Lord of the Rings existed, though Tolkien himself disliked the idea. This lesser-known film will be shown for free on November 14 at a Buenos Aires cinema.

The Early Attempts to Bring Tolkien’s World to Screen

Many filmmakers sought to adapt Tolkien’s epic tale, captivated by its characters and vast story. One notable attempt with Tolkien’s approval was director John Boorman’s vision, which leaned towards a mystical and dreamlike style. Steven Spielberg and others also expressed interest during the 1970s, but the special effects technology wasn’t advanced enough to realize Tolkien’s world convincingly.

The Animated Breakthrough by Ralph Bakshi

After Tolkien’s death in 1973, rights owner Saul Zaentz gave filmmaker Ralph Bakshi the chance to bring the story to the screen. Bakshi used a bold technique called rotoscoping, which involved filming actors and then tracing them into animation.

“The result was an intense, dark and strange film, where the epic battles of Helm’s Deep came to life with a realism never before seen in the genre.”

This approach created a unique and atmospheric version that stood apart from previous attempts to visualize Tolkien’s world.

Screening Details

Author’s Summary

This rare animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, once rejected by Tolkien, offers a dark, innovative vision and will be free to watch in Buenos Aires this November.

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Buenos Aires Secreta Buenos Aires Secreta — 2025-11-02

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