Characters too similer? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Morquesse · 11-01-2002, 12:35 AM

I was talking to a friend of mine, and he said that he and his uncle were talking about the fact that the characters in the movie Lotr were more 'unique' then the ones in the book LotR. like for example, he felt that characters such as Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and pretty much any warrior guy were along the lines of 'I must protect the innocent!'
I'm am not sure what to think of this. What do you say?
Thank you and see ya, [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
~M

Arwen1858 · 11-01-2002, 12:56 AM

Well, I think in the movie, the characters are more unique because you can actually see them and what they look like, and that probably helps to some degree. I had just started reading the book when I watched the movie, so my opinion might be a little off, but I loved the characters in the book!! I also loved the way the movie portrays them, and I hope they do as good of a job with TTT and ROTK! Oh, by the way, I love your signature!!
Arwen

Diamond18 · 11-01-2002, 11:35 AM

I think Arwen hits the nail on the head about them seeming more unique because you can see them. The characters in the movie are just based off of the book, and with the possible exception of Boromir, they aren't really more unique. Sometimes it's just easier to relate to a person that doesn't exist only in your mind's eye.

On the other hand, of course, you have Merry and Pippin. Definite individuals in the book...but the movie makes it hard to tell them apart. If you pay real close attention (and watch it a million times [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] ) then you can tell, but in the book it is much more defined.

TolkienGurl · 11-01-2002, 02:09 PM

Well, in order for the characters in any book to seem unique (except a picture book, of course), one must have a pretty good imagination and be able to picture the different characteristics of each person/thing clearly. Maybe your friend's uncle could use a little imagination-tuning? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I admit that sometimes I have a hard time picturing the characters, or telling the difference between some of them because they are described very little, or not at all. It all depends on the person.

Tigerlily Gamgee · 11-01-2002, 03:35 PM

I agree with you, Tolkiengurl... when reading a book it is the readers' job to create the image of the character in their own head. The writer describes them thoroughly, but as a reader you give the character life in your imagination, a voice to speak with, and a personality. I think that when reading people give all characters their own voice, which makes it hard to distinguish between them.
When you see the movie it is the actors' job to make these choices, and that is why all movie characters are extra unique... because you have the actor and the character, and no actor will play a character like another actor.

Keneldil the Polka-dot · 11-01-2002, 05:59 PM

I agree with the points made about "because you can see the characters in the movie..". Also, (at the risk of critisizing the master [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] ) I think JRRT was a little short on charcterization. His tone is more remote, as like an historian telling what happened. More so in the Silmarillion than LoTR, but I see it some there as well.

Arwen Imladris · 11-01-2002, 06:13 PM

I think that they are all very different. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli for example. They are different species for crying out loud! Aragorn is a man, destined to sit in the throne of Gondor and loves Arwen. Legolas is an elf who's father is the king of the elves in Mirkwood. Gimli is a dwarf from the lonley mountain. Is it even possible to not see the difference? I don't mean any offence but, I think that your friend should read the books a little more closely.

Alcerin · 11-01-2002, 06:57 PM

They all are very different characters! The Hobbits for instance...

Merry seems almost innocent compared to the others,but he knows some things the others don't,he's the most like Frodo because they are Brandybucks from birth (Frodo is a Baggins by adoption).

Frodo is the most responsible,and has aquired some characteristics from Bilbo,he's also the most serious,complex character because of his burdon.(and he loves mushrooms)

Pippin is quite ornery, and can be very foolish at times(he told Gandalf a lie[TTT],he almost betrayed Frodo's identity[chap 9,FOTR],he...might have caused the incident at the mines of Moriah...)we all know he loves beer [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] (as most Hobbits do)And,in spite of his flaws,he is adorable!

Sam really should go by Samwise,becase it fits him.he is the most sensible of the group,and loyal,and brave, and simple,and...well,the list goes on. He also is hilarous.

elfling · 11-01-2002, 10:14 PM

I think you guys are right about seeing the characters helps to see them as individuals for some but I thought the book did a better job at defining the characters and I learned more about who they were by reading, especially the hobbits and Leg and Gimli. So far in the movie they aren't really fleshed out much.

TolkienGurl · 11-02-2002, 08:35 AM

You see, though, in movies the "movie people" can only develop a character so much. There has to be constant action, noise, or whatever to keep the majority of the people's attention. Now, I think they should make a FOTR, TTT, and ROTK each like 9 hours long with everything in them just for us Tolkien Fans!

On the other hand, in a book there's that quiet feeling, and the constant noise and action of a movie is not necessary. You get to make up, as said before, your own ideas for the character's voices, looks, and the way they carry themselves. In movies it can be disappointing when the person you imagined the character to be is NOT what they had in mind.

Alcerin · 11-02-2002, 04:45 PM

I totally agree TolkienGurl!

Morquesse · 11-02-2002, 07:40 PM

Thank you very much, people! I appreciate it! If the subject comes between me and my friend again, I will mention the points you made!
See ya, [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]
~M

11-01-2002, 12:35 AM	#1
Morquesse Wight Join Date: May 2002 Location: Past the fields we know.... Posts: 202	Characters too similer? I was talking to a friend of mine, and he said that he and his uncle were talking about the fact that the characters in the movie Lotr were more 'unique' then the ones in the book LotR. like for example, he felt that characters such as Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and pretty much any warrior guy were along the lines of 'I must protect the innocent!' I'm am not sure what to think of this. What do you say? Thank you and see ya, [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] ~M __________________ I'm not ashamed to let you know I want this light in me to show. I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.~Newsboys

11-01-2002, 12:56 AM	#2
Arwen1858 Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Gondor Posts: 516	Well, I think in the movie, the characters are more unique because you can actually see them and what they look like, and that probably helps to some degree. I had just started reading the book when I watched the movie, so my opinion might be a little off, but I loved the characters in the book!! I also loved the way the movie portrays them, and I hope they do as good of a job with TTT and ROTK! Oh, by the way, I love your signature!! Arwen __________________ Will Turner: "This is either madness or brilliance." Jack Sparrow: "It's remarkable how often those two traits coincide." ~ Pirates of the Caribbean

11-01-2002, 11:35 AM	#3
Diamond18 Eidolon of a Took Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: my own private fantasy world Posts: 3,460	I think Arwen hits the nail on the head about them seeming more unique because you can see them. The characters in the movie are just based off of the book, and with the possible exception of Boromir, they aren't really more unique. Sometimes it's just easier to relate to a person that doesn't exist only in your mind's eye. On the other hand, of course, you have Merry and Pippin. Definite individuals in the book...but the movie makes it hard to tell them apart. If you pay real close attention (and watch it a million times [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] ) then you can tell, but in the book it is much more defined. __________________ All shall be rather fond of me and suffer from mild depression.

11-01-2002, 02:09 PM	#4
TolkienGurl Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 637	Well, in order for the characters in any book to seem unique (except a picture book, of course), one must have a pretty good imagination and be able to picture the different characteristics of each person/thing clearly. Maybe your friend's uncle could use a little imagination-tuning? [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] I admit that sometimes I have a hard time picturing the characters, or telling the difference between some of them because they are described very little, or not at all. It all depends on the person. __________________ Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall and there is no escape. -Frodo My Livejournal

11-01-2002, 03:35 PM	#5
Tigerlily Gamgee Hostess of Spirits Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Meduseld Posts: 1,055	I agree with you, Tolkiengurl... when reading a book it is the readers' job to create the image of the character in their own head. The writer describes them thoroughly, but as a reader you give the character life in your imagination, a voice to speak with, and a personality. I think that when reading people give all characters their own voice, which makes it hard to distinguish between them. When you see the movie it is the actors' job to make these choices, and that is why all movie characters are extra unique... because you have the actor and the character, and no actor will play a character like another actor. __________________ ~ ExerciseJunky.com (Hobbits fitness of choice!)~ ~Lady of Rohan: An Eowyn Fansite ~ ~The NEW/OLD Barrow Downs Photo Page~

11-01-2002, 05:59 PM	#6
Keneldil the Polka-dot Wight Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 128	I agree with the points made about "because you can see the characters in the movie..". Also, (at the risk of critisizing the master [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] ) I think JRRT was a little short on charcterization. His tone is more remote, as like an historian telling what happened. More so in the Silmarillion than LoTR, but I see it some there as well. __________________ "Trust in the ball Jake.....and throw yourself."

11-01-2002, 06:13 PM	#7
Arwen Imladris Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In a box with a fox Posts: 1,347	I think that they are all very different. Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli for example. They are different species for crying out loud! Aragorn is a man, destined to sit in the throne of Gondor and loves Arwen. Legolas is an elf who's father is the king of the elves in Mirkwood. Gimli is a dwarf from the lonley mountain. Is it even possible to not see the difference? I don't mean any offence but, I think that your friend should read the books a little more closely. __________________ "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up, sleepies, we must go, yes, we must go at once."

11-01-2002, 06:57 PM	#8
Alcerin Pile O'Bones Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: America's amber waves of grain Posts: 20	They all are very different characters! The Hobbits for instance... Merry seems almost innocent compared to the others,but he knows some things the others don't,he's the most like Frodo because they are Brandybucks from birth (Frodo is a Baggins by adoption). Frodo is the most responsible,and has aquired some characteristics from Bilbo,he's also the most serious,complex character because of his burdon.(and he loves mushrooms) Pippin is quite ornery, and can be very foolish at times(he told Gandalf a lie[TTT],he almost betrayed Frodo's identity[chap 9,FOTR],he...might have caused the incident at the mines of Moriah...)we all know he loves beer [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] (as most Hobbits do)And,in spite of his flaws,he is adorable! Sam really should go by Samwise,becase it fits him.he is the most sensible of the group,and loyal,and brave, and simple,and...well,the list goes on. He also is hilarous. __________________ Jesus wept. ~John 11:35~

11-01-2002, 10:14 PM	#9
elfling Haunting Spirit Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: asheville,nc Posts: 86	I think you guys are right about seeing the characters helps to see them as individuals for some but I thought the book did a better job at defining the characters and I learned more about who they were by reading, especially the hobbits and Leg and Gimli. So far in the movie they aren't really fleshed out much. __________________ And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the morning and the night...All shall love me and despair!

11-02-2002, 08:35 AM	#10
TolkienGurl Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 637	You see, though, in movies the "movie people" can only develop a character so much. There has to be constant action, noise, or whatever to keep the majority of the people's attention. Now, I think they should make a FOTR, TTT, and ROTK each like 9 hours long with everything in them just for us Tolkien Fans! On the other hand, in a book there's that quiet feeling, and the constant noise and action of a movie is not necessary. You get to make up, as said before, your own ideas for the character's voices, looks, and the way they carry themselves. In movies it can be disappointing when the person you imagined the character to be is NOT what they had in mind. __________________ Hopes fail. An end comes. We have only a little time to wait now. We are lost in ruin and downfall and there is no escape. -Frodo My Livejournal

11-02-2002, 04:45 PM	#11
Alcerin Pile O'Bones Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: America's amber waves of grain Posts: 20	I totally agree TolkienGurl! __________________ Jesus wept. ~John 11:35~

11-02-2002, 07:40 PM	#12
Morquesse Wight Join Date: May 2002 Location: Past the fields we know.... Posts: 202	Thank you very much, people! I appreciate it! If the subject comes between me and my friend again, I will mention the points you made! See ya, [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] ~M __________________ I'm not ashamed to let you know I want this light in me to show. I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ.~Newsboys