[The Saucepan Man]

Weeeeeeell, Aratlithiel ... OK, then. <P>But, you might understand my reaction when you consider that I first read LotR age 10/11. At that time, I considered myself to be the BIGGEST Tolkien fan ever (I was amongst my friends and family). After reading it (and again, and again, shortly thereafter), I was desperate to hear more of ME and the characters that I had grown so fond of. I tried reading the Silmarillion, but found it heavy going, and there was little else around at that time. <P>Some 25 years later, I hear that a film of the books is being made. This is a mouth-watering propsect and I go to see FotR with glee. I enjoy it. Some changes are made, and bits are left out, but overall I am astounded by how the film captures this world just how I had imagined it all those years ago.<P>I read the books again. At the same time, my wife (who had never thought that she would be interested before seeing the film) starts reading the books for the first time, and loves them.<P>A year later, I see TTT. I am preoccupied by the changes, which are more radical than they were in FotR. But, on reflection, I can understand why changes needed to be made. I consider it a good film, nonetheless. I go to see it again and still enjoy it, while developing a slight irritation over the bits that I feel don't hang together (see above).<P>My fresh interest in JRRT's works, remains and I discover this site and make a renewed attempt on the Silmarillion (which I am currently thoroughly enjoying).<P>Just a potted history, but I hope it goes some way to showing where I am coming from. I enjoyed these films purely as films, and can see them as distict from the books on that level. But they have also re-awakened my love for the books and prompted me to go further in my exploration of them. They have also introduced my wife to the books, for which I am very grateful.<P>What you say does give me some understanding of why TTT has prompted so much reaction, possibly more than any of the other responses on this topic and many thanks for that . But, this is just a film. Whether you enjoy it or not, it in no sense devalues JRRT's works for those who know and love them.<p>[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]