May 14, 2002

Entwives, Whips, Staff, and Movie
Diana

Tomas, as I mentioned in the previous essay, Tolkien never made it clear if Hal saw an Ent or Entwives. I reread the dialogues regarding it, and chapters with Ents, and they never mentioned anything about it.

Curious George, I think Gandalf could only make objects (or maybe even just weapons) fly out of hands for defense. In the Balrog scene, the book said, "...the thongs lashed and curled about the wizard's knees, dragging him to the brink." I think whips (if used right) wrap around their targets when struck, and it probably had to have wrap around the knees to be able to drag Gandalf off the bridge. Also, regular Orcs were afraid of the sun, as mentioned in "The Hobbit," but Saruman's new Orcs could stand it.

Tavra, I can understand the economic and time constraints, but a movie shouldn't be confusing, even to non-fans, or it should just be a book commercial. Confusing movies are hard to enjoy.

Bob the Builder, Kailam, and BA, I agree that the movie seemed rushed, edited, and cut. It even ended with the 1st chapter of TTT. I agree that the cut scenes were probably introductions and character developments. Kailam, I've heard that one of them was the complete gift-giving scene. As I previously mentioned, they could do what you suggested, Bob: four 3-hour movies. I won't mind if they made three 4-hour movies either. I can't sit still that long, either, but it's all right for a movie to be long, as long as it's good. If it takes that long to explain important points, then it's fine. There have been good movies lasting over 3 hours that flew by. "The Green Mile" was boring, but take "Gone With the Wind" and "Titanic" for example. They were 3-4 hours long, but people enjoyed them, wondering where the time went. Not only that, they watched them over and over again, even in theaters.

One more thing, Kailam, I didn't pay much attention to Gandalf's staff since it didn't seem that important. Don't worry, we all pay attention to different things. The book doesn't say anything about Gandalf getting a new staff after Orthanc. Also, it's "Earendil," but don't worry, it's not that important. You were close, and I'm bad at names too.

I hope that covers all your questions and what I mentioned in my previous essay (in case it doesn't get posted). I've already rambled on for too long and bored you all, so I apologize.