How are you preparing for LOTR?

[Jedieb]

I was just wondering if anyone was reading or re-reading the Tolkien novel before the movie comes out. I've never read them but I thought it was about time I gave them a whirl. I just finished the Hobbit today. I'm hoping to start Fellowship tomorrow. I was debating whether or not to read the book after the film. In the end I decided to go with the original for the main reason being that they're are the original source material. I won't read the AOTC novelization because it's based on the movie. This is the other way around. I'd also like to see what the film manages to keep and how it differs from the images I create in my mind while I read it. So what are you guys doing?

[JonathanLB]

I am not preparing, though I did read The Hobbit over the summer and I enjoyed it greatly. I wanted to read the rest of the books, the real ones that the movies will be based on, but I didn't have the chance.

LOTR is going to rock, I hope to be there opening day. It will be a very good movie, I think. I know that all of my friends are definitely looking forward to it...

[JMK]

I've got an old copy from the 60's. I just can't make the time to read it. Also, I've got a feeling that I need to know alot about Tolkien lore before reading it, and I know squat. I think if anything, the movie will inspire me to read the book.

[Figrin D'an]

I haven't done much preparation recently... I re-read 'The Hobbit' and 'The Fellowship of the Ring' this fall, just to reaquaint myself with certain details of the story. I also read a few parts of 'The Silmarillion' that fill in some of the details on the history of the One Ring and the conflicts with Sauron. From what I have heard, though, the beginning of the film does a great job of summarizing the excerpts from 'The Silmarillion' that give a bit of the back-story, so that will help to introduce Middle Earth and the One Ring to the audience.

I may skim those excerpts from 'The Silmarillion' again, but that will likely be the only other preparation I do before I see the film.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I reread FOTR recently I might glance at The Silmarillion to get a better idea about the Ring.

[Doc Milo]

I read the novels a few times, the last time a few years ago. I did pick up the BBC dramatization on CD and listened to it while driving to work late last year. I have been debating whether to re-read them again before the movie comes out. So far, I have come down on the side of seeing the movie first, then going back to the books.

[ReaperFett]

never read them, and all the reviews seem to make out you need to have read the books to appreciate them. So, Im preparing by lying down and waiting for the DVD :)

[Jedieb]

Not being all that familiar with Tolkien I hadn't heard of The Silmarillion. Now I'm wondering if I should read it before I do FOTR. I may have enough time because it looks like I might not be able to see LOTR when it opens. I may have to wait until the in-laws come over and the wife and I get a chance to steal away to the movies. Even then I'll have to watch Oceans 11 because the wife really wants to see it. Hopefully I'll be able to catch it before it leaves theaters. I just don't want to have to shell out $40 dollars to some babysitter to watch 2 kids and my wife doesn't want to inconvience a friend twice so that we can see O11 and LOTR. Man, these kids can be an inconvience!;)

[darth_mcbain]

My wife is reading FOTR for the first time and is nearly finished with it. I hope she finishes soon, because I want to reread that one before the movie comes out. I've only read the series once, and I need a refresher course.
Somehow, though, I don't think you'll need to have read the books to enjoy the movie. While there are three books about it, the plot is pretty simple. Frodo has an evil ring - bad guys want it to rule the world - bad guys come after good guys - good guys have to destroy the ring by bringing it into the heart of enemy territory... Not really all that hard to follow.

[ReaperFett]

almost every review Ive seen has said basically that it is aided by the book. I watch it clean, that memory will be the constant. Film might be great, but I might not find it so then

[Jedi Master Carr]

The Silmiarition is a huge history of middle earth that also deals with the ring. Tolkien started it after he finished LOTR but never really finished it, I think his son finished it later on. Jedieb, I wouldn't worry about it leaving theaters before you get to see it I am almost cetain it will still be around in Feburary or maybe later depending on how well it does.

[Jedieb]

We're just anxiously waiting for my wife's parents to sell their house and move up here. Once they're here we'll be able to live again! Dinner, movies, quiet nights without half naked toddlers running screaming down the halls. Grandparents, the world's greatest invention. How I'm going to treasure them!

If we can't make the time during the X-Mas break, then it may not be until late Jan. or Feb. that we get to go to the movies. By then there's sure to be a few new releases worth checking out. So I'll have to put my foot down and demand that we go see Hobbits and Goblins in action.

[Jedi Master Carr]

Yes let her know who the boss is:p Oh I found out that the Regal near me is selling them starting tomorrow I guess I better out there and get them:rollin. Any body else planing to see it the first day.

[Doc Milo]

I wouldn't read The Similarian before FOTR. The Similarian, as I remember, reads like a text book. It is a good reference after you have read the Hobbit and LOTR, but not as something to read before hand...

[ReturnOfTheCB]

I'm planning to see it opening day, but I'll have to find out when/if my theater is selling advance tickets. I'm planning on taking my younger brother to see it with me...he loves LOTR, and I'm ashamed to say that he's read all the books while I'm still halfway through the Two Towers...*sigh* if I only had as much time as he had...

[Figrin D'an]

Yeah, Doc is right. You don't really need to read 'The Silmarillion' before the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, or before you see the film(s). It's actually better to read after you have read the trilogy and 'The Hobbit.' I might even recommend to tackle the 'Unfinished Tales' book as well before 'The Silmarillion.' It can be pretty dry in parts, and it's actually a lot more interesting if you have the knowledge of the other books and see how everything fits together. But, that's just my opinion.

Less than two weeks!!!! :)

[Jedieb]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! If I find I really get into Tolkien then I'll go ahead and pick up The Simiwhatever. Now, about the novels themselves...

I really liked The Hobbit. I can see why Lord of the Rings has inspired such a loyal following. It's a rich and engaging fantasy. I remember reading about a recent poll that named it the greatest piece of fiction of the 20th century, or something to that effect. As much as I liked it, isn't that a bit overblown? The Hobbit was good, but it wasn't THAT good. I reserve that kind of label for something a bit more challenging. Something with more depth and meaning to it. That isn't to say that LOTR hasn't inspired a large and loyal fan base. Or that LOTR doesn't have depth and meaning. It's just that reading Tolkien isn't like reading Joyce or Faulkner.

There are a lot of other 20th century novels that I would consider more important than LOTR. I'm wondering if the recent buzz is do in part to the release of the movie.

[imported_QuiGonJ]

and I'd have to say do NOT read the books just prior to the film. Otherwise you'll do like I did seeing Harry and mentally going "But what about?" and "But here's where..." a lot.

I'll be seeing Harry again in a week or two to try to enjoy it on the film's terms, cause I liked what was there, and hopefully can change my focus a bit next time.

[RHJediKnight]

That's why I read Fellowship way back in the summer. ::is reading The Two Towers, now::

[Doc Milo]

Just wanted to mention: I got my tickets! Well, I purchased them online. Still have to go pick them up.

I can't wait for this movie!

Although, I have to hope time moves a little slower, though, because I still got Christmas shopping to do...

[darth_mcbain]

Excellent - I hope to go to opening night for this one too. Something like this will be a fun experience. I went to BK last night and saw the glasses on display - didn't actually get them, but seeing them got me psyched up for the movie.

[Jedieb]

BK glasses for a cool trilogy movie. If only SW would go back to BK. :(

[Darth23]

The glasses may be cool, but the BK commercials really suck. They could actually harm FOTR's BO, I think. The first one is silly, and
the second one looke like a bad Monty Python skit.

I think New Line should reign in the the BK Lounge asap.

[Jedieb]

I didn't think much of those commercials either. I don't know if they're bad enough to hurt the B.O. though. Just keeping the name of the film out there should cancel out the lameness of the commercials. I've been trying to avoid any commercials. I want to stay away from as many images as possible.

[ReturnOfTheCB]

Originally posted by Jedieb

I really liked The Hobbit. I can see why Lord of the Rings has inspired such a loyal following. It's a rich and engaging fantasy. I remember reading about a recent poll that named it the greatest piece of fiction of the 20th century, or something to that effect. As much as I liked it, isn't that a bit overblown? The Hobbit was good, but it wasn't THAT good. I reserve that kind of label for something a bit more challenging. Something with more depth and meaning to it. That isn't to say that LOTR hasn't inspired a large and loyal fan base. Or that LOTR doesn't have depth and meaning. It's just that reading Tolkien isn't like reading Joyce or Faulkner.

There are a lot of other 20th century novels that I would consider more important than LOTR. I'm wondering if the recent buzz is do in part to the release of the movie.

Actually, I think those polls were taken before the buzz about the movie...and I've read that these polls have been redone, and redone, because a lot of "literary critics" didn't like the idea that Tolkien was winning....and it depends on what your definition of "more depth and meaning" is...I believe that LOTR has just as much depth as other works of the 20th century, if not more...great literature should be something that can speak to everyone, it should contain universal truths, IMO...LOTR is great literature for the same reasons that Star Wars movies are great movies...oh, and for the record, if I recall correctly, the Hobbit was more geared towards children, and it reads quite a bit differently than LOTR...I would talk more about the literature subject, but I only got an hour or two of sleep last night and my brain isn't functioning...IMO, LOTR is a lot better than a good deal of the **** I had to read that was considered great 20th century literature...William Burroughs comes to mind, and I've forgotten most of the rest...maybe I'll get back to this when I'm thinking clearly, you'll have to forgive me :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

I got my tickets today for the 19th, I can't wait. As far as the books' important goes, I think it is debateable what is the best book of the 20th century, but at least LOTR is better than the other book voted best book by American scholars, Ulysses. I tried reading that book once and didn't understand a word I read, why would anybody call that the best book ever?

[Jedieb]

Some consider Ulysses to be Joyce's crowning achievement. I enjoyed it, but it's been years since I read it. Finnegan's Wake is just as tough a read. Portrait is the one I go back to whenever I want to revisit Joyce. It's just easier to get through. For me, Joyce isn't casual reading. Joyce's prose can be breathtaking at times, but his stream of consciouness taxes my faculties. He's a difficult read. That's one of the differences between writers like Faulkner/Joyce than Tolkien. They have a much stronger grasp and command of the English language. Not to put Tolkien down, but he doesn't exactly strain your vocabulary. Complexity isn't necessarily a prerequisite for great literature, but I think it's something that CB's literary cirtics look for. That's why many of them take pot shots at authors like Tolkien and even Hemmingway.

I've only just started FOTR, but I still don't think it's quite up to the level of many of the classics that I've read. It's an engaging fantasy, but it doesn't move me or impress me the way Warren, Joyce, Orwell, Salinger, or Hemmingway have. I've yet to read Naked Lunch, but Burrough's novel has been taken a lot more seriously than Tolkien's. Then again, Burrough's ended up selling out and doing Nike ads, so what do critics know?

[ReturnOfTheCB]

I honestly don't think that the lack of exquisite language and vocabulary of FOTR is unintentional...knowing Tolkien's background with languages, (I don't remember all of the titles, but more than your casual author). Tolkien, IMO, didn't write to the "elite" or the educated as many writers did, he wrote a myth that could be approached my many (if not everyone), such as many myths are. I also disagree that other authors have a stronger grasp of the English language than Tolkien, as this is a man who invented his own languages for the book (not just wrote some stuff down in "another language" actually created real and unique languages), and if I recall correctly, he was a professor of the English language at Oxford.

I also believe that truly great literature should not be something with an exhaustive vocabulary, though I know many literary critics will disagree with me, it shouldn't be something that only a few can understand, nor something that just strives to impress you with "look how many big words I have, look how much more intelligent I can sound than you". Just like an effective orator should be able to get his point across to anyone, without relying on complex and sometimes bothersome vocabulary, the same should be true with great writers, and in turn great literature. Command of a language can be demonstrated in other, and in my opinion, far greater ways than flaunting it. I think it is the very fact that Tolkien's stories are so in depth and complex, yet understandable, conveying universal truths (regardless of whether or not we as a society choose to accept them), as well as the way his writing can draw you in and hold you captive, page after page, that make him such a great author.

Of course, I always disagreed with what many consider great literature, and I can't count the number of arguements I got into with English teachers...thank God I don't have to take another English class, or I'd be in trouble...I once wrote a paper on how I believed Dr. Suess was a greater writer of poetry than E.E. Cummings :D

And just because something's taken seriously does not make it better or superior in anyway...all Naked Lunch was in depth detail of drug use and Burroughs homosexual exploits...I think the only reason people took his work seriously is because it was 'controversial'...it just disgusted me at many times. I don't care to read about how he lusted after this boy, and that one, and snorted some crack, etc...if I want to hear about rampant sexual exploits, there's porn, and if I want recountings of drug use, I'll watch something like "Half Baked"...neither of which, I might add, are taken seriously as literature or great filmmaking, respectively...if Burroughs is taken seriously, why the hell isn't "Fight Club" taken seriously? I still hold the opinion that the majority of stuff that people call literature is nothing more than complete ****, but I could go on for an eternity about that. As usually happens in most of my arguements, I believe we're just going to have to agree to disagree, Jedieb, but it's definitely fun to disguss ;)

I never thought I'd get into a literary discussion on an SW board :D

[Jedieb]

I agree with much of what you said CB.

I also believe that truly great literature should not be something with an exhaustive vocabulary, though I know many literary critics will disagree with me, it shouldn't be something that only a few can understand, nor something that just strives to impress you with "look how many big words I have, look how much more intelligent I can sound than you".

I think that's a valid point. That's why I mentioned Hemmingway. You could throw Steinbeck in there as well. Neither put you through the mental gymnastics that Faulkner did in a novel such as Absalom, Absalom. I think we just disagree in our choice of authors. I would put most of Hemmingway's and Steinbeck's work about what I've read of Tolkien. Judging lit should be a subjective exercise, just like judging a film. Each reader should take something from a novel and internalize in a way that's unique to their reading experience. Reading is a much more personal experience than say film or painting. The images are internalized and each person has a unique experience. The same is true with the other art forms I mentioned, but a novel requires more from the reader than the others.

So for me the authors I've mentioned before have produced "better" work than Tolkien. I don't mean to say that Tolkien's work wasn't great, just that it didn't strike me as significant as some of the other books I've mentioned. His writing isn't something that those Lit professors you mentioned universally hold in high regard. I honestly don't remember EVER seeing J.R. on a reading list in any lit class I've taken. I think many Literature professors used the Fantasy label to keep Tolkien at bay. A bit unfair, but a common practice I think.

[ReturnOfTheCB]

I think *one* of my professors told me once that "The Hobbit" was considered literature...in fact, I think it was in the paper where I bashed Cummings, saying that other so called "childrens" works should be considered literature...I remembered discussing that with her, and she didn't hold it against me that she actually liked Cummings, but I remember doing a double take when I heard that about the Hobbit:D I believe she told me that LOTR was actually on the reading lists in some literature classes there and elsewhere, but like you said, it's not widely accepted in many circles. And it is nice to hear someone reinforce the idea about choices in literature being personal...I've been fighting an uphill battle for years with people that have tried to hammer "lists" containing the "only" great works of literature down the throats of their students :D

[Jedieb]

Children's Literature is another form of writing that gets overlooked. As a teacher I've been exposed to more than most and I've read some excellent novels by children's authors. Madeline L'Engle comes to mind.

If we were both teaching a lit class at the same school we'd come up with different lists. I don't think either one of us would photo copy another teacher's list or go soley with what the school recommended. We'd go with our own choices. Your list would probably have Tolkien, mine probably wouldn't. I'd look at where our lists differed and say; "Tolkien huh? I wouldn't go with him but that's a interesting choice." Unfortunately, some other professor would scoff at your choice, (and probably a few of mine) and turn their nose up at it. That would be a perfect opportunity to give him a swift uppercut. The putz deserves it for being so narrow minded and full of himself. :smokin

[ReturnOfTheCB]

I thought professors were supposed to be full of themselves :D

[Jedi Master Carr]

LOL thats funny CB. I never carried for Faulkner and Joyce, I guess its there prose and I more interesting in reading for the story than learning new words, if I wanted to do that I would pick up a theseurs, but that is just me, maybe I didn't give Joyce much of chance I tried reading a couple of pages and gave up the book just confused me, I will probably trying reading it again someday. Now Hemingway and Steinbeck are a different story they are great writers I also have to include Kurt Vonnegeut(sp) who is very good too. Where does Tolken lie I don't know. I think he was a great storyteller and a terrific imagination and that is why I like the book, sure some professors scoff at him, much like many scoff at Stephen King (who I think is a terrific writer) its also because they despise them because they are popular I think which is unfair to degree there have some really good writers who were popular and and critically acclaimed, Dickens and Shakespear come to mind (I am not sure if either one was like by critics in their life times though, if somebody knows let me know)

[darth_mcbain]

Originally posted by Doc Milo
Just wanted to mention: I got my tickets! Well, I purchased them online. Still have to go pick them up.

I can't wait for this movie!

Although, I have to hope time moves a little slower, though, because I still got Christmas shopping to do...

Ditto that Doc - I just got mine for opening day!!! Oh YEAH!!! For you guys who monitor the B.O., I used my student discount, so they didn't get the full price :lol Hey, every little bit helps to keep SW on top...

[Jedi Master Carr]

Just wondering is anybody going to a midnight showing of LOTR? There are a couple of places showing it at midnight here but not many, but I live in a less populated area, I am sure in the big cities there are some theaters showing it starting at midnight around the clock.

[Darth23]

I'm going to see it tomorrow.

[Jedi Master Carr]

I am going to see it at 4:15 today, and I guess I might be the first person on this board to see, if not tell us what you though. I will let everybody know what I thought of it when I get home.

[darth_mcbain]

I'm going to see it at 7:00 today, so you'll beat me by a few hours Carr, but no matter - any time opening day is going to be sweet... I was thinking about seeing a midnight showing, there are two theaters around here that were offering those, but I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much - I'd be too tired :zzz

[Jedieb]

I hope you guys enjoy it. I probably won't be able to see it until after the break. Maybe I'll get lucky and see it while we're visiting relatives, but I doubt it. :(

[Jedi Master Carr]

I'm sorry Jedieb, I hope you somehow get to see it soon, I will let you know how it is though (without revealing anything).

[darth_mcbain]

Yeah, anything I post on that will use spoiler tags for the first few days or so in case there are some people who want to remain spoiler free on it... Don't worry EB - it will be out for a while... :D