The White Council

Actually . . . (was Re: The LOTR Movies)

Tolkien and Inklings Discussion

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: I have seen them, and I can say that they of course did not do much to tell the story of the ring. Yes, I do think about those works and how they have damaged the FUTURE of LOTR. We have the advantage (or I do anyway) of having READ the books before seeing the Bakshi or the "RANK"-in/Bass version of Tolkiens tale. They are an embarassement to watch. I believe that after seeing these versions, no one would be inclined to actually read any of his books, based on their opinion of the movies. The result is slow death of the legend.

I watched the Rankin Bass version before I realized that they had been books. I was rather young at the time. I enjoyed them emensely and went on to find out they were books, which I then enjoyed even more. I have actually found that to be the best formula for books-turned-movies. Watch the movie first, be enlightened by it, enjoy it for the vision the director gives you and then read the book. I sympathize with people who do it int he reverse order, since the movie is rarely directed by the author, and thus the author's vision is replaced by a director's interpretation. But I know for a fact that both of those movies have inspired many of my friends and associates to pick up the books and discover the true depth of Tolkien's work.

: My other concern for this project is the shameless merchandising that is building up around this. Another neat two hour package of entertainment to be consumed and exploited, which is far from any vision Tolkien would have wanted for his work.

Jackson actually said that he had written the script sometime before and had gotten approval to do a two movie series, which he rejected, since he would have to do a lot of cutting in order to make the timeframes. Instead, he waited, eager not only to direct the movie, but to do it in a fashion that would best translate to the screen. This is the reason why there will be three movies roughly two hours in length EACH.

: I also believe that no one else has taken up this project (until now) because they knew that the work stood on its own as an integrated story without need of retelling, changing or 'improving'. And casting any low grade actor from Xena does nothing to show me that this is being taken at all seriously. The project is just a cash cow for a Hollywood wanna be.

Jackson is a rather young, but talented director. Kindly review his previous works: Frighteners, Heavenly Creatures, Meet the Feebles, and even Dead Alive. The earlier stuff shows his spark, Frightners reveals his ability to create suspense on the screen and work with CGI characters (the cowled "Death" is very believable). Heavenly Creatures should dispell any concern over Jackson's ability to direct drama, and to tell a worthwhile story. All in all, (IMHO) I believe that Jackson is one of the upcoming greats. He has a passion for his chosen profession, and that will be carried into his latest work.

: My prediction is that the work will be visually interesting at the least, and completely souless, with all the camp of a Xena episode, complete with hooting fan boys. It will at laest be easily forgotten, but not before ruining the experience of LOTR for future generations. We can only hope that his literary legacy to all of us, live on IN SPITE of the perversion being launched. (Order now and get you Gandalf coffee mug free.)

There has always been action figures, RPGs, alternate books, artwork, pewter figurines, poster prints, ad nauseum. This occurs around any major work, be it a painting, a novel, or a statue (ever see the "Posable David"? very funny next to the "Dressable David"!!). Point being, I (IMVHO) believe that the work will always stand on its own, just as Starship Troopers the book is significantly different from the movie, to the point that the only things the two have in common is the name.

I, for one, as I have stated before, and will state again, will put my faith in a man who has professed his love for Professor Tolkien's work. Until evidence to the contrary is show to me (such as a movie) then I will continue to wait with anticipation.

-RobRoy