[The Saucepan Man]

Well, I was going to add a wonderful exposition of what it is to be a "Tolkien fan" and still enjoy the films, but I find that Tar-Palantir has done it all for me. I cannot really put it any better.<P>But, I would say (or maybe echo) a few points in particular:<P>First:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> So why is it that people are so disturbed by my disappointment and insist upon telling me that I'm wrong to be so? I don't care about budgets and time worries - I only care that these are not the books. So what? Why is that bothering you so much? I'm not forcing my opinion on you, merely expressing it - why am I wrong? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I am not "disturbed" by those who are upset or disappointed by the films. I can understand that. I was preoccupied by the changes so much on first viewing that I had to go and see TTT again (something I don't normally do). On second viewing, I was more disturbed by the bits that just don't hold together (there are valid criticisms to be made here, but they do not, for me, "destroy" the film). <P>Everyone is entitled to their view. I am not seeking to change their opinion, just add my own. The degree of trauma, however, that TTT seems to have caused in some quarters intrigues me, and, on <A HREF="http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001698" TARGET=_blank>another thread</A>, I have been trying to explore just why it has had this effect.<P>Secondly. Yes, Ridley Scott may have made a better film. He may have made a worse film. It is difficult to say. What we have, however, is what I consider to be a good film (for the reasons I have stated above and on other threads). Had it been made by another director, we would undoubtedly be seeing the same criticisms, perhaps about different changes or interpretations. I just don't think that it is possible to adapt the marvellous works of JRRT for film without major upsets somewhere along the line.<P>Finally, the films could have been made solely for those who love and revere the works of JRRT (and I include myself here), but (much as I like the idea) there are simply not enough of us out there. Other threads have discussed the possibilities of TV serialisation or "cult" films, but then (and I know I'm repeating myself here), we would not have the wonderful visualisation that the SFX, costume and locations teams provided us with.<P>The films and their makers had to "sell out". And of course, I had to "sell out" (if you want to put it that way) by going to watch them. But, I can (as I, like Tar-Palantir, did after watching FotR) return to the books and enjoy them as much as ever I did before.<p>[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]