[HPFGU-OTChatter] LOTR review/Reaction based on levels of fannishness

[Zorb17 at aol.com]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the list.  I saw LOTR last night, and I was 
absolutely blown away.  It was a gorgeous film in every aspect.  You could 
see that unlike some *other* recent fantasy films, there was monumental 
effort put into every scene, every character.  *This* is how PS/SS should 
have been done.  Many scenes were exactly how I pictured them (Isengard for 
example - dead on!), and the others were better than my mental image.

Al said:
"Basically, my point is, when it comes to movies adapted from books, 
will people who have read the books find that their opinions and 
enjoyment levels of the movies are changed in any way?  I think it 
may well be the case.  Would be interested to know what you all think."

I'm a huge fan of the books; I read them about once a year.  Therefore, I was 
amazed when I reacted to the characters in the same way I initially reacted 
to them in the books.  Aragorn, for example: When I first read FOTR, I 
distrusted the man at first and gradually warmed up to him on the way to 
Rivendell.  The same thing happened to me in the movie, even though I knew 
what was coming with his character!  That, to me, is the mark of an 
outstanding film.

I think that having read the book *does* change the enjoyment level of the 
movie, but not necessarily in a downward fashion.  In this case, my 
book-knowledge *augmented* my enjoyment.  Seeing how my favorite scenes were 
put onscreen was a spectacular experience here, as opposed to "our" movie, in 
which it went both ways.

I cannot say enough about how perfect I thought the actors were.  Gandalf - 
*was* Gandalf - a standout performance.  I can't say enough about how 
wonderful he was.  It's funny, the Hobbits look nothing like I picture them, 
but as the movie went on I grew to like them this way.  Same for Elrond.  I 
was worried about the expansion of Arwen's role, but I ended up liking it.  

I could gush about LOTR for hours, but I won't.  Suffice it to say, I think 
it deserves all the praise anyone could give it and more.

That said, like any true fan, I have nitpicks. ;-)  The shift from the Shire 
to Bree was a bit abrupt, although I guess that's what comes from eliminating 
Tom Bombadill.  I seriously disliked how they had Saruman causing the storm 
on Caradhras; it takes away from the feeling of Nature's own elemental power 
that you get in the books.  I also thought the troll-fight went on too long, 
although the rest of Moria was fabulous.  Lothlorien got a bit jipped, 
IMNSHO.  I, too, missed the debate at the Falls; the movie made it seem like 
Aragorn sort of pushes Frodo into leaving, and I prefer the Fellowship being 
at an impasse and Frodo making the decision on his own.  Finally, the Sword 
that was Broken is one of my favorite bits in the book that got sort of 
changed and then left out.

I place full blame on this fandom for my uncontrollable giggling every time 
Frodo and Sam got near each other! <glares at slash writers>


Zorb


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