April 6, 2003

The LotR Movie Script That Tolkien Reviewed
Puddleglum

Yes, there are some problems in the movies...and not only in TTT. FOTR has a lot of problems too, more than some people may be ready to admit. But that is beside the point I'm trying to make. Okay, so here is the deal...in the mid 1950's or early 60's, Tolkien himself reviewed a movie script of the LOTR that Disney was thinking about making.

It had wonderful events such as the fellowship riding out of Rivendell on the backs of eagles...! And to add to that...one of the eagles was named Radaghast!!!...? It makes you wonder how well the script writer read the actual book. At least the writers of the current productions have read the books many, many times, and have done their best to keep Tolkien's seriousness intact. It's really wonderful to see how serious and drammatic everything has remained, with the occasional light humor thrown in (so new-comers to the story don't get too depressed with the overal dark atmosphere).

The 1950's or 60's movie script that Tolkien reviewed also included Galadriel's nice beautiful fairy castle with minarets. If you want to read about this incident with the goofy script, it is in the Letters of Mr. T. (That's J.R.R. Tolkien foo').

It's nice to realize that so much hard work has been put into these new movies. Just try to remember that PJ, the cast, and the crew have lost a lot more sleep over these movies than any of you people criticizing it have. Some criticizing is good, but keeping it respectful is important. Likely or not, if I don't go insane waiting for the final part of the trilogy, some tree will fall on me, or perhaps a lightning bolt will strike me when I least expect it...would be just my luck. But you know, once I get to the movie the popcorn will probably be more expensive then it has ever been, and the projector will probably just break...oh drat, why even go?

- Puddleglum the Not-So-Positive