How Jackson sold out... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

**The Saucepan Man** · 01-19-2003, 08:52 PM

Well, I was going to add a wonderful exposition of what it is to be a "Tolkien fan" and still enjoy the films, but I find that Tar-Palantir has done it all for me. I cannot really put it any better.But, I would say (or maybe echo) a few points in particular:First: <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> So why is it that people are so disturbed by my disappointment and insist upon telling me that I'm wrong to be so? I don't care about budgets and time worries - I only care that these are not the books. So what? Why is that bothering you so much? I'm not forcing my opinion on you, merely expressing it - why am I wrong? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I am not "disturbed" by those who are upset or disappointed by the films. I can understand that. I was preoccupied by the changes so much on first viewing that I had to go and see TTT again (something I don't normally do). On second viewing, I was more disturbed by the bits that just don't hold together (there are valid criticisms to be made here, but they do not, for me, "destroy" the film). Everyone is entitled to their view. I am not seeking to change their opinion, just add my own. The degree of trauma, however, that TTT seems to have caused in some quarters intrigues me, and, on <A HREF="http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001698" TARGET=_blank>another thread</A>, I have been trying to explore just why it has had this effect.Secondly. Yes, Ridley Scott may have made a better film. He may have made a worse film. It is difficult to say. What we have, however, is what I consider to be a good film (for the reasons I have stated above and on other threads). Had it been made by another director, we would undoubtedly be seeing the same criticisms, perhaps about different changes or interpretations. I just don't think that it is possible to adapt the marvellous works of JRRT for film without major upsets somewhere along the line.Finally, the films could have been made solely for those who love and revere the works of JRRT (and I include myself here), but (much as I like the idea) there are simply not enough of us out there. Other threads have discussed the possibilities of TV serialisation or "cult" films, but then (and I know I'm repeating myself here), we would not have the wonderful visualisation that the SFX, costume and locations teams provided us with.The films and their makers had to "sell out". And of course, I had to "sell out" (if you want to put it that way) by going to watch them. But, I can (as I, like Tar-Palantir, did after watching FotR) return to the books and enjoy them as much as ever I did before.[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

01-19-2003, 08:52 PM	#1
The Saucepan Man Corpus Cacophonous Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A green and pleasant land Posts: 8,390	Well, I was going to add a wonderful exposition of what it is to be a "Tolkien fan" and still enjoy the films, but I find that Tar-Palantir has done it all for me. I cannot really put it any better.<P>But, I would say (or maybe echo) a few points in particular:<P>First:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> So why is it that people are so disturbed by my disappointment and insist upon telling me that I'm wrong to be so? I don't care about budgets and time worries - I only care that these are not the books. So what? Why is that bothering you so much? I'm not forcing my opinion on you, merely expressing it - why am I wrong? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I am not "disturbed" by those who are upset or disappointed by the films. I can understand that. I was preoccupied by the changes so much on first viewing that I had to go and see TTT again (something I don't normally do). On second viewing, I was more disturbed by the bits that just don't hold together (there are valid criticisms to be made here, but they do not, for me, "destroy" the film). <P>Everyone is entitled to their view. I am not seeking to change their opinion, just add my own. The degree of trauma, however, that TTT seems to have caused in some quarters intrigues me, and, on <A HREF="http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001698" TARGET=_blank>another thread</A>, I have been trying to explore just why it has had this effect.<P>Secondly. Yes, Ridley Scott may have made a better film. He may have made a worse film. It is difficult to say. What we have, however, is what I consider to be a good film (for the reasons I have stated above and on other threads). Had it been made by another director, we would undoubtedly be seeing the same criticisms, perhaps about different changes or interpretations. I just don't think that it is possible to adapt the marvellous works of JRRT for film without major upsets somewhere along the line.<P>Finally, the films could have been made solely for those who love and revere the works of JRRT (and I include myself here), but (much as I like the idea) there are simply not enough of us out there. Other threads have discussed the possibilities of TV serialisation or "cult" films, but then (and I know I'm repeating myself here), we would not have the wonderful visualisation that the SFX, costume and locations teams provided us with.<P>The films and their makers had to "sell out". And of course, I had to "sell out" (if you want to put it that way) by going to watch them. But, I can (as I, like Tar-Palantir, did after watching FotR) return to the books and enjoy them as much as ever I did before.<p>[ January 19, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ] __________________ Do you mind? I'm busy doing the fishstick. It's a very delicate state of mind!