Peter Jackson's adaptation of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is one of the most beloved fantasy series in the genre, so it came as no surprise that he eventually made The Hobbit into an epic trilogy on par with his previous films. The original book is a tale of dragons, dwarves, and a furry-footed burglar who goes on an unexpected and life-changing adventure.
Bilbo Baggins is one of the most recognizable characters in all of LOTR literature, and Jackson really needed to do his homework to keep that vision alive for the legions of fans. The end result took much from the novel but also took a handful of artistic liberties.
Like: Martin Freeman Is A Dead Ringer
Getting the more obvious factor out of the way, from the moment Martin Freeman steps out on the doorstep with his pipe and his mail, anyone who's even once looked at an illustration of Bilbo will know him in an instant. Tolkien describes him as a very "respectable and well-to-do hobbit" and Freeman radiates that in spades.
Freeman's features paired with the wardrobe design and excellent makeup effects are like something directly off a book cover for The Hobbit, especially when Gandalf comes to call. Looks aren't everything, but they certainly do help.
Unlike: He’s Less Verbose
Martin Freeman's portrayal is understandably a lot more introverted than his book counterpart. However, there are plenty of scenes in the book where Bilbo is able to thoroughly communicate and negotiate his way out of a jam. In the movie, this happens a lot less frequently.
Yes, he is able to outwit the three trolls, confuse and confound Gollum, and distract the dragon, Smaug. But the book also has him insulting the giant spiders, negotiating thoroughly with Elven lords, and elating events to Gandalf. These are big character details that were seemingly trimmed or cut from the film.
Like: His Reluctance
This is particularly relevant for An Unexpected Journey, but it tends to sprinkle throughout the rest of the trilogy as well, as a big part of Bilbo's character development is his reluctance to join in with Thorin's company. This is something he eventually works through, but it's still one of his most definitive personality traits at the start of the adventure.
In the film and the book, Bilbo acts how anyone would act if they had to entertain a party of 13 dwarves who all start pillaging his pantry. When they have the nerve to spring a perilous adventure on him, of course, he wouldn't exactly be chomping at the bit to go.
Unlike: He’s Less Excitable
Jackson's Bilbo is a lot more reserved than his literary version, and that's semi-understandable given the film's direction. But his excitable nature is a key factor in his personality. Bilbo is easily spooked, and wary of dangerous encounters, which is what makes him such a good burglar. And while Freeman's portrayal is certainly flustered most of the film, excitable would not be the correct term.
Book Bilbo has moments where his fright overtakes him, he even has a fainting spell or two, and not just the one with the contract. While this was likely done for comical effect, it might have taken a bit away from Jackson's direction. Still, he's far too quiet compared to his inspiration.
Like: His Curiosity
Perhaps the most important factor in Bilbo's persona is his insatiable curiosity. It's essentially what gets him into the adventure in the first place. That "Tookish nature" of his is what drives him to leave his cozy little hole in the ground and set off with Thorin and company to seek out Smaug's horde at the lonely mountain.
A prime example of this transitioning to the screen can be seen when Bilbo finds the One Ring and encounters Gollum. In that brief moment, as the haunting music swells, the expression he gives upon finding his new treasure is positively palpable.
Unlike: He’s Less Patient
While this is more than likely a consequence of taking a book to the big screen, timing is not one of Bilbo's strong suits in this adaptation. Readers might be able to take their time with the book, but movies run on a schedule. And since the movies are roughly three hours long apiece, that's not something they can afford.
That being said, there are times when Bilbo acts like he just wants the adventure to be over, not the case in the book. Book Bilbo was definitely homesick during a lot of the chapters, but there were key moments where he wanted to relish the adventure, not rush it.
Like: His Wit
If there's one thing most characters in Middle-Earth take from their creator, it's Tolkien's rapier wit. Bilbo, despite his less-than-orthodox circumstances on the adventure, never fails to show off an occasionally snarky tongue whenever the occasion requires it.
Whether he's being sincere or sarcastic, Bilbo has more than a few quotes taken straight from the text that help build and display his character. Tolkien would certainly be satisfied.
Unlike: His Anxiety
There's a difference between excitable and downright anxious. It's been mentioned that Bilbo is easily flustered, but there are moments in the film where he looks to be having a straight-up panic attack. This feels more than a little bit different direction Bilbo went in the source material.
Bilbo is meant to be reluctant, not overly petrified about the situation. He does the brave things because he knows he has to do them for the good of his friends and himself, and if he hesitates he does it briefly, and without having to take a moment to gasp for air.
Like: His Development
Out of all the things Jackson had to get right in his adaptation of The Hobbit, Bilbo's transformation was the biggest factor. He goes from a homebody comfortable letting the world go by as he smokes his pipe and vegges out on the couch into a seasoned and developed adventurer with tales to tell, now knowing that there's a great big beautiful world outside of Hobbiton waiting to be explored.
In the wise words of Gandalf, "Even if you do come back, you will not be the same," and Bilbo is definitely not the same Hobbit he was at the beginning of the film. He's gone from, as the book puts it, carrying a sword instead of a walking stick, and has been to the mountains and back again. This is a new Bilbo with a desire to experience life outside his big green door.
Unlike: His Inconsistency
In the grand scheme of things, the movie's version of Bilbo is a solid adaptation of the character. While some artistic choices are made, he's still the furry-footed adventurer fans of the book will know and adore. However, there's one big change that even the most flexible fantasy fans won't overlook.
At times, he's inconsistent in his behavior throughout the series. He's smart enough to slip the ring on when fighting the spiders but tries to call out "hello" in Smaug's lair, runs out into the sunrise to go on an adventure and then wants it over ASAP. The book has Bilbo gradually becoming a skilled hero and protagonist, but the films have him backslide more than a few times. Quite frankly, it cannot be ignored.