[akhtene]

I myself could sign under almost every word Bidland has written here. I also have difficulties with vizualising faces and places I read about. Another problrm I had while reading 'The Lord of the Rings' (at the age of 18) was the characters' age. Everything worked OK with immortal elves. But somehow I simply couldn't reconcile myself to the fact that Frodo was over 50 at the start of his quest. So I personally feel now quite comfortable with Frodo being so young in the film (though perhaps he could look a bit less angelic). Anyway every time I watch the film I feel that I like him more.
As for Frodo being made so helpless in the film, I could try to explain it this way. While reading the book we 'see' Frodo's brave actions, but we also read that he is terrified, desperate etc. Oh, please don't send all the curses on my poor head!!! [img]smilies/confused.gif[/img] By no means I wish to diminish Frodo, but this idea of struggling with fears or acting against his basic instincts is present in the book. Without knowing that, on the screen we'd get just another tough hero waving his sword or fists, which to my mind would be even further from Frodo's character.
But how can the character's thoughts be brought to public? By introducing lengthy monologues theatre-style? Or have somebody comment on what's going on in Frodo's mind? Even greater nonsense.
So Frodo of the book is strong because he overcomes his weakness and doubts(of which we can learn from the text). The film, to my mind, carries a different idea: no matter how weak Frodo is he is capable of making all-important decisions and taking a great burden upon his sholders.
And anyway, why not see the film just as one more illustration (vizualisation) of the book.