^Whilst I can and do say the movie was better than the book or vice versa, I am comparing two different mediums. What can work on paper cannot always be replicated on film, even when it comes to chronology of the story at times. Where time can be devoted in a book, often film cannot afford to do so. I cut filmmakers a lot more slack than I used to regarding book adaptations. They are not trying to remake a book, they are simply creating their own piece of work, albeit highly influenced by a book.
That's why I was excited to hear that The Hobbit will use backstories from the LOTR appendices and perhaps other sources to supplement The Hobbit story, which is told at a considerably faster pace and in lesser detail than LOTR.
I can't see The Silmarillion ever being put to film for similar story difficulties. Not only does it literally dwarf LOTR in scope, but how can the Ainulindale ever be conceived visually? Perhaps that section of the book is not critical to show. The history of the elves is probably enough for most (still pretty much impossible for film in my mind).
I might sound hypocritical here, but agree. I rate the movies very, very highly, but not even their epic standards quite do the books justice. There probably needs to be a dedicated thread about what I loved so much between each medium, but I do like Fellowship the best as it's tone represents the books best. Fellowship is more story and adventure focused, whereas the next two were a little more action focused than the books.
That's why I was excited to hear that The Hobbit will use backstories from the LOTR appendices and perhaps other sources to supplement The Hobbit story, which is told at a considerably faster pace and in lesser detail than LOTR.
I can't see The Silmarillion ever being put to film for similar story difficulties. Not only does it literally dwarf LOTR in scope, but how can the Ainulindale ever be conceived visually? Perhaps that section of the book is not critical to show. The history of the elves is probably enough for most (still pretty much impossible for film in my mind).
