The White Council

Re: People who think they know (Re: Be careful with spy reports)

Tolkien and Inklings Discussion

: There are many who think they know so much about the upcoming films. As someone who is very in the know (and assigned by the powers that be to monitor certain websites for public opinion) I am often amused, baffled, pleased and disgusted with the cyber-babble I read regarding our upcoming films. From a production standpoint we are pleased that they are getting so much attention because that of course translates into greater ticket sales, but it is amazing how many people think they have the inside scoop--and are so smug about it. I have been monitoring this site for several months now and find it to be one of the better forums for discussion, but from time to time it does display a degree of smugness to rival ANY site on the web. Let me assure you that at least 75% of the rumours that I have read on the web are false. In fact, half of them are WAY off base. The other 25% do hold some truth.

: In closing, as you can no doubt discern from the presence of this message, the order for silence on the web from "those same powers that be" that has been in effect has been eased somewhat. While I am not at liberty to discuss much in detail (ie. I won't answer MOST of your questions) I would like to hear what you think. What you think about rumours, facts, thoughts, anything. As I said, it is my responsibility to monitor opinions on the web. And let me tell you, fandom certainly has plenty of opinions on these films and are not afraid to shout them loud and clear!

: Thank you, : You may call me Mr. X

First, I don't want to seem rude, but merely saying you are "in the know" doesn't make it true. But on the other hand I realize that giving "proof" would lead to your email being swamped with questions - which you have already said you wouldn't answer. If you are in the know, I'm sure that all of us here are dying to ask a zillion questions about the various rumors flying about the WEB.

But, I'm not one of them. The films will be what they are, and I want to enjoy them in a theatre, not pick every scene apart or criticize every deviation from the book. I want very much to ENJOY the experience of seeing Middle-Earth come to life.

I DON'T want to read about every detail of the production, and perhaps destroy some pleasant surprises in the theatre.

Although I consider myself a "purist" regarding the book, I have long ago resigned myself to the fact that a film must of necessity present scenes differently than does an author. And I realize that budget and time constraints figure in mightily. Although with the advances in special effects it is now possible to visualize just about anything an author can write. But visualisations do not make a good story. Only good writing, good acting and good direction can do that. Good effects only assist in telling a good story.

So even if the film is not the book verbatum, I'm hoping that all the elements I've mentioned above will make the film fun and exciting - and worth a second and third trip to the local cineplex. And wouldn't it be nice for a fantasy film to get a few Oscar nominations - and not just for SFX. I'd love to see Christopher Lee at least be acknowledged by the Academy.

But now I'm rambling, so I'll quit.

Thanks - Goodgulf