[Lalwendë]

Throughout the three films, Aragorn struggles with self-doubt, and this produces within him a reluctance to fulfil his destiny. This is an aspect of his character which is expanded from a small section in the book (the self-doubt following Gandalf’s fall) to form a major theme of the films. And it is not an external struggle with evil, as embodied in Sauron or the Ring, but an internal struggle, playing out within Aragorn himself, against an inherent weakness within him

Saucepan - now you have raised this one, I can see that there clearly was portrayal of internal struggle in the films, so I'm pleased you posted those points. However, in the case of Aragorn, I think PJ made a big mistake. This is something I often sound off about to my pals, so bear with me, I will be reasoned. One thing I always get from the books is how Aragorn is 99% of the time very sure of his purpose in Middle Earth; for the 1% of the time that he is not, we see how he masters his doubts. This, for me, is part of the very essence of Aragorn as a man who inspires others to follow him.

Having discussed the role of Aragorn with non-book fans, they tell me "why didn't they show Aragorn as an inspiring leader, and have them win the Battle of the Pelennor Fields through their bravery and his leadership? It looked like the Deadmen did everything in the battle". This horrified me quite a bit. It seems that Aragorn was somewhat diminished by portraying him in this way. After all, he takes up Anduril early on in the book, i.e. takes up his role and accepts his destiny, for good or bad, with dignity. In the film, he is reluctant to take up his destined role.

Since the films came out this has been one aspect that has always made me bristle a bit, as I always admired Aragorn's inspiring leadership, which in the books is coupled with touching moments of doubt. So, yes, there was internal struggle portrayed, but in this case, in the wrong place. Why did PJ do this? Just to have an inspiring scene where Elrond sweeps a mighty sword out of the darkness? It certainly looked very grand, but it was still not right.

That's my mini-rant over, and now I must find some slippers and a jumper before looking any further, as there is thick snow on the ground in Sheffield and I'm nithering.