The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers opened today, and I’ve read mostly glowing reviews, although I expected nothing less after The Fellowship Of The Ring. I would say that this trilogy was this generation’s Star Wars, although unfortunately kiddies have the current, inferior version thrust upon them.
I was very apprehensive about seeing FOTR last year, as I’ve been enamored with the books since I read them back in elementary school (and many times since). My biggest fear was that my vision of Middle Earth would forever be tarnished and replaced by what I saw in the theater, but on almost all counts I was more than satisfied. The fact that several plot threads were ignored or modified is annoying but forgiveable considering constraints on the length of the film. And since I haven’t had the time to watch the extended version on DVD I should reserve further criticism on that point, although I know there are still some plotlines and characters that will not make any version (Tom Bombadil would’ve been cool 🙁 ). However, I find it necessary to weigh in with my displeasure on the way that Arwen’s role (played by Liv Tyler) was misappropriated from the book.
Peter Jackson stayed very true to the Tolkien’s works, allaying a lot of fan’s fears (mine included), but what he did with Arwen was unforgiveable. Her role in the books was extremely limited, almost to the point of just being arm candy for Aragorn. If I recall correctly, I don’t think she even appears in The Two Towers, and she was definitely not the Elf Warrior Queen they made her out to be in FOTR (Elrond, her father, was responsible for most of the actions atrributed to her in the movie). I really resent Peter Jackson’s liberties with her character for the sake of some more face time for a female “star,” even if some view the book as flawed in that respect. I disagree on that point anyway; there is romantic tension in the book trilogy, but it is very much subdued and a comparatively minor plot point. The fact that it has been so grossly transformed and prominently marketed irks me to no end, as neither her character nor her relationship with Aragorn was meant to play such an overtly large part. I know that movie adaptations of books always take liberties, but Jackson did such a great job staying within the parameters of the novels that I can’t overlook this transgression.
Anyway, sorry for the rant, but that’s how I see it. I can’t wait to see the movie, especially if the trailers and reviews are any indication. Of course, that may bring to light more rants, so stay tuned… 😉
