February 8, 2003

In Defense of Arwen
Judson

Among my favorite scenes in TTT were those “added” scenes featuring Arwen. There I said it! After reading countless criticisms of Peter Jackson’s choice to “beef up” the role of Arwen in the film trilogy, I decided to add a little praise to all the nay-saying. Like all other LOTR fans, Tolkien’s books hold a very special place in my heart, but I believe that some aspects can and should be altered to reach a larger, less-informed audience.
I think the presence of Arwen in the films is one of Jackson and company’s best decisions. Not only does the love story appeal to a larger demographic, thereby exposing more people to Tolkien, but it also allows Jackson to share the incredible, tragic, beautiful love of Aragorn and Arwen that would otherwise remain lost in the appendices. Although the story only spans a few pages of the appendices, it is by far one of the most beautiful stories in all of Tolkien’s writings.
Expanding Arwen’s role also allows audience members the chance to slip into the gorgeous world of the Elves; reminding them that beauty and goodness can exist even in the worst of times. The two scenes with Arwen in TTT film were among my FAVORITE scenes, as were her scenes in FOTR. I also want to praise Liv Tyler for her performance. Time and time again, the criticisms from “true” Tolkien fans seem directed at her. She does a wonderful job conveying the beauty, strength, and breathtaking vulnerability of the elf princess.
So thank you Peter Jackson and company for choosing to play to the mass audience, even if just for a moment, by increasing Arwen’s role in the films. I consider myself a “true” Tolkien’s fan, and I am glad you chose to showcase the love between Aragorn and Arwen. I only hope it will play an even larger role in ROTK. Perhaps we will be fortunate enough to see the amazing ending of one of the greatest love stories ever written.