Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by Harmonia (A) on December 21, 2003 at 19:29:30

In Reply to: Someone's really good explanation of why LOTR has bored me and so many others. posted by clarkjohnsen on December 21, 2003 at 13:50:15:

Also from the same New Yorker article: "It is probably heretical to suggest that 'The Lord of the Rings' films surpass the books on which they are based....The books tell a fantastic story in a familiar style, but the movies transcend the apparent limitations of their medium in the same way that Wagner transcended the limitations of opera."

I don't agree necessarily with Ross' conlcusions re/the two rings. (Tolkien drew upon some of the same sources, but also different Nordic tales). However, since you find them so wanting, I will gladly take Tolkien's Ring and gladly give you all of Wagner, to whom I am almost entirely immune. (I attended my forst Ring cycle at Lyric Opera, memorable for Birgit Nilsson and not much else. Repeated attempts in the intervening years have not changed muy mind. I acknowledge Wagner's importance/innovation but, in truth, I don't choose to listen to much of his music. )

I'm quite happy with the other Ring cycle.