Tolkien in Oxford

About This Movie

So, 'Tolkien in Oxford' is this fascinating little gem from 1968 where John Izzard has a chat with J. R. R. Tolkien himself. The atmosphere is pretty intimate, almost like being a fly on the wall in his world. They stroll through Oxford, and it’s interesting to hear Tolkien's thoughts on his own work. The pacing is laid-back, reflective, and you really feel the connection to the places that influenced his storytelling. It’s not flashy; there's no grand production, just a genuine dialogue that gives you a peek into the man behind the myth. It’s distinctive for its simplicity and the personal lens it provides on such a monumental figure in literature.

'Tolkien in Oxford' has had a bit of a quiet life in the collector's world. It hasn't been widely released on home video formats, making it somewhat elusive for completists. There are some vintage TV prints floating around, but finding a decent condition copy can be tricky. Collectors seem to appreciate this documentary for its candid portrayal of Tolkien, and there's a certain charm in its 1960s production style that appeals to fans of vintage documentaries.