February 12, 2003

Differences From Book to Movie
Maureen Sullivan

The addition of Arwen as a larger force in the film clears up otherwise confusing elements for some people. The conflict between Eowyn's affection for Aragorn and his indifference to her is better understood through the film because of Arwen. Also, Arwen is a means to better explain the flight of the elves from the mortal land of men into the undying lands. I wanted to meet her earlier in the books. When I finally met her (and I first read these when I was twelve years old)I had so many questions about her. In addition, it makes Aragorn so much more human to see him with his love and to see his torment with the dilemma he faces on her account. Tolkien, lover of stories, could not have disliked the enlargement of a character he was so fond of. For Eomer claims she is the fairest creature in Middle-earth. Indeed, how could this man, who was enraptured with tales, dislike anything in these movies? One is physically and mentally transported to his very own world through the incredibly brilliant vision of genious. The music, scenery, costumes, acting, sets, perfect directing would have left J.R.R. in tears in his seat. He would have fell in love all over again with Arwen.