Well, you’d expect a flashback early on, since the whole story about the coming of Smaug is in the first chapter.
As for a break, I’d put it a bit earlier. After Bilbo has rescued the dwarves from the spiders but before he breaks them out of the elves’ dungeon.
Of those directors I’d want Tarantino. But I think he’s a guy that picks his own projects, so it’s extremely unlikely to happen.
Still, the necessary abilities are extraordinary visual style and the ability not to fuck up a good book.
QT has the style and he managed to not fuck up Jackie Brown.
Beyond that:
–I hope Del Toro comes back and finishes.
–Don’t make it a two-parter. The book is shorter than any volume of LOTR.
–Forget about 3-D. As long as people have to wear the glasses it’s on the same level as Smell-O-Vision (and I don’t think they’ll get rid of the glasses this century). The entertainment industry is casting around for something to sell TVs and movie tickets, but 3-D isn’t it.
–Don’t let it be Peter “Dwarve Tossing Jokes” Jackson.
GDT posts on TORN:
The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit: As promised... (Guillermo);
Brian
I heard an interesting NPR segment on the radio the other day that posed this exact question: in essence since one of the main players, MGM studios, is in so much trouble even investing in a guaranteed hit could be dangerous. There is the potential for things to be tied up in bankruptcy court, etc. I think some clarity is required before throwing much more money at this project.
Haha.
Ok, we need to do this for all potential directors.
Update:
Rumors are flying that it is coming down to three names.
Peter Jackson - I hope so
David Yates - I could definitely see this and think it would work.
Bret Ratner - Oh, God, please no!
Hobbits are fucking Tom Cruise? 
He’s a pervy hobbit-fancier, you know.
Wouldn’t it very likely be written by Jackson, is his wife, and, uh, the other one?
I know I’m alone on this, but I’d really prefer an all-new team: producer, director, writers, actors, designers, everybody. I loved the “Lord of the Ring” movies, but I’ve already seen them. I want the excitement of seeing the Shire, Rivendell, Gandalf, Gollum, and the rest in different ways. It’s a story of expanding horizons and making discoveries, after all, not treading well-trodden trails.
Beorn: What kind of refreshment do you like to drink, neighbor?
Bilbo: Miruvor.
Beorn: Miruvor? Fuck that shit! Honey!
Peter Jackson rumored to be puching Neill Blomkamp to direct The Hobbit. Blomkamp directed District 9 (which was produced by Jackson).
Rumors are out that Peter Jackson may indeed be directing them himself.
James Cameron puts in his two cents.
I just hope he is right and Peter does it. It is rather convenient that Del Toro is now available to direct a movie produced by Cameron, though. 
Entertainment Weekly’s August 13 cover issue, on how MGM’s monetary and management woes are endangering the next James Bond movie, includes a sidebar headlined “Other projects in danger”:
New Zealand’s Hobbit [S]hire should be buzzing with life. But with Guillermo del Toro having bailed at the end of May and Peter Jackson still not confirming whether he’ll direct, the location sits empty. MGM and its partner, Warner Bros./New Line, are trying to sort out the issues.
Sounds like Martin Freeman(Tim from the Office) turned down an official offer to be Bilbo.