Master of the Rings: The Unauthorized Story Behind J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings'

Master of the Rings: The Unauthorized Story Behind J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' is an intriguing documentary that offers insights into the life and work of renowned author J.R.R. Tolkien. This 2001 release presents a dive into the limitless depths of Middle-earth, spotlighting the legendary array of characters birthed from Tolkien's fertile imagination. It features interviews and appearances from Anke Buttner, Humphrey Carpenter, Bob Catley, and Ian Collier amongst others.

The documentary opens with the childhood and early life of Tolkien, thoroughly examining his experiences, ideas, and inspirations that ultimately led him to create one of the most extensively detailed and distinct universes in literature. The film explores how the world of Middle-earth has been influenced and shaped by various elements of Tolkien’s personal life, experiences in World War I, his faith, and profound interest in languages.

Anke Buttner, a well-known illustrator of various Children's books and an active promoter of the arts and culture in various forms, presents insightful contributions in the film. Her perspectives not only illuminate the narrative complexities of Tolkien's work but also its aesthetic appeal and its eventual translation into the visual medium through various adaptations.

The film also includes Humphrey Carpenter, a biographer who wrote one of the most comprehensive accounts of Tolkien's life, offering detailed insights and intriguing anecdotes. Carpenter had unprecedented access to letters, photographs, and other personal material from the Tolkien estate, adding a layer of authenticity and depth to the perspectives he shares in this documentary.

Bob Catley is another significant contributor in the documentary. Known for his work as lead singer of the British rock band 'Magnum', Catley offers an interesting musical perspective on Tolkien's creation. His solo album 'Middle Earth' was entirely inspired by Tolkien's work, providing him with a unique understanding of the epic series and enabling him to share fascinating insights into the iconic characters, locations, and stories within the Lord of the Rings.

Ian Collier, the actor known for his roles in various adaptions of Tolkien’s work, features prominently in the documentary. Having portrayed characters from Middle-earth in numerous radio dramas and animated adaptations, Collier provides deeply insightful commentary into Tolkien's characters, exploring their motivations, struggles, and the roles they play within the larger narrative tapestry.

Despite being an 'unauthorized' documentary, the film is far from being a superficial survey. It delves profoundly into the mind of the man who opened doors to a completely new world that has captivated readers and cinema-goers for decades.

Master of the Rings: The Unauthorized Story Behind J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' also presents an examination of how Middle-earth and its inhabitants would go on to shape popular culture for generations to come. It evaluates the sprawling influence of Tolkien across various domains like music, gaming, literature, and cinema.

Throughout its runtime, iconic locations from Tolkien's created universe are also explored, such as the quaint and idyllic shire, the bright, ethereal elven realm of Rivendell, the treacherous caverns of Moria, and the daunting beauty and terror of Mordor. This detailed exploration of Tolkien's world-building provides a glimpse into how a keen understanding of culture, history, geography, fauna and flora, and an unprecedented linguistic diversity make the world of Middle-earth come alive.

For fans of Tolkien's masterpiece saga, this documentary is sure to be a gem. It allows viewers to relive the magic of the stories while gaining a deeper understanding of where they came from and why they continue to captivate audiences around the world. Although non-fans might not find its detailed scrutiny as engaging, the documentary still offers a fascinating look into the mind of one of the most influential fantasy authors in history.

So, whether you are a seasoned traveler of Middle-earth or a curious enthusiast of literature and rich storytelling, Master of the Rings: The Unauthorized Story Behind J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' is an exciting exploration of the prolific author and his awe-inspiring universe. However, one must bear in mind it remains an 'unauthorized' documentary, meaning it might not present the standard "official" view, but instead opts for a more diverse and eclectic interpretation of Tolkien's creation.