Gollum Visits Focus on the Family

Okay, that’s a bit misleading, but only a little.

Focus on the Family is working on their latest Radio Theatre adaptation, and it’s a doozy: The Screwtape Letters.  Not only is that book terrific fodder for their excellent audio dramatizations (as yet another work by C.S. Lewis and one that, like his Chronicles of Narnia, lends itself well to hearing as well as reading), but Focus has bagged the perfect voice to bring Screwtape himself to life: Andy Serkis.

Yes, the man who gave voice (and movement) to Gollum in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films is making the move from “tortured halfling” to “demon from the pit,” lending his considerable vocal abilities to an (if possible) even creepier character than poor Smeagol.

The Screwtape Letters, for those who haven’t read it, is a series of fictional letters from the accomplished demon Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, a tempter-in-training.  In these letters, Screwtape dispenses hellish advice to his young charge regarding the best ways to carry out his job.  Wormwood has been assigned to a human (“The Patient”) and is tasked with not only preventing him from achieving anything meaningful in life — particularly awareness of God, forgiveness through faith in Jesus, and conversion to the ranks of (as Screwtape says) “the Enemy” — but even attempting to guarantee him a place in Hell itself.

This is all masterfully done as Lewis humorously and sardonically offers insight into the insidious and subtle workings of temptation and sin through the mind of a creature that views everything backward to how we typically would (God is the bad guy, good things are disgusting, greed and personal gain are virtues, and so forth).  Through it all, the reader (or listener) may discover valuable lessons for living a solid Christian life and avoiding the pitfalls that are placed in the path along the way throughout that life.

Andy Serkis' real face

If you’ve never had the privilege of hearing one of Focus on the Family’s Radio Theatre programs, you really ought to give them a listen.  Some people I’ve talked to think they’re just “books on tape,” an assumption that isn’t helped by the fact that bookstores tend to shelve them in that particular section.  These, though, are fully cast, fully orchestrated dramas complete with Hollywood-quality sound effects and some of the best vocal talent around.  With a wide variety of classical adaptations like The Chronicles of Narnia, Les Miserables, and A Christmas Carol as well as original works like The Father Gilbert Mysteries, there’s something for everyone.  It’s fun to see a medium and an art form that so few people are utilizing anymore be produced so well; they really spark the imagination and offer a great alternative for kids to television and movies.  For years, my family has enjoyed listening to them to help burn away the miles on long road trips.

Also, if you think of a high-pitched, whiny, annoying voice when you think of Andy Serkis, you’ll be very surprised at his big, deep, rich, frightening baritone characterization of Screwtape.  Check out this behind-the-scenes introduction to the making of Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s adaptation of The Screwtape Letters.

Edit: Well, sorry about that.  After a few days, it turns out the video is no longer available.  Focus on the Family has asked it to be removed from the original hoster in preparation for their launch campaign beginning this September.  If it becomes available again, I’ll post it once more.