February 8, 2003

Circus Maximus
Brett C.

Some thoughts about Steve L's article regarding the story telling in TTT

1. Saruman's desire for the ring is still there -see one of my previous aritcles regarding this point and the composition of the orc raiding party [can't remember the post name but after Jan 15]

2. Didn't mind the possession number, but it is less meaningful than the despair over the death of Theodred. But then, to show this properly would have needed a whole sequence at the Fords of Isen with the killing of Theodred by the forces of Isengard, and even so might not have been sufficient for some audiences. Also, in the appendices of LOTR, it does say Gandalf 'heals' Theoden, so amybe a little artistic licence - a move needs to show more than tell, after all. And we did see the King's grief in the scene near the Barrows.

3. Have to agree with the treatment of Faramir, but I will be writing an article about the prince of Ithilien shortly dealing with the his portrayal in depth.

4. The scene with the Nazgul in Osgiliath is not 'made up', but rather transplanted from the FOTR: The Great River and somewhat altered. See yet another previous article.

5. The scene with Aragorn and Gimli before the gates of the Hornburg is largely as written. Eomer, who was with them at the time is, of course, absent. The bit where they escape up the rope could be viewed as a replacement of the scene in the book where Aragorn is almost grabbed by the uriuk's retreating up the stairs to the Hormburg, but is saved by Legolas [as in the movie].

6. The huorns are still there, I think. See the Visual Guide and cross your fingers for the extended release.