I thought this exercise would be interesting, since I saw the movies many times before reading the books (Hobbit+LotR+etc), but then thoroughly read the books for years without seeing the movies, and have now returned to the movies. So maybe in all this deliberation I'm finally lifting above my biases.
See also: https://andrewtalksaboutmoviesetc.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-hobbit.html
Arwen: far too immature. She's plump and dramatic, belying her centuries of grace. Even stationary I don't think Liv Tyler matches Arwen's sheer beauty, but especially her expressions and inflections don't match. Liv Tyler portrays a teenager -- not the ancient pride of her people.
Frodo: Elijah Wood is a weird-looking guy, and therefore a surprising choice for the universalized face of a Hollywood mega-franchise (I don't accept people calling Aragorn the main character; an argument could be made for Sam as main object of empathy, but he's still not first on the posters). What if Frodo was nicer-looking? I'm not sure Elijah Wood's performance was stellar either, so overall an interesting choice. I won't hate on him though, as it seems others might. It's a hard role. It's a complex character. He's an uncommon hobbit even in childhood, and now he's pulled by forces we can't understand. I'd say Frodo in the book is more mature (he's visibly older too), but I accept weird-looking Elijah Wood delivering a tough character.
Aragorn: this is one of my toughest evaluations. As much as I want to love Viggo as much as his character, I just don't. I didn't love Aragorn until I read the book. Now I weep for him. When I said earlier that I've loved Gandalf above all else, only Aragorn flashed in my mind, and only after reading the book. He's competition for my favorite character in all of fiction. But only after reading the book. Viggo didn't light my fire. I realize there was some narrative in the films to keep him bashful for a while, but even after his coronation he doesn't shine like he should. See him next to Boromir -- Boromir is proud and great. Aragorn isn't just subtle or subdued or measured -- he's diminutive. His voice doesn't surge or ring. He isn't charismatic. I think Aragorn should have the instant charisma of a leader millennia in the making. I don't mean humor or flirty charm, but some height and light that commands deep respect. Aragorn is bashful, maybe even slightly awkward. Is Viggo charming? He doesn't portray Aragorn's ineffable leadership. I don't know how any actor could portray such depth, but Ian McKellen does it, and I think just a little charisma could go a long way. Viggo feels a little awkward. He's only heroic in an underdog sort of way. Aragorn should never feel like an underdog for others' respect. The respect should be there upon the moment of meeting. Now I'm curious to read his encounter with Boromir at the Council of Elrond. In the movie, if I remember right, Boromir underestimates him ("mere ranger") until Legolas corrects him, at which point Boromir gazes in wonder (and I cry), but then I think he turns back to the pride of Gondor. I wonder how Tolkien wrote this encounter.
Theoden: no problems here.
Eowyn: problems here. I don't think she's nearly as stunning as she should be. Don't even ask me about when she starts singing in the extended scene. She's no bombshell, and she can't figure out her dignity either. I guess that's true in the book as well, but in a different way. She's finding her purpose in the book, relative to men, but her grace and dignity never wane. She is a lordly lady the entire way. She is steel and flower. In the movies she's weak and insecure and fragile. Too much foul, not enough fair.
Sam: no complaints. I think he's slightly too attractive, not quite humble enough in looks, but it's fine. I like this performance.
Denethor: too much foul, not enough fair. Denethor should be fair and great. In the movies he's wholly despicable. I guess it simplifies things for mass-consumption, but they don't cut corners like that in other aspects... I guess you have to cut some corners. Denethor didn't get his justice in the movies, though I don't think it significantly harms the greater picture.
Faramir: come on. Should I blame the performance or the script? I'm guessing it's the script. Faramir should be one of the most admirable characters. He has all the Westernesse of Denethor without the corruption of heart. Faramir gets the shaft with his father in the films. Mostly I like the performance, but Faramir is written too sadly. Audiences will sooner remember his daddy issues than his kingliness.
Merry & Pippin: this is fine.
Galadriel: I like Cate Blanchett here, although why does she seem so borderline-evil? Galadriel has no evil in her, yet she continually stokes fear and disquiet in the movies. That should expel very soon after meeting her. Her house should be as homely as the Last Homely House. Her age and ability and wisdom should be more comforting than unsettling, but I like Cate Blanchett here.
Gimli: I can't dislike his comic relief, excessive though it may be. Otherwise, Gimli is effective.
Bilbo: see also: https://andrewtalksaboutmoviesetc.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-hobbit.html
Rosie Cotton: too old!
Elrond: not fair enough. His brow is harsh, visage not soft and neutral like Legolas. Legolas looks like an elf. Elrond looks like a fallen elf, the Saruman of elves. I partly blame the script, which substantially diminishes his grace, but I also blame Weaving's countenance.
Legolas: this may be as pixel-perfect as any on this list?
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