July 14, 2003

Has No One Seen the Picture?
Bob Praz

Hasn't anyone seen the picture with Grime lying on his back in Orthanc with a dagger in his hand (and looking real angry)? I've already seen (or read) enough evidence to know that Saruman is going to be at the top of Orthanc when Gandalf comes to talk to him (or he'll go there afterwards), and Grima is going to stab him and then he'll most likely fall off the tower and onto the "spikey wheelie thingy".
(I just hope that PJ will keep in the movie the prospect of Saruman's voice laying a spell on those that listen to him)

Just to tell you, I think this is the next best thing to Saruman dying in the Shire. Personally, although I love the Scouring of the Shire in the book, it just WOULD NOT work. Like PJ said, u can't have this huge climax with the Ring and the battle at the Black Gate, and then have this little quiet (relatively speaking, of course) adventure with the hobbits, it would really waste people's time and make the whole movie look silly. Once the movie reaches it's climax, we need to proceed to the ending as soon as possible, otherwise people get annoyed. I am glad, however, that the movie ends with the Grey Havens. That's just perfect, it's how it should end. PJ said it's one of the most beautiful and touching scenes.

Anyways, cheers.