February 1, 2003

TTT Wow! But Why?
Dwian

I went to see the Two Towers with some trepidation after reading reviews saying how much it deviated from the book. To my relief there is quite a lot to like in this film.
Ents: Treebeard is a legend! No mention of the entwives (this film is probably sad enough) but impressive nonetheless. Destruction of Isengard, perfect. Gollum: so loathsome at first but in the end you do pity him. Academy award performance. Shadowfax: horsy heaven despite not being given a speaking part. Sam’s oliphaunts – gigantesque! A highlight as I was not expecting them. Helm’s deep – just as I imagined it and yet so lifelike. The elves arriving were a surprise but I can live with that as they were involved in the War of the ring.
However although the film wasn’t as bad as I had feared, I disliked many of the changes that were made. Faramir – that creep! Why did peter Jackson completely alter his character for? I dislike him as much as I should have Boromir (but didn’t). How could he drag Frodo & Sam all the way back to Osgiliath in the middle of a meteorite shower (at least that is what it looked like). Despicable behaviour! Faramir will have to do something mighty heroic to redeem himself. Eowyn at least deserves better.
Frodo – what was frodo DOING showing the ring to the winged Nazgul? That should have been the end of the quest right then and there. I can understand changes to the book that COULD have happened but this one defies logic. I’m seriously worried about Frodo, he seems to be dropping the bundle rather early in the trilogy. I don’t like his chances of reaching Mt Doom, ever.
Gimli – apart from the drastically altered storylines, I have a grumble about the treatment of Gimli. Why does he have to be the butt of EVERY joke? I don’t mean teasing, such as in the book, but outright ridicule, constantly. Why don’t they pick on someone their own size for a change (like Legolas!).
Elrond – while on the topic of character assassinations, I have one of my own to make Elrond is dreadful. I don’t believe he’s an elf at all with that permanent scowl on his face (and those eyebrows don’t help!) My first and lasting impression (thankfully) is from The Hobbit, “noble and fair of face” and as “kind as summer”. No further comment.
Last little complaint, I really think the budget of this film could have stretched to another coat of gold paint for the Golden Hall.
but faults aside, I have to admit I’m off to see the film again and await now the promised ‘stunning’ and 'incredibly emotional' conclusion in Return of the King.