Differences between the movies and books (and how to explain them)...Parts 1,2

[MuadDib85]

I am re-reading the book again atm... Every time I do it frustrates me beyond belief that PJ did what he did..

1. Bombadil and Goldberry definately should have been in the movie. PJ explains that they are not really any influence on the plot of the ring so were excluded.. Crap. They should be there.

2. The Barrow-Wights should have been as well.

3. Arwen should not appear in the movies beyond the council of Elrond and Aragorn's crowning ceremony. (This would free up space for Tom).

4. Asfaloth should have taken Frodo to Rivendell alone, (hard to film, yes, but would been worth it).

5. Aragorn should have fought with the broken sword and dagger from the beginning.

6. Both Frodo and Aragorn should have been cast older. (I like Viggo Mortenson and Elijah Wood alot and think they did a great job, but the characters in my mind from the book are both older).

7. They should have made The Prancing Pony scene more accurate.

8. Glorfindel should be in the movie, along with Gandalf and Elrond he is the only other being to have seat at the head of Elrond's table, and he should have rescued Frodo instead of Arwen.

9. Elladan and Elrohir should get a mention at Rivendell as well as be present for the Black Gate.

10. Radagast should have appeared in the movie just as he did in the book, and we should know that there were five wizards on Middle Earth, 3 accounted for, 2 not.

I'll leave it here for now, but I'm sure after I read a couple more chapters there will be more to add..

[ket_the_jet]

You're not going to make a plea for Glorfindel?
-wtk

[MuadDib85]

Read number 8.

[ket_the_jet]

Haha. Must've missed it.
-wtk

[silver.telperion]

I did a college paper on Tolkien's portrayal of women.  I believe Arwen's presence and importance to the events of FotR was increased to tone down many claims that Tolkien was sexist in his writing. 

Personally, I miss Erkenbrand and his triumphant charge at Helm's Deep.  It would have been nice to see Eomer fight alongside Theoden and the other Rohirrim.

[Witchkingx5]

Yeah, especially alongside Aragorn, as pointed out in the books several times. The problem is that Erkenbrand hasn't been introduced as character before, so PJ hat to cut him out.

[MuadDib85]

I did a college paper on Tolkien's portrayal of women.  I believe Arwen's presence and importance to the events of FotR was increased to tone down many claims that Tolkien was sexist in his writing. 

Personally, I miss Erkenbrand and his triumphant charge at Helm's Deep.  It would have been nice to see Eomer fight alongside Theoden and the other Rohirrim.

I agree, and the fact that gandalf was the only mounted one among them in the book... Fair enough the horse charge down the hill from the movie is impressive, but would've been just as cool to have 1000 men on foot with Erkenbrand leading them..

Yeah, especially alongside Aragorn, as pointed out in the books several times. The problem is that Erkenbrand hasn't been introduced as character before, so PJ hat to cut him out.

He did not have too cut him out, he chose too.

It's fair enough cutting scenes to make the movie work and for space/time issues, but not when other added scenes are completely unnecessary and not even part of the book..

 

[ket_the_jet]

I think that cutting Erkenbrand was part of making Eomer far more climactic. Banishment from the Land of Rohan made his introduction to the hunters angst-y and strengthened his relationship with Theoden upon his return.

Can you imagine how lame it would be if Theoden got exorcized and said, "Oh, my Marshal Eomer's downstairs in the holding cell!"
-wtk