[Estella Brandybuck]

My friend and I had a talk about this not too long ago - we came to the conclusion that everything would be a lot simpler if the good Professor was still alive today. <P>As has been said many times, while the hype and merchandising would have probaby been too much for him, I believe he would have enjoyed the visuals. This is just my opinion, but I think most of the casting would have pleased him, especially for Gandalf and Bilbo. But like I said, that's just what I think, and of course, most of this thread is just our opinions. We'll never know for sure just what Tolkien would've thought. <P>Actually, what I wonder about is if he would have even wanted to see the films, seeing as how he didn't own a television or anything... <P>Of course, I wouldn't blame him if he utterly despised the movies. As a (very amature ) writer myself, I can understand being more than a bit miffed at the slightest change. Maybe a line he was really proud of that wasn't included, a minor character that he was very fond of who was left out... But again, it's all debatable seeing as how we'll never know for sure.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I'm sure this might offend some people (especially those introduced to Tolkien by the movies...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Maybe it's just me, but I watched the first movie before I read the books, and your comment didn't offend me. It's your opinion, after all, and you're completely entitled to it. But sometimes I feel like a bit of a hypocrite, since, for the most part, I've grown to like the books more than the films, which makes me wonder if I'm "forgetting my roots" or something. But I do my best not to criticize either one. I consider them both to be beautiful works of art, each with their own strengths and faults.