Great film with some comments on Jackson's interpretations

Rating: Null/10 (30 December 2001)

Peter Jackson's LOTR series is a fantastic adaptation of Tolkien's famed writings. I do disagree to some extent with some of Jackson's interpretations of the books. First, Tolkien makes a serious effort to develop the relationship between Gimli and Legolas--this is never addressed in the film. Second, many people have complained that Arwen has much too big a role in the film. I think there is a need (to appeal to a wider audience) to introduce the love story between Arwen and Aragorn, which is only subtely addressed in this first installment of the books (thought the story is told fully in the book's Appendix). Third, Jackson has seriously tried to make Frodo the "driver" of the fellowship whereas in the books, Gandalf and Aragorn are more in control. Finally, towards the end of the film, I think Tolkien does a much better job of presenting the ring's control of Baromir than does the film. In addition, I want to note that having read the books (several times in fact, I must admit) I think gives a much better feel for the film. Criticisms that the film ends without any sense of "closure" may be true but that is because Tolkien wrote the Trilogy not as 3 distinct books but really as one whole work. I think Jackson did a great job and can't wait for the next installments.