**RotK - Sam (Sean Astin)** - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Reg Pither · 12-29-2003, 08:14 AM

Hmmm.... yes and no, for me.<P>Sam's always been my favourite character in LotR as he is the real hero of the book. I was disappointed with PJ's version of him in the movies, but then, I feel all the film characters are mere shadows of Tolkien's originals. Having said that, yes, Sam in RotK finally starts to become the Sam of the book, and one of the best portrayals in the films. I even had to wipe away a tear when he was facing Shelob and then again when he carried Frodo. But I don't think that Sean Astin was particularly amazing - given the source material, how could anyone possibly have done a bad job? In fact, I would think that a more accomplished actor sticking closer to the original could have been even better.<P>Sorry to be the fly in the ointment here, but it's just my humble opinion, for what it's worth...

12-29-2003, 08:14 AM	#28
Reg Pither Pile O'Bones Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: London Posts: 23	Hmmm.... yes and no, for me.<P>Sam's always been my favourite character in LotR as he is the real hero of the book. I was disappointed with PJ's version of him in the movies, but then, I feel all the film characters are mere shadows of Tolkien's originals. Having said that, yes, Sam in RotK finally starts to become the Sam of the book, and one of the best portrayals in the films. I even had to wipe away a tear when he was facing Shelob and then again when he carried Frodo. But I don't think that Sean Astin was particularly amazing - given the source material, how could anyone possibly have done a bad job? In fact, I would think that a more accomplished actor sticking closer to the original could have been even better.<P>Sorry to be the fly in the ointment here, but it's just my humble opinion, for what it's worth...