[Essex]

Child, a lot to answer here, but let's give it a go.

Movie Frodo was primarily portrayed as a victim.

But, to me, that's exactly what Book Frodo WAS. To me, he left for the West not because of Guilt or Sin, but because of Pain and the need to heal. He was a Victim of the Ring and of certain people's desire to use him to help save Middle-earth. He sacrificed himself in the Book AND Film. This is what clearly and most importantly comes across to me from the film. He was the sacrificial lamb. The look on his face as he boards the ship in the film is heartbreaking, but at the same time, comforting to me that he is going some place better to heal. (but yes, perhaps to die)

It is Sam who has the clearest understanding of Gollum and his nature.

Sorry, are we talking about book or film Sam here? For me, in both versions, Sam has an understanding of Gollum, but it is VERY centered (if not quite blinkered). It requires Book and Movie Frodo to explain there is more to Gollum, and that he will be needed to fulfil the Quest.

There is no question of Frodo showing pity because that is the right thing to do, which is one of the central themes of the entire book.

Woa, there tiger! Are you saying movie Frodo does not show pity!!!!???? Yes he does on a number of occasions. In the marshes, as Sam tries to kick the heck out of him by the pool, even after Gollum's betrayal in Shelob's lair (this last one is striking and works really well). Frodo's Pity to me is one of the most important themes of the book and film (as is his Sacrifice mentioned above). Without this pity, the Quest would have failed, and through the pity of Frodo (and somewhat Sam on Mount Doom) Middle-earth receives its Redemption. (To me this is clear in the film, but I admit if I had not read the books then maybe I wouldn't have picked up on it)

Frequently, in the early pages of the books, Frodo is shown to be wiser than the other hobbits and in a position of authority. The four hobbits are not "equals" in this sense.

I disagree. To me Pippin and Merry are of simillar stock. Yes, Frodo is wiser, but again, I think we see this in the film, by the filmmaker's giving Pippin and Merry a more 'childish' theme to them. PS, as was pointed out on another thread today, who says Film Frodo has not been kept 'well preserved' by the Ring as Bilbo was?

Sam looks up to Frodo and virtually idolizes him from a distance..... Only later in the story, do Sam and Frodo break down class barriers and become friends.

But this is exactly as it is in the film. We can see this the way Sam speaks to Mr. Frodo, showing him respect in what he says, and also (to me) in his body language. (e.g. just a little thing, but the way he throws pippin and merry off of Frodo when they run into him, and the way he says that he'll look after Frodo as instructed) And then later in the film, we can see the friendship getting closer and the barriers breaking down, culminating in the marvellous scene at the End of All Things as Frodo and Sam are in each other's arms waiting to Die.

But I don't feel anyone could dispute that the movie Frodo and book Frodo are significantly different.

I think I've just done that above! I understand we do not see Frodo standing up to the Nazgul either on Weathertop or at the Fords. But what do we see throughout the film? His utmost COURAGE. A little hobbit volunteers to take the Ring to Mordor. How much more on Middle-earth can he do to show his courage? He carrries on through Sword, Sting and Bite. Isn't he showing his Courage here? He carries the most dangerous weapon on Middle-earth almost single handed across a Continent, and to the middle of his Enemy's Country. He shows Utmost Courage in both Book and Film.