[Pippin]

First of all, sorry if this has been raised before.
Is Tom Bombadil actually a man? he claims to be the Eldest, settled before hobbits, men, and even elves. his description is that he is a bit short to be a man but too tall for a hobbit. also is Goldberry an elf-relation or a woman? she is River-woman's daughter, but exactly who or what was the River Woman?
Incidently, I hear that Tom Bombadil is not included in LotR the movie. I'd be interested in everyones views....