I didn't like the 'exorcism' of Theoden, and the possession of Theoden with a little Saruman inside of him. Grima plays an important role in the deteriation of Theoden's health. Not only through corrupt and evil counsel, but also by administering poison:
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'may well have been induced or increased by subtle poisons, administered by Gríma. In any case Théoden's sense of weakness and dependence on Gríma was largely due to the cunning and skill of this evil counsellor's suggestions.'~Unfinished Tales, The Fords of Isen
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The importance is places on Grima's counseling and an administering of poisons, that is taken away by Peter Jackson's take on Saruman posessing Theoden.
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I personally imagined the change to be less dramatic. . . More like a man discovering he is not as old as he thought. He would straighten his back, speak with a clearer voice maybe gain some glimpse in his eye. I know that you need to do it a bit more dramatic for it to work on film, but what was done was simply silly.~Rune
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I think that is fairly accurate, for it still describes Theoden as having 'old and wrinkled' hands. However, he is no longer bent over, and looking as if he's got one foot in the grave. He stands up to his 'full height' and I believe there is a mention of a 'glimmer' in his eyes. Theoden is still an old King, but instead of being bent over and looking like Death itself, he is tall, strong, and renewed.