[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Hi all, thanks for joining the discussion.<P>I agree with most of the suggestions.<P>How would you change Theoden's 'exorcism'? I would at least get rid of the childishly simplistic word 'Spell.' Replace it with 'Sorcery' at least. I do understand how it was hard to show 20 years of Wormtongue's influence, and adding an enchantment simplified things.<P>Hm. I'm assuming the Osgiliath scene and the changes to Faramir (very disappointing) were added to create dramatic tension on the ring-bearer side of the story. So ending at the Crossroads... it would lay there like overcooked spagetti.<P>But nearly walking into an army headed by the Nazgul would work. A little preview of the nine on their winged steeds. A hint of forshadowing of how bad Mordor is.<P>What needs to be shown is the <I>benefits</I> of Frodo following Gollum. Frodo doesn't trust him, but he <I>needs</I> Smeagol. And even Sam recognizes that. <P>Gollum essentially teaches Frodo and Sam how to slip into Mordor unnoticed. In fact, the scene with the rabbit stew and their capture was a demonstration of how little Frodo and Sam understood 'sneaking.' Their very capture by Faramir actually proved to Frodo that Gollum was in fact a good guide. I mean, he managed to avoid capture when Frodo and Sam did not. They were caught <I>because</I> they didn't listen to him. That needs to be clear. <P>A little snippet of dialogue at the rabbit stew scene...<P>"No, no - travel by night, no, not by day! The sun <I>sees</I> you... everyone <I>sees</I> you. Listen to Smeagol, nice master."<BR>"A bunch of little sneaking Gollums we'll be in a row at this rate..." <P>"No make fire!"<BR>"You said there were no orcs."<BR>"Yes, yes, yes, but it is dangeroussss... listen to Smeagol..." <BR>"I don't care, I'm making us a nice stew." <BR>Smeagol slinks off, afraid.<P>"Where did Smeagol go?" Frodo yawns.<BR>"He was afraid of the fire," Sam shrugs.<BR>Then Faramir captures them.<P>There's a learning curve that has to take place for Frodo's successful crossing of Mordor to be plausible. <P>We need to 'show don't tell' Gollum's treacherous intentions. Instead of Smeagol's boring monologue at the audience at the end <I>telling us</I> he planned to be a traitor, we need a long list of warning signs. <P>We need the warnings from Faramir: don't trust such a guide! <BR>"Can you lead me into Mordor?" Frodo answers him, arms folded.<BR>"None but orcs and evil creatures know the ways of Mordor."<BR>"Then i either follow him, or else find a willing orc." Frodo says. "I do believe his promise will hold him yet. He is bound to me."<P>We need Sam staying up at night, his sword unsheathed to protect Frodo. Have that image, instead of Frodo's frightened eyes.<P>We need Gollum to say tell Frodo their route... only to a point. <BR>"Then, then.. up many stairs."<BR>"And what's after that?"<BR>Gollum doesn't answer, but simply scampers onward, with a furtive sideways look.<BR>Frodo and Sam exchange glances, but we've established by this point they have learned to listen to Gollum.<P>To foreshadow his treachery, we need Frodo's part of the journey to end on a near escape, and I think that should be on the bridge of Minas Morgul. I do think that scene could be souped up for dramatic tension, even have Gollum pull Frodo out of harm's way. "Mussssn't give it to HIM!! Master must not give it TO HIM!!!!!"<P>Anyway, that's enough for now.<P>We need to work out how Faramir's scenes would play, so it doesn't bog down in conversation. (Probably a large reason why PJ changed it as well.)