June 15, 2003

Something New(ish)
G

First of all, in response to Mr. Underhill, I've been trying to think of any additions to the story that I was particularly pleased to see on film, but I'm afraid I'm struggling. Problem is that most of the changes involved taking things out rather than adding things in so off the top of my head there is very little to choose from. I didn't like the Elves at Helm's Deep (especially lead by Haldir) although I would have been more than happy to see Elladan and Elrohir lead a company of Elves to the battle at of the Pelennor Fields. What I did enjoy ws seeing Gwaihir rescue Gandalf from Orthanc, especially the reference to The Hobbit in Gandalf's method of sending for help.

I have some new debate of my own to start. Noe that we are getting closer to seeing RotK and that we are now familiar with most of the characters in both book and movie form, I wonder if anyone has changed their opinions with regard to casting? Are there any cast members who you consider 'perfect' for their roles (Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, John Rhys Davies and Billy Boyd spring to mind for me) and are there any that you now consider to have been mistakes. Dominic Monaghan is doing a great job as far as I can tell, but there is something not right about Merry, particularly in The Two Towers - I think Peter Jackson's vision of this character differs from my own. Orlando Bloom also does a good job, but fails to convey the age and wisdom of Legolas that I see in the book. Theoden could maybe have been a little older and Gamling the Old certainly looked to young to have his grandson fighting alongside him. That's enough out of me, I could go on forever on this topic but what I want to know is what you all think.

Finally, taking thins away from the films, I would like to know if any of you have any favourite passages or chapters from the book that you always look forward to when reading it I am currently reading LotR for only the second time and already the scene where the company of Gandalf and King Theoden ride to Isengard only to arrive there to find, to the surprise of all (except perhaps Gandalf), that keeping watch at the gates two hobbits, one of whom is asleep. Magical.

Anyway, sorry about yet another unintentionally long post (I'm sure I had something else to say so I'd better stop beforew I remember what it was) and I look forward as usual to hearing any responses.

Youirs,
G.