Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/05/02

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Subject: [Leica] Lord of the Rings
From: jbcollier at shaw.ca (John Collier)
Date: Mon May 2 16:52:16 2005
References: <6.2.1.2.2.20050502150214.04ace0f0@mail.screengang.com> <050220051246.29089.4276211800043730000071A1220699849902019B020E9B9CD2020106@comcast.net> <6.2.1.2.2.20050502150214.04ace0f0@mail.screengang.com> <3.0.2.32.20050502192343.02191f48@pop.infionline.net>

I do not doubt your enthusiasm for the LOR books. However, starting 
with The Two Towers, there were more than a few jarring film additions. 
Here are some that easily spring to mind:

- I agree about the Saruman bit.
- Gandalf actually counseled that Theoden and his people go to the 
Helm's Deep. It was not the ill advised retreat portrayed in the film.
- Merry and Pippin did not trick the Ents into attacking Saruman. The 
film made these thoughtful and noble creations seem petty and 
dimwitted.
- Aragorn did not partially fall for Eowyn and there was never any 
question of what's 'er twit leaving Middle Earth. Least of all on 
Elrond's orders.
- And Aragorn was not lost over a cliff face and presumed dead. What! 
Can't audiences handle a story without something happening every two 
minutes?
- Frodo & co were not dragged back all the way to Osthglith by Faramir. 
He faces the trial of the Ring and passes, remember?

I could go on. These were puzzling departures from a better story line 
in the books. Sure there have to be cuts otherwise the extended 
versions would be years long. But why add needless and confusing 
drivel?

John Collier

On 2-May-05, at 5:23 PM, Marc James Small wrote:

> I was rather distressed to note that several of you seem to have found 
> the
> film version of the Lord of Rings unsatsfactory.  I found the trilogy
> reflected well most of the books though it comprehensively misses the
> subtle nature of Saruman's degradation into evil.  Other than that, the
> films work rather well.


Replies: Reply from rdcb37 at dodo.com.au (Rick Dykstra) ([Leica] Lord of the Rings)
In reply to: Message from rangefinder at screengang.com (Didier Ludwig) ([Leica] RE: digital/film/guitar debate)
Message from jon.stanton at comcast.net (jon.stanton@comcast.net) ([Leica] RE: digital/film/guitar debate)
Message from msmall at aya.yale.edu (Marc James Small) ([Leica] Lord of the Rings)