Charisma?

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

I take it you read Book Aragorn as indecisive, unsure, ratty, possibly a prince if not king of ham...let--but without the philosophising of course? You must be a horse lover then.

I don't blame him for the script .... but I think screen Aragorn is more sympathetic in some aspects. Book Aragorn is liable to be pompous, priggish, and generally a bit of a stuffed shirt ... I did open a poll elsewhere after TTT came out which showed that 97% believed that the the horse was a better kisser than Arwen but I don't think that is what you mean.....

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

I don't blame him for the script .... but I think screen Aragorn is more sympathetic in some aspects. Book Aragorn is liable to be pompous, priggish, and generally a bit of a stuffed shirt ... I did open a poll elsewhere after TTT came out which showed that 97% believed that the the horse was a better kisser than Arwen but I don't think that is what you mean.....

I agree, I like the movie Aragorn, just as much as book Aragorn.

[Knight of Gondor]

I agree about a lack of charisma. If I may venture close to the borders of political opinion, I think it could be attributed to politically correct attitudes about someone who excels. There tends to be an attitude of leveling the playing field, whether it be in the world of business, or in schools. To quote from the Pixar film The Incredibles, "They keep creating new ways to celebrate mediocrity but if someone is genuinely exceptional...!"

The exceptional characters of Lord of the Rings and other role models should be what we aspire to. I personally aspire to the characteristics of favorite Tolkien-created characters.

But watching battle speeches of Theoden and Aragorn; that is charisma. I adore the battle speech of Theoden. Goosebumps every time I replay it in my mind.

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Knight of Gondor

But watching battle speeches of Theoden and Aragorn; that is charisma. I adore the battle speech of Theoden. Goosebumps every time I replay it in my mind.

Yeah...how about Eomer's rally "RIDERS OF ROHAN, OATHS YOU HAVE TAKEN!!..." before the ride to Gondor? True charisma there.

[Knight of Gondor]

Originally Posted by MatthewM

Yeah...how about Eomer's rally "RIDERS OF ROHAN, OATHS YOU HAVE TAKEN!!..." before the ride to Gondor? True charisma there.

It was pretty good, but pales compared to the others. I felt sorry for the actor/character, since his heroism from the book wasn't shown, and so that little pick-me-up was all he had to offer, while Aragorn and Theoden each got a great speech.

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Knight of Gondor

It was pretty good, but pales compared to the others. I felt sorry for the actor/character, since his heroism from the book wasn't shown, and so that little pick-me-up was all he had to offer, while Aragorn and Theoden each got a great speech.

I thought Eomer was represented well in the film. I thought his character came through from the book...although I know what you mean, he wasn't given the same amount of light and insight as he was in the books. His relationship with Aragorn was barely visible at all, where it stood vital in the book. I still think that scene Eomer gets is great, and gives me chills everytime.

[Knight of Gondor]

Originally Posted by MatthewM

I thought Eomer was represented well in the film. I thought his character came through from the book...although I know what you mean, he wasn't given the same amount of light and insight as he was in the books. His relationship with Aragorn was barely visible at all, where it stood vital in the book. I still think that scene Eomer gets is great, and gives me chills everytime.

I think in some ways, they decreased Eomer's role in the film just enough so that they didn't have the chance to screw up any crucial moments. But in my opinion, his best scene was when he discovered Eowyn on the field.