[Dininziliel]

Gollum framing Sam and Sam leaving robbed us of one of the most poignant and pivotal scenes in the book that would have played beautifully in the movie. On the way to Shelob, Smeagol is leaning over Frodo tenderly and reconsidering his plan when Sam wakes suddenly and misunderstands Smeagol's behavior (this is the "sneaking" scene). Goodbye Smeagol, hello Gollum forever. In <I>Letters . . . </I> Tolkien says this was Smeagol's last chance for salvation. Instead of this profound and tragic scene we got the predictable stock saved-by-the-cavalry at the last moment scene. Did anyone, including non-bookers, think Sam was really leaving?<P>Denethor definitely needs a palantir and I hear there's a strong possiility he will get it in the EE. To me, the additions of the mad and ridiculous, albeit wonderfully acted, flaming steward seemed to be auteur nods to favorite bits from other action movies.<P>Smeagol/Deagol was very nice, and I wouldn't trade that 10 second shot of the utter wallowing in addicted self-abandon in the cave as Gollum settles in under the mountain. But, to use it instead of following through with Saruman & Wormtongue? And, it sounds like the EE is going to mess up the Saruman resolution. (Grima is given chance to leave Saruman--yes!, then Saruman tells everyone that Grima murdered Theodred (I may have mis-remembered the victim)--yes!!, then Wormtongue stabs Saruman--yes!!!, but then Legolas is going to perform yet another stunt and shoot Grima. There were plans for Grima to throw himself off Orthanc once he realizes he's doomed--yes!!!!, but . . . looks like that's going to be a "no."<P>And speaking of Legolas--at last, a thread containing consensus that we're tired of the stunts. The Battle of Pelennor Fields was harmed by Legolas on the mumakil, because by then it's become formulaic ("Let's see, it's been about 25 minutes, cue Legolas, and . . . action!") It wasted time. We're still tired after 40 minutes of Helm's Deep and it feels like we're still watching it.<P>And, I've said this before, but I can't shake it--the "Evil Dead": too much cleaning green. They remind me of scrubbing bubbles (anyone old enough to remember them?) at the Scouring of Gondor. Heck, you half expected to see Aragorn, Gandalf, and the rest lying back, watching the clouds and blowing smoke rings while the Dead do all the work.<P>Sometimes I think that the writers, producers, et al, needed to take a break from stewing in their own juices for so long. Things begin to feel convoluted and like someone pushed the dominoes over too soon before they could all fall in the right direction.<P>But, I loved RotK and was most grateful for the fact that the main themes and meaning of Tolkien's story got across so well. I even loved the end song and, during my second viewing, the small afternoon audience all left during the credits as "Into the West" played. I sang along out loud. Ahhh . . . (good thing I was alone!) <p>[ 2:11 AM January 20, 2004: Message edited by: dininziliel ]