Greasy, Grimy, Grima Hair...

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Nimrodel_9

I was just watching TTT yesterday when I noticed something a bit odd. Correct me if I am wrong, but Grima Wormtongue was a man of Rohan, right? Then why do you think PJ chose Brad Dourif who is not very tall, and gave him a black wig? The men of Rohan were said to be taller than mortal men and with golden hair. Grima dosen't quite fit this desription. I checked the book and couldn't find a description of him that said how tall he was or what color his hair was, so I am just going off the movies. So my question is: Why? Perhaps he is a move-in to Rohan, from Gondor or somewhere. What are your thoughts?

Well it has to be said that they took a fair bit of licence with the appearance of some of the characters but I don't have a major issue with Grima since .. whatever he looks like he "is" Grima in the same way that Viggo Mortensen became Aragorn when at 5"11 he is only just over average height, when Aragorn is always described as being particularly tall. The gondorians were generally of medium complexion, not dark haired with light hair and eyes. They were consistent with each other if not the book so I guess that was a casting decision! Also all the Hobbits were rather lean..... and Frodo about half the age compared to the book..... On the whole I would take good acting over appearance ......

To get back to Grima, height is often assciated with "goodness". The heros are usually notably tall (yes I know the main heros are hobbits but all things are relative!), Elendil was "the tall", Galadriel the tallest of all Elf women, Eomer is the tallest of his riders, Faramir is the tallest of his Rangers, The tallness of the men of Dol Amroth and their prince are noted. When Elrond, Glorfindel and Gandalf are described there is the suggestion that his wisdom makes up for his lesser stature. Maybe by having Grima as a shorter man he is seen to be literally aswell as metaphorically low...