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Lord of Angmar · 12-22-2003, 07:26 PM

I would say that, in large part, Peter Jackson and crew captured the essence of the JRR Tolkien novels in a manner far superior to what most contemporary directors could do with the material. The themes and the ideas felt much the same as reading the book (shining through brighter in some parts than in others). As a whole, the trilogy is a masterpiece and a fantastic exercise in imagination, magnitude, vision and scope. <P>Having scene the third movie twice, I would like to comment a bit more on the 'overall feel' of the trilogy. I did not believe that the ending presented to us by Peter Jackson to the trilogy was an adequate summation (*braces for the hurdling of many rocks*) to the story. In the book, I was always given the feel that the tale was ultimately a tragedy. The Elves passed away for Valinor never to return to Middle Earth again, their works and lands fading at their departure. Frodo's leaving for Valinor was to me a tragic ending, as a rift was grown between him and the Shire that he had once so dearly loved, because of his experiences in the wide world without. I did not get more than a fleeting sense of these ideas in the final passages of the movie. The Grey Havens were too light and happy feeling, and the real meaning of the departure to Valinor, for the Elves, for Frodo, and for Middle Earth, could be guessed at by none of my peers who had not read the <I>Lord of the Rings</I>. When I read the book, it made tears well up in my eyes to envision the last ship sailing away in the mist, its crew gazing back one last time at mortal shores, and I could almost hear the sad, operatic music that would fill the air if a movie were to be made. I got, instead, the feeling of (this is going to sound like blasphemy to many Tolkien/Jackson fans) a Disney movie wrap-up. Perhaps that was just my take on it, but I wonder if anyone else here envisioned the ending the way I did. I also thought that Elrond appearing at the wedding of Arwen and Aragorn was a grievous blow to the story, but that is perhaps for another thread.<P>Cheers, Angmar

12-22-2003, 07:26 PM	#10
Lord of Angmar Tyrannus Incorporalis Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: the North Posts: 833	I would say that, in large part, Peter Jackson and crew captured the essence of the JRR Tolkien novels in a manner far superior to what most contemporary directors could do with the material. The themes and the ideas felt much the same as reading the book (shining through brighter in some parts than in others). As a whole, the trilogy is a masterpiece and a fantastic exercise in imagination, magnitude, vision and scope. <P>Having scene the third movie twice, I would like to comment a bit more on the 'overall feel' of the trilogy. I did not believe that the ending presented to us by Peter Jackson to the trilogy was an adequate summation (braces for the hurdling of many rocks) to the story. In the book, I was always given the feel that the tale was ultimately a tragedy. The Elves passed away for Valinor never to return to Middle Earth again, their works and lands fading at their departure. Frodo's leaving for Valinor was to me a tragic ending, as a rift was grown between him and the Shire that he had once so dearly loved, because of his experiences in the wide world without. I did not get more than a fleeting sense of these ideas in the final passages of the movie. The Grey Havens were too light and happy feeling, and the real meaning of the departure to Valinor, for the Elves, for Frodo, and for Middle Earth, could be guessed at by none of my peers who had not read the <I>Lord of the Rings</I>. When I read the book, it made tears well up in my eyes to envision the last ship sailing away in the mist, its crew gazing back one last time at mortal shores, and I could almost hear the sad, operatic music that would fill the air if a movie were to be made. I got, instead, the feeling of (this is going to sound like blasphemy to many Tolkien/Jackson fans) a Disney movie wrap-up. Perhaps that was just my take on it, but I wonder if anyone else here envisioned the ending the way I did. I also thought that Elrond appearing at the wedding of Arwen and Aragorn was a grievous blow to the story, but that is perhaps for another thread.<P>Cheers, Angmar __________________ ...where the instrument of intelligence is added to brute power and evil will, mankind is powerless in its own defence.