Of course, what you are saying about the changes in Bree are true, I still liked movie Bree. It worked on a "movie" level for me.I have no idea why, except that it seemed to match some vision I have of a "mannish" town from a fairy tale. I got a thrill from the swinging sign of The Prancing Pony" in the rain. My favorite bit was Butterbur's "Wee Willy Winky" nightcap, and shut eyes of fear and dread, as the Nazgul storm through. I attributed the ugliness of the men at the inn as a way of conveying the heightened "senses" Frodo was developing as ringbearer. In my mind, I imagine his senses of smell, sight, sound etc to be a little LSDish because of the ring's power. (especially when he wears it!) This is not a statement of right or wrong, just my experience. (which is all that matters to me, I read and watch for pleasure! ) I really don't compare it to the book, because all friendly Bree hobbits, trying to figure out how they are related the the Shire hobbits are gone. Frodo's not writing a book.....it's all changed. It still works for me in the context of "The Movie". I see the movie and books as two different things, (now! )and the "Movie Bree" still worked as an introduction the the terror and hopelessness of Frodo's attempt to be an operative on the side of "good" in the "ring business". Also, an introduction to Aragorn. I am selfish, and am concerned with my pleasure while watching the film, not whether it matches the "intetions" of Tolkien. That is another kettle of fish!
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