Book vs. Movie characters - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Theron Bugtussle · 11-17-2003, 02:55 PM

(My response here may not be so much on a single character as on the movie's (TTT) treatment of Theoden and how he was 'liberated' by Gandalf. -T. Bugtussle)

1. Movie: Gandalf and the three hunters stride into the Golden hall. The three hunters (Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli) smack Theoden's guard around while Gandalf speaks to Theoden and Wormtongue.

Book: They may get a cold reception, but no fisticuffs. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img]

2. Movie: Gandalf more-or-less "exorcises" the spirit of Saruman from Theoden. Uses mind or spirit power, brandishes his wizard's staff several times, overcoming the possession spell. Very "Dungeons and Dragons!" [img]smilies/mad.gif[/img] Not at all the spirit of Tolkien...

Book: Gandalf has brief words with Wormtongue, then speaks gently to Theoden, helps him out to the open and encourages him to breathe the fresh air, feel the sun, feel strength from his sword, etc. Through good counsel and speaking the truth, he counters the foul lies and whisperings that have held Theoden under the spell of the "propagandist's grip." [img]smilies/cool.gif[/img] More subtle, less flashy. More in tune with Animal Farm and 1984 than D&D and fantasy video games.

3. Movie: Once freed from Saruman's spell, Theoden remains a fatalistic, near-craven pessimist, who runs from a fight with Saruman's forces, fleeing straight to Helm's Deep. Both Gandalf and Aragorn see this as cowardice and stubbornness, with a near-hopeless outcome.

Book: Theoden himself proposes he lead his army against Saruman. Goes to Helm's Deep when he finds the Ford of Isen has been lost already. Hopes to rescue Erkenbrand's remaining forces. Both Gandalf and Aragorn are proudly willing to stand with this magnificent leader. Gandalf, in his own way, seeking additional aid, and Aragorn, willing to put his future kingship on the line in a fight for moral support of his allies.

Overall, a very frustrating deviation by PJ from the wonderful JRRT!

11-17-2003, 02:55 PM	#36
Theron Bugtussle Wight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Blowing the froth off a couple in this quaint little pub in Michel Delving. Posts: 147	(My response here may not be so much on a single character as on the movie's (TTT) treatment of Theoden and how he was 'liberated' by Gandalf. -T. Bugtussle) 1. Movie: Gandalf and the three hunters stride into the Golden hall. The three hunters (Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli) smack Theoden's guard around while Gandalf speaks to Theoden and Wormtongue. Book: They may get a cold reception, but no fisticuffs. [img]smilies/tongue.gif[/img] 2. Movie: Gandalf more-or-less "exorcises" the spirit of Saruman from Theoden. Uses mind or spirit power, brandishes his wizard's staff several times, overcoming the possession spell. Very "Dungeons and Dragons!" [img]smilies/mad.gif[/img] Not at all the spirit of Tolkien... Book: Gandalf has brief words with Wormtongue, then speaks gently to Theoden, helps him out to the open and encourages him to breathe the fresh air, feel the sun, feel strength from his sword, etc. Through good counsel and speaking the truth, he counters the foul lies and whisperings that have held Theoden under the spell of the "propagandist's grip." [img]smilies/cool.gif[/img] More subtle, less flashy. More in tune with Animal Farm and 1984 than D&D and fantasy video games. 3. Movie: Once freed from Saruman's spell, Theoden remains a fatalistic, near-craven pessimist, who runs from a fight with Saruman's forces, fleeing straight to Helm's Deep. Both Gandalf and Aragorn see this as cowardice and stubbornness, with a near-hopeless outcome. Book: Theoden himself proposes he lead his army against Saruman. Goes to Helm's Deep when he finds the Ford of Isen has been lost already. Hopes to rescue Erkenbrand's remaining forces. Both Gandalf and Aragorn are proudly willing to stand with this magnificent leader. Gandalf, in his own way, seeking additional aid, and Aragorn, willing to put his future kingship on the line in a fight for moral support of his allies. Overall, a very frustrating deviation by PJ from the wonderful JRRT! __________________ For I was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to; the long explanations needed by the young are wearying. -Gandalf, The Two Towers