[Meriadoc1961]

Maril,<P>You made some very excellent points and observations, especially about how the experience in the barrow influenced the direction of Frodo's character.<P>I, too, was disappointed that Tom Bombadil was going to be left out of the movie, but upon further consideration I can see why a director would choose to leave him out, as well as replacing Glofindel and the efforts he put forth to rescue Frodo from the black riders at the Ford of Bruinen with Arwen in the movie. There is just not enough time, even in a trilogy movie, to incorporate and use all the characters which appear in the book. Also, budget constraints have to be dealt with, and not having to pay for a new actor is an effective cost-cutting measure.<P>I have seen some trailers and documentaries on the making of the movie, and I have been quite impressed. Although I wish it could have been 100% exactly like the books, I believe I will not be disappointed. The making of the Shire and the attention to detail is remarkable. I know it sounds a bit elitist, but I guess people such as you and I who have read the books and know these characters as well as we do can sit back with a smile on our faces as we see Arwen confronting the riders, realizing that in actuality the great Elf Lord Glorfindel performed this task.