Books can do things that film cannot, and the film will communicate in ways that books can't and don't.
In Return of the King, for instance, Aragorn doesn't enter the White City until he is crowned--other than to heal various people. To enter as a royal would be the equivalent of a coup, and since Faramir is laid-up and can't formally step down as steward, Aragorn sets up in a tent outside the city.
I agree with Jackson's decision not to have Aragorn set up outside the city, simply because it would throw yet another setting at the viewer that would have to be explained (and potentially achieve more importance than it actually has). So the conversation about what to do after the victory on the Pelennor Fields takes place in a throne room the viewer already knows--bringing home that Aragorn has good reason to be there. Not taking the throne while he is in the throne room brings home that he is biding his time.
Likewise, one of the most stunning visuals in The Lord of the Rings occurs when everyone kneels to the hobbits. Frankly, it also isn't totally in keeping with Tolkien's vision. Frodo and Sam and Merry and Pippin are important, but they are part of their own history. They are honored but they don't supplant the importance of the High King's return.
However, the visual is impressive and heart-stirring and underscores Jackson's homily: Even the smallest person can change the course of history.
No comments:
Post a Comment