Giving context to PJ's changes

[Jon S.]

Ursula K. Le Guin sure has a few choice words to say about the Earthsea mini-series. And a comment on the LOTR films in doing so.

http://www.ursulakleguin.com/Earthsea.html

I wonder if the people who made the film of The Lord of the Rings had ended it with Frodo putting on the Ring and ruling happily ever after, and then claimed that that was what Tolkien "intended..." would people think they'd been "very, very honest to the books"?

Ursula K. Le Guin
13 November 2004

[Jon S.]

And:

http://www.locusmag.com/2005/Issues/01LeGuin.html

[Earniel]

I'm not sure if this actually puts context to Jackson's changes or just highlights what different animals writers and moviemakers are. I don't think any writer actually likes seeing film-makers making seemingly unnecessary changes to their material. A movie can reach a good number of people, but if the story they get to see doesn't resemble the writer's work, it may not be quite worth it for the writer.

I agree with LeGuin that a moviemaker deciding for you what you intended in the story is rather arrogant. I always disliked this part in book reviews for school, making presumptions on the themes or messages a writer may have intended. Let the writers say that for themselves, because otherwise you'll just end up making up a lot. And you know, sometimes, stories are just meant as stories.

Were my stories ever considered for a movie, I hope I'm dead before that happens... But only after I'm paid. ;)

[Jon S.]

You're correct, Earniel. I love Le Guin's writing - so melancholy and uplifting at the same time - so I couldn't resist myself when the opportunity to link her to Tolkien and filmaking arose simultaneously. Also, as you may be aware, I'm from the school who actually appreciates many, though hardly all, of Jackson's plot/dialogue changes. I also thought folks - well, some - might appreciate Le Guin's deep appreciation of and for Philippa Boyen (so many people here see the glass only as half-empty on this point).

[Earniel]

Ah, I see. Yes, good point. If Le Guin indeed wanted Boyen on the team, she must have thought the script adaptation of LoTR sufficiently acceptable. It would have been interesting to see if Boyen's final work also would have gotten Le Guin's approval. Judging on other people's book adaptation is of course always different than your own.

That reminds me that I've got the Earthsea miniseries on DVD, but I haven't gotten around to see whether and how they differ from the books...

[sisterandcousinandaunt]

Interesting articles. I wasn't even aware someone was messing with Earthsea...probably just as well. :D

[brownjenkins]

Writer's are much too sensitive! :D

[Empress_Flynn]

Lol... yeah well... it's part of the job :p

Most writers tend to see their work as deeply personal and like their children...

I think you'd be sensitive too if what was basically your child was maimed...