Theoden's Exorcism - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Mister Underhill*** · 08-28-2003, 09:14 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Theoden: Where is Theodred? Where is my son?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Huh. See, now this is an example of what I really disliked about the whole "possession/exorcism" choice made by Jackson & Co. It results in a Théoden who isn't responsible for his actions or his situation -- which in my mind strips him of all the depth and emotional resonance that the character has in the book. <P>This choice really left the movie characterization of Théoden at sea. The writers can’t seem to figure out whether they want to play him weak-willed and indecisive, brave in the face of overwhelming odds, a man seeking death, or a tragic victim of Fate and conspiracy. <P>I hated -- hated -- the “Who am I?” scene; the writers would have done well to have answered that question before they started tinkering.

08-28-2003, 09:14 PM	#37
*Mister Underhill* Dread Horseman Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Behind you! Posts: 2,744	<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Theoden: Where is Theodred? Where is my son?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Huh. See, now this is an example of what I really disliked about the whole "possession/exorcism" choice made by Jackson & Co. It results in a Théoden who isn't responsible for his actions or his situation -- which in my mind strips him of all the depth and emotional resonance that the character has in the book. <P>This choice really left the movie characterization of Théoden at sea. The writers can’t seem to figure out whether they want to play him weak-willed and indecisive, brave in the face of overwhelming odds, a man seeking death, or a tragic victim of Fate and conspiracy. <P>I hated -- hated -- the “Who am I?” scene; the writers would have done well to have answered that question before they started tinkering.