August 22, 2002

Eagerly Awaiting Also
Danny

I too eagerly await the extended version of Fellowship, as well as the Two Towers. The DVD bonus features really wet my apetite for Two Towers.

I wanted to ask however if any of you share a slightly more nervious feeling about Two Towers than Fellowship. I personally can survive, and forgive pretty drastic alterations to the plot, and would be willing to accept it as a film in its own light, but at the same time, I am worried about some of the hinted at plot changes.

I have no concerns about Shelob being in ROTK because chronologically that happened very close to the siege of Minas Tirith, so it makes sense in film to keep that chronology together.

The things I am most worried about is Saruman. Does any one know if it has been verified that Saruman dies or lives in this film? I have read some pretty solid statements by Ian McKellan on his post that suggest that he dies, and I am sure that many of you, if not all have seen some spie pictures that are hotly debated about authenticity.

Another thing that worries me is Galadriel's statement, "there is nothing we can do for Frodo. The quest will claim his life." I don't know what to make of that. I don't mind Galadriel appearing in TTT, afterall Gandalf does go to Lothlorien, and actually arrives the day after the fellowship leaves, but it is in the narative of TTT so that is fine. I just wonder what that statement fortells for future plot changes. It seems pretty solidly confirmed that there will not be a scouring of the shire, according to Peter Jackson's remarks at a book signing, but Frodo better at least sail at the Havens like he does in the book. Maybe that is how Galadriel means the quest will claim his life, but that is kind of a stretch.

So to wrap it up, I am extremely excited for TTT, but at the same time apprehensive about plot changes that would be sad. I think that Peter Jackson will deliver a fabulous film. That is not in question. I just hope that he continues to stay true to the books.