Worldview changes

[zb]

We've discussed many of the changes in detail involved in PJ's interpretation of LotR, but what about the basic world view: the 'underlying assumptions', if you like?<P>I'll start with the obvious. Tolkien was a Roman Catholic (possibly the most meaningless and least specific description ever... ); as far as I know, Jackson isn't 'religious'. Of course there's going to be something of a shift here. I don't think I've ever seen someone accurately capture the nuances of someone else's religious influences, and LotR is fairly 'Catholic' according to JRRT himself. Indeed:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Asked how much interest he had in fleshing out the Christian themes in the story, Jackson replied "Not an ounce." (<A HREF="http://www.razormouth.com/archives/00000292.htm" TARGET=_blank>source, scroll down somewhat</A>)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>There's also the concept of honour. Although I have seen reviewers use the word 'honour' in relation to the LotR movies, I can't see it there. Again, this is perhaps a fairly obvious point and I won't discuss it in depth (I have to get to bed at some stage tonight!), but <A HREF="http://glosses.net/archives/000241.php" TARGET=_blank>this</A> is good, and points to indo-european epic rather than Xianity:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>In the book, Eomer makes his decision despite "the letter of the law", based on his judgement of Aragorn; Faramir does not hesitate for a second, faced with the temptation of the ring; Aragorn stays loyal to Arwen throughout the books - however tempted he is by Eowyn, he does not flirt with her, hug her, or give her false hope. And Merry and Pippin's resistance and courage...Gimli... the Ents.. all gone comic relief. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Another aspect is the end of the world. (Probably due to his Xian beliefs) Tolkien seemed to have had quite a strong sense of the fact that this world shall pass. This can be seen in <A HREF="http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=003918" TARGET=_blank>"The Great End"</A>. It can also be seen in RotK as a book-movie contrast. In the book, Pippin's oath is:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>...from this hour henceforth, until my lord release me, or death take me, <I>or the world end</I>. (my italics)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>In the movie, as we all know, the italicised part is dropped. This makes sense within the movie worldview, as the end of the world is just a far-off event which can be ignored entirely, but death taking me is an immediate possibility and a dramatic climax. But within the worldview of the book, the world ending remains the ultimate climax regardless of what happens now.<P>Another obvious difference can be seen in Gandalf's movie conversation with Pippin about how death ain't so bad after all. Although some have said that the lines which have been transposed from Frodo's dream and the Grey Havens scene in the book point to a Christian belief in the afterlife, I disagree. In their context, they point more to a vague sort of belief that if you die, and you were a nice enough person, It's All Good (tm). This is quite far removed from Tolkien's own beliefs, and does seem to indicate a basic difference in ideas of death.<P>One final point before I say 'go forth and discuss' and go and have a shower: does anyone else think that Tolkien's themes of quiet existence in 'harmony' with nature are ironically undermined by the fact that we all watch the LotR movies in huge cinemas, drinking soft drink from disposable cups, and ooh and aah over computer-generated scenes? <p>[ 8:49 AM January 21, 2004: Message edited by: zb ]