October 10, 2003

Thoughts on Frodo Film vs Book
Danny

Just a few thoughts that have been on my mind a bit more lately. I love the movies and am absolutely ecstatic to have them coming to us in film, but I do have a fear. It seems to me that the Frodo Sam relationship may become too adverserial rather than what it was in the book. Call me an idiot if you disagree, but I feel that the film is making their relationship more heated and adverserial than I would like. I also wish more could be done in the Frodo portrayal to show his initiative.

Changes from the book have caused Frodo to appear weaker and less courageous in my mind. For example the change at the ford really robs Frodo of a moment to show his courage. In Moria Frodo attacks the troll and causes it to retreat after Boromir fails, yet in the film he appears quite helpless calling to Aragorn for help.

They still have some good moments, and I think his film image is not totally destroyed. I recently reread the encounter with Shelob, and saw more moments when Frodo shows courage. Read the encounter when they first see the eyes and you will notice that Frodo is the one who really shows courage at that time and Tolkien emphasizes that in his wording. It says something to the effect of "Frodo of the Shire stepped forward to face the eyes" etc etc. I hope that the encounter with Shelob and the rest of the final film will show Frodo as having the courage Tolkien showed him to have.

Don't get me wrong, I love these films. I guess I am just hoping to find PJ's final interpetation a bit more in line with my own personal view.