[Diamond18]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I would attribute some of their apparent attitude to the big media wash they've had over FOTR...they're receiving praise all over the place, and since they've been working on it for six years now, and have re-written the script umpteen times, I guess it might be difficult not to think that you're making the story a better thing in ways. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>ReededGoat, I think may just be the best way to account for her remark. I do agree with most of what you've said; I mean, were I in her shoes I certainly wouldn't make the remark.<P>Anyway, I'll have to listen to those commentaries one of these days (my family isn't into watching LotR as much as I am, so it will take me a while) and then I'll be able to understand just how she said it better.<P>There is another matter which I'm a bit loath to bring up beause it's not a very popular thing to say...but since when have I exercised self control, so I'll say it anyway: Tolkien isn't God, and Lord of the Rings isn't the Bible (or the Torah or the Qur'an or what have you). Most people will agree with that principle, but a lot of people still talk (or type) as if it is the case. I think that's as unfortunate as mistaking the movie for canon. It isn't a perfect book, because there is no such thing, so it isn't impossible to think that a certain aspect could be done better.<P>Now, whether or not the PJ/FW/PB trio did improve on anything is a totally different matter. I don't really think they did...oh maybe there were certain things I myself liked, but that's just opinion and differs from person to person. The only way you could ever say for sure is if Tolkien watched it and said, "Oh I liked that change." (And he probably wouldn't).<P>Edit: I've just read Thenamir's post, in which he mentioned Tolkien regretting not giving Arwen a larger role. That's news to me!<p>[ November 21, 2002: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]