3. The Elves
Rivendell is gorgeous. Everything about itits people, its buildings, its scenery, its history: it's a beautiful location and a fantastic set. I loved how I was introduced to new rooms and locations within Rivendell in "An Unexpected Journey." I appreciate how it was an exploration of a familiar placethis was why we were all excited, of course, when Peter Jackson agreed to produce and direct these new films. Onwards to Mirkwood: what we've seen so far from the trailers and photographic releases, the kingdom of Thranduil will rival Rivendell's aesthetic magnificence. The colours, the art, and the costumes seem pulchritudinous, a word which here means "beautiful" (I'm running out of synonyms); and not only that, but flush with the world we are already familiar withespecially in regards to costuming. I think the Greenwood will be a fantastically lovely place to visit. Alas. While the filmmakers' vision of Rivendell is undeniably exquisite, their interpretation of its *life* was completely and disappointingly incorrect. In the novel, the elves joke, they laugh, and they sing songs at the arrival of Thorin & Co. It's allliterally allfun and games for them. They do not view the dwarves with hostility (nor, of course, does Thorin consider the elves with any vehemence beyond an annoyance at being the butt of their jokes). This is, of course, all a matter of tone that I could also get into, but has been done beforeand the tone was all wrong, whereas the depiction of Rivendell involved a positive side. On the topic of Elvish joviality, why are the Wood-elves pursuing (open?) barrels of dwarves down the river when they should be getting absolutely hammered within their castle, drinking fine wine and experiencing one of Thranduil's legendary parties? Also why is Thorin asking for Thranduil's help? Why are the elves fighting orcs in Lake-town? I digressthis article isn't meant to document the bastardization of a beloved novel. I apologize.