[Penny1]

Hmmm...I feel like a lightbulb is finally coming on in my dim brain....

I think that perhaps PJ wanted to focus the audience's understanding of Frodo's courage on those quiet moments of going forward in the mission. The moments that you mention are the essence of Frodo's courage--not the willingness to wield a blade, but the willingness to step out the door in spite of the threat that is known to be lurking just outside. His courage is displayed in the decisions and choices he makes, not in his reactions to the immediate, external threat. I think perhaps by eliminating the moments that PJ did, he was highlighting the importance of that kind of courage. It might have otherwise been lost in the swordplay...

-penny

[HairOfTheDog]

Hullo All! - and anyone else who I have missed in my quick read through - I am at the Seattle office today and don't have time to keep up on all this!

But this can't wait: Stop bashing my Frodo or I will have to call in the big dogs! Elijah Wood's Frodo stole my heart.

Hee hee - seriously... I will see you all tonight when I am through with all the "work" interference that is taking my time today.

[Wordsmith]

I really do think that PJ is building up Frodo as a "spiritual warrior." Its so hard to present inner conflict and turmoil on screen, but my guess is that this is what PJ is asking Elijah to focus on, to let it build and build until the climax at Orodruin. Its so hard in film to "get inside an actor's head," but I think that this is what PJ is doing by focusing on the parts we've been talking about. I can't help but think of the lingering shots of Frodo's eyes. Another thing I need to keep reminding myself is that the Frodo of the film is vastly younger than the Frodo of the book. What, 30 years? A big difference, even in hobbit years. The Frodo of the film still has a youthful vulnerability that the older Frodo of the book has in some ways moved beyond.