[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I suppose that it could subtly alter your perceptions of the book if, say, you had not read the book for years, or perhaps read the book after the films came out.

I read the book a few months before The Fellowship was released, and also read it again in between each of the 3 films. As a result, I have found it very easy to keep book and movie separate.

I completely agree with you about Theoden's death. Not nearly sad enough. A big disappointment.