I thought it was well done overall. I didn't like to see content changed or cut, but all of the changes made sense from a logistical standpoint (5 hours *might* have been too
long for some people), and the concessions were understandable
(I will refrain from my typical rant about the current practice of forcing films to move at video-game speed, and always have
love interests, etc.)
My nit picks:
1. Mallorn Trees - I expected lush groves of the silvery trees
all over Lothlorien. At best they were reduced to the
occasional mallorn bush off in the distance, it seemed.
2. Songs/Poems - This for me was a major feature of the books,
and while they might not have fit the pace of the movie, I
cannot be consoled to their having been left out. I was
really hoping to have heard some masterful musical rendering
of those texts. The musical soundtrack while very good, was
overly dominant, and a bit annoying at times. I like Enya's
sister much better than Enya - nuff said.
Pleasant suprises:
1. Casting: Overall, the film was well cast and well acted. I
expected not to like Liv Tyler or the changes to Arwen's
character, but it was not as bad as I thought.
Elendil turned out to be the one casting disappointment for
everyone I know who saw the film.
2. The essential aspects of character psychology and
relationships come through the film, even if lacking in
subtleness at times.
3. As a visual interpretation of the books, the movie is
stunning!
John |
