[Theron Bugtussle]

I agree with those whose opinions are that Wood played Frodo best in this film (RotK). I think it was in large measure due to the Tolkien-authored buildup over the course of the three movies: the emotion, determination, sacrifice, and at the end, the refusal to "do this thing." That is pure Tolkien, and PJ stayed with a winner.<P>Speaking of PJ, I disagree with the thought that Frodo's rejection of Sam is in any way a minor departure from Tolkien. Did the book story need more drama? NO. It was like the last straw for me. I had endured so many major and minor of his 'improvements' over Tolkien throughout the movies up to that point, that <I>at the Cracks of Doom, my only thought was, "PJ is not going to have Frodo decide to keep the Ring! Damn him!"</I> It nearly totally destroyed the scene for me. I will have to watch it again in the hope that, now that I know how it was actually done in the movie, I will not react in a PJ-instigated Pavlovian response. (<I>"See how he obeys--like a whipped cur!"</I>)<P>RE Frodo looking weary on his return to the Shire: I do not recall that from the book. I think the movie portrayed well Frodo's sense of alienation. Once the Scouring of the Shire was completed, Frodo just wanted to blend into the background, but he also thought he should be acclaimed in some way by those he saved and for whom he sacrificed so much. And it seemed to him that few appreciated it, and fewer were interested in any of his story. <P>So I do not think it was so much a weariness or aging, but this alienation, and the recurrence of the wounds that drove him to seek departure with the elves.