December 4, 2002

The Scouring of Bombadil
Curious George

Unfortunately, I don't feel that the Scouring of the Shire would make a good scene in the movie. It is an essential part of the books, and definatly resolves and refines the Hobbit's characters, yet I fear that if PJ put something like that into the movies it wouldn't do the film justice. I hate to use this as an example, but can you imagine the movie-goers getting ready to leave the theater after three long hours and such awesome scenes as the Seige of Gondor, and Mt. Doom, Aragorn and Arwen getting married, and then all of the sudden realising that there's still another half-hour to go! (although it would be an interesting contrast to Frodo's statement 'we're still in the Shire, what could possibly happen.') Seems like it would come across as kind of a Freddy movie, or Friday the 13th that just won't quit. To be honest, I was quite surprised at how long the book went on even after the Ring had been destroyed.

You have to keep in mind that PJ is trying to encompass as large of an audience as possible for these films, and rightly so. Someone mentioned earlier that if we had it our way, there would be one film per 'book' at three hours each making the entire series about 18 hours on the whole. As enjoyable as that part of the book may be, I am glad that it won't be in the movie.

As far as Bombadil is concerned, I've always thought that his character was far too random, and an almost pointless part of the story. It was a painful read for me, and I skip past it now. I've always thought that the hobbits spent far too much time there and never much liked all the singing and dancing and laughing. I guess it's because when I first read the books, I was quite on edge, and wanting to go on and find out what the Ringwraiths were, and being very anxious for the 'real' story to pick up. I never had much interest in Bombadil, and it doesn't seem like I've missed much. One read of that particular part was enough for me. I agree with whomever said that his character would come across as a 'Jar-Jar' type if used in the film.