May 14, 2003

Response to G
Lilly

Actually, my idea about Jackson's exclusion of Tom was that by that time in the movie the atmosphere was kind of dark and danger-filled: they had just begun to move away from the folksy, cheerful shire scenes...to show Tom would be to take a step back toward happyness and peace (I mean, the guy spoke in verse!). This would have taken away from the severity of the hobbits' situation and therefore from the credibility of the movie.

Also, WHO in the world could possibly play Tom Bombadil convincingly? No two ideas of him could possibly be alike. And what lady on earth could depict the cheerful yet serene, serious yet youthful Goldberry? No Actor or Actress could win: no fan could be totally satisfied as with the other actors.

But your idea was good too. That was just mine.