[The Saucepan Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> You find it strange that many peoples reactions on a Books oriented Tolkien board to major re-characterizations [sorry Meela, I can not see calling PJ's Aragorn, Arwen, Faramir and Elrond [[too name a few]] 'a few changes'] strange?<P>Hmmm, I would say that not understanding/expecting etc, [not too mention agreeing ] is strange .<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Fair point, lindil. A forum like this is likely to have more than its fair share of those who would like to see the films mirror the books as much as possible. My only gripe with this is that, given the context in which the films were made, I see it as an unrealistic expectation. It is a hackneyed argument, and one that I have made many times, but I will make it again. Given the investment required to make these films to a sufficient standard of (cinematic) quality and to bring Tolkien's <I>vision</I> of Middle-earth to life, compromises were inevitable so as to draw box-office success. The films had to appeal to the majority of film-goers who have never (and, in many cases, probably never will) read the books. It is for this reason that I think that the films should be judged for what they are, cinematic adaptions of the books. They are not, and never could be attempts faithfully to reproduce the story told in the books. <P>Changes were inevitable, both to the story and to the characterisations, in order to gain the mass appeal that the fims required. And this was especially so with the second instalment, which never really goes anywhere in the book. It didn't need to as it was the "middle of the story". But, as a film, it had to stand by itself. So it required a major climax, and this was provided by Helm's Deep. But the story of Sam and Frodo needed a climax too. Since Shelob was relegated to the third film (for very good reasons in my view, which I will not go into here), the journey to Osgiliath provided this. Hence the need for the change in Faramir's character, so as to delay the moment at which he finally lets Frodo and Sam continue with their Quest.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Faramir's change was justified in the Extended Edition and now I'm okay with that. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I must say that I did get from the portrayal of Faramir in the theatrical release that he was uncomfortable with what he was doing, but considered himself duty bound to do it. But the Osgiliath scene in the extended edition does make this point so much clearer. As I have said, I would have included this in the theatrical release. Or at least a line at Henneth Annun to the effect of "For my own part, I would not take it, not if I found it on the highway, but my father desires it so".<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Aragorn falling off the cliff ---? I personally can't see any reason why PJ did that excpet to create suspense maybe? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>This is probably the scene that I would have replaced with the re-taking of Osgiliath, since I do find it to be gratuitous. I can see the points that Gilthalion makes, by reference to the commentary on the special edition, but I do feel that those aspects that were necessary (Arwen's development and the realisation of the force that they were facing) could have been acheived by other means. I liked the inclusion of the Warg attack (save for the visualisation of the so-called Wargs), but I would have ditched the whole Aragorn over the cliff thing.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Again, what I keep in mind is that this is a cinematic interpretation and not direct translation of the literature. It is the very scope, depth, power, and glory of the tale as Tolkien wrote it that makes LOTR impossible to translate to any screen with much more than an image of the the whole. <P>What makes the movies work in the end (with all due regard to the gifted writing, directorial genius, brilliant artistry, glorious music, dedicated craftsmanship, and inspired acting), is that the spirit of Tolkien's work shines through this almost perfect interpretation. It is the devotion and dedication of an incredible team of people to be true to this spirit that makes these movies such a great body of work.<BR> <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Excellently put, Gilthalion. I must remember to copy and paste your comments next time I am trying to express my views on these films. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> It provided an opportunity for more business with Arwen, who (in part due to internet fan reaction) was dropped from a major deviation that would have brought her to Helm's Deep. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Interesting that the fan's reaction did provoke a change of approach. Perhaps there is a chance of a reprieve for Saruman in RotK yet.