Gandalf vs the Balrog

This is not a "ripp off" post or complaint, just an observation and maybe some comparisons.


Did anyone get a Lord of the Rings feel; the style? the setting - especially in the beginning of this film?

In the beginning we've got a crafty old wizard; a trickster with compassion and a great sense of humor.

Of course there's a quest, but that's pretty standard fare.

There are also scary underground digs with things that go bump-in-the-dark.

But, what really brought to mind Gandalf for me was the battle between the Dragon and the wizard. As you may know, Gandalf and the fiery Balrog fought to the death.

I don't think it is too far fetched to think that Peter Jackson may have taken some inspiration from this British production - Dragonslayer.

Then again, one might also consider that the director and writers of Dragonslayer might have taken some inspiration from Tolkien (there is little new under the sun).