Good Changes - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

doug*platypus · 11-12-2006, 09:09 PM

As posted on the "other" thread (link provided by Fordim in first post), there are two changes to the books which I actually approve of (what's that, like 0.000001%?).

Boromir was a thoroughly more likeable character in the movies than the book. This makes "filmic" sense to me in that it makes his descent to ring-hungry bully at the end of FOTR is all the more tragic.

Secondly, PJ changing (or making obscure) the exact nature of pipeweed. It's "the finest weed in the South Farthing" and Gandalf's "love of the halfling's leaf" slows his mind in Saruman's estimation. It's a very humorous change, in my opinion, and a welcome one, although it begs to ask the question "would the Professor have approved"? No, quite probably!

BTW, let me know if I'm coming completely out of left field with the weed comment. IMHO the movie certainly seemed to allude to illicit substances. Lawks, I hope this kind of talk doesn't get me banned!! Well, it was nice knowing you all...

doug*platypus · 11-12-2006, 09:28 PM

Okay, I have thought of another change that was well done. At the Prancing Pony, in the movie we are not aware that the hobbits have pulled the old room switcheroo. The shot of the Nazgûl creeping in and stabbing at the beds is quite a shock, then! Well done. I also particularly like the shot of the five Nazgûl at Weathertop surround the hobbits and, as one, levelling their swords at them. Chilling. Although the rest of that scene leaves something to be desired (was that a flame?)...

Estelyn Telcontar · 11-13-2006, 03:27 AM

Actually, that Nazgûl attack scene at the Prancing Pony was lifted almost verbatim from the Bakshi movie - I remember reacting very strongly to its suspense and tension the first time I saw that movie way back when, even though I had already read the book long before. Definitely cinematically well done!

11-12-2006, 09:09 PM	#1
doug*platypus Delver in the Deep Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 960	As posted on the "other" thread (link provided by Fordim in first post), there are two changes to the books which I actually approve of (what's that, like 0.000001%?). Boromir was a thoroughly more likeable character in the movies than the book. This makes "filmic" sense to me in that it makes his descent to ring-hungry bully at the end of FOTR is all the more tragic. Secondly, PJ changing (or making obscure) the exact nature of pipeweed. It's "the finest weed in the South Farthing" and Gandalf's "love of the halfling's leaf" slows his mind in Saruman's estimation. It's a very humorous change, in my opinion, and a welcome one, although it begs to ask the question "would the Professor have approved"? No, quite probably! BTW, let me know if I'm coming completely out of left field with the weed comment. IMHO the movie certainly seemed to allude to illicit substances. Lawks, I hope this kind of talk doesn't get me banned!! Well, it was nice knowing you all... __________________ But Gwindor answered: 'The doom lies in yourself, not in your name'.

11-12-2006, 09:28 PM	#2
doug*platypus Delver in the Deep Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Aotearoa Posts: 960	Okay, I have thought of another change that was well done. At the Prancing Pony, in the movie we are not aware that the hobbits have pulled the old room switcheroo. The shot of the Nazgûl creeping in and stabbing at the beds is quite a shock, then! Well done. I also particularly like the shot of the five Nazgûl at Weathertop surround the hobbits and, as one, levelling their swords at them. Chilling. Although the rest of that scene leaves something to be desired (was that a flame?)... __________________ But Gwindor answered: 'The doom lies in yourself, not in your name'.

11-13-2006, 03:27 AM	#3
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Actually, that Nazgûl attack scene at the Prancing Pony was lifted almost verbatim from the Bakshi movie - I remember reacting very strongly to its suspense and tension the first time I saw that movie way back when, even though I had already read the book long before. Definitely cinematically well done! __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'