[Diamond18]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> As a note about humility, I believe it is very useful when it comes to art. The best art comes from when you realize that you are contributing to something bigger than yourself, and by definition, you can't do that fully without humility. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>When I mentioned earlier about all artists being a bit egocentric, what I had in mind was this: If you create something and offer it up to the world to be watched, read, listened to, etc. you must think that it is pretty good. Otherwise you wouldn't make it public. So in order believe that you are "contributing to something bigger than yourself" you must have the mindset that what you are adding is something worthwhile. That mindset does involve ego. So anyway, that's what I meant.<P>Anyway, that transcript of the commentary was very interesting. They <I>did</I> add dialouge that <I>was</I> powerful...the exchange between Aragorn and Boromir was certainly longer than the book. So that could be called "enhancing" like PJ said (or really "expanding" would be a better word, but they're synonyms anyway) but it is PB who takes the more controversial stance that the book was somehow lacking. Or failing...now that's a bit strong.<P>When I give it thought (i.e. imagine how the movie scene would have played out in the book) I think that perhaps so much dialouge for a dying man wouldn't go over as well. Without an actor adding gasps and all that, you might think Boromir's got too much energy and breath for his condition. So I think a shorter death scene in the book fits that medium quite well. But I'm preaching to the choir, I know. <P>Kalimac points out the folly in thinking that only an author can critize his work. Of course, I agree, but in this case where you have different people with strong views on the subject (PB believes strongly enough that it was better to voice it for Tolkien fans to hear, and Tolkien fans disagree strongly enough to make a discussion out of it) the arguement becomes un-resolvable...unless Tolkien himself said, "Yes, she's right you guys, it was better."<P>Does that make sense???<p>[ November 22, 2002: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]