Expanding a Role,and Creating A Villain

Rating: Null/10 (23 March 2003)

Not having gotten around to seeing "The Two Towers"just yet,I thought to offer my observations on the first film in the trilogy.The corrupt,traitorous wizard Saruman really doesn't appear in"The Fellowship of the Ring."His actions are related by Gandalf at the Council of Elrond,and indeed,he's seen rather briefly in a parley in the second volume.His role is expanded in the third volume,where he's been released,and then in the post-liberation of the Shire.So,while his actions are really quite influential,his actual appearances are brief.
Still,we really DO need a villain in the film,and,as Sauron never shows up,they rightly found it necessary to expand Saruman's part.And Mr.Lee,a classic film fiend for well over 50 years,carries it off extremely well.His capable portrayal of wisdom and power gone evil provide us with a focal point of someone we just love to hate.Bravo!