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| Stirring Rings by Larner | 11 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 8/26/2006 |
| I really like what you have done with this chapter. The visuals are so strong, and show how much we who now read stories written in words still owe to the newer visual medium of film. I was struck by this as I watched Radagast "morphing" into his new form--not something I could easily have imagined however well-described, I don't believe, without having seen similar special effects. And of course Olorin/Mithrandir/Gandalf--his appearance owed a lot to that of Ian McKellan in the movies. Yet for all that, it was not a distraction, but an enhancement. That really appeals to me, as my own preference in regard to the movies is to draw on the visuals and imagery, while keeping plot and character rooted in the books. It is clear here, that Radagast's errand is *not quite* the same as that of the others--his commission is not to end, necessarily, when Sauron falls. The brothers, it seems, already know they will be spending time among Men who do not appear the same as those Men of the West. I am curious, very curious, as to how they knew this, and I look forward to seeing your speculation as to their mission, and its success or lack thereof. I loved the way everyone was looking for Olorin! LOL! He was a bit on the sly side even as a full-blown Maia! I love the way he describes his relationship to Sauron, and compares it to that of Manwe and Melkor. It's clear that he is as well-loved among the Valar as he will become later among Men and Elves--and hobbits. This gets more and more intriguing. Author Reply: Yes, it started with Serelinde in "Willow"--the process of morphing shapes. I did base the appearance of both Olorin and Curumo as Istari and their particular staves on Ian McKellan and Christopher Lee's appearances in the movies, of course; but I added back in the silver scarf described in the books and added in the two brooches Gandalf wears, feeling they would be consistent with Gandalf's nature and allegiances. I personally feel that Radagast's dismissal by Tolkien was unwarranted, and that his dedication to animals, birds, and wild places would have its own part in both fighting Sauron and in the lands recovering afterwards. Pallando and Alatar were sent by Orome and probably traveled the eastern lands with him long ago; now they use those memories in finding appropriate shapes for their current commissions. And I think that Olorin would make good and certain in himself he was ready for this service before coming forward and accepting it. So glad you approve! | |