Dumbing down the Books

[Eurytus]

Where has anyone in this thread and the other thread on the movies section stated your second point (in bold)? NOWHERE.

I guess this is the sort of comment I am referring to;

Where we are witness to PJ's 'interpretation' we often see dumbing down, poor directing and generally a 'sliding down the scale/octave
'.
It is a testimony to the greatness of the LotR that it survives as well as it does!

Wherein someone complete overeggs their criticism of PJ's direction for example because they do not like the choices he has made in how he handles the material.

Plus of course you yourself did mention that the book was 'perfect'.

There is a common attitude that any changes can only be for the worse and hence a focus on those changes.
Whereas in my view, and a viewing of the EE FOTR documentaries confirmed this, is that everyone involved in the making of these films is a fan. They involved two of the most respected Tolkien artists in every stage of the production. Even items as small as buttons etc have patterns on them that make reference to things from the books. The wonderful attention to detail in Bagend (just compare it to the Playstation 2 FMV type sets of any of the Starwars prequels to see what I mean) is superb.
For myself I am more thankful than I can say that the people who made these films cared. And they captured the core essense of the books perfectly.
Some areas they improved. Some were worsened. Overall they hit the ball clean out of the park in my view.

Just think what could have happened if someone like George Lucas had made these films.

If people who love the books and have somewhat blinkered views bug you, then what are you doing on an LOTR Fan's Forum?????

I have no problem with the first part of this comment. I don't know why I have to keep on saying this, but I have said several times that I love the books. OK.

It is only the blinkered views that do bother me, I will admit that. Blinkered views should, I think, be challenged. Whether it be in philosophy, politics or culture. In fact any view should be challenged. It is only though this that true growth and understanding can occur.

Why am I on a LOTR fansite.

A. I am a fan.
B. the site does say that it is a discussion forum. The site does not specify that the form of discussion can include no opposing viewpoints.