thepunktheory
Written on May 19, 2015
If you read my Book vs. Movie of part 1, you know that I struggled a bit with the first book. The second one however, is of a faster pace than the first one. Or I simply got used to it...
What annoyed me a bit about the book is that the three plotlines feel rather isolated. They are told one after the other although they are supposed to happen at the same time. You read 150 pages and then have to turn back the time.
Before watching the movie however, you should be prepared that several changes were made. The story in general follows the book but some characters and place are different. But for me it didn't harm the flow of the story at all. Contrariwise, Peter Jackson managed to add a bit of depth. I appreciate the plot between Aragorn and Eowyn. In the book she hardly has two sentences and remains very pale. In the film she gets some character and becomes more real.
Just like the other storyline with Arwen and Aragorn it gives him more depth aswell. Tolkien gives many information about Aragorn's origins and who he could be but you hardly get an insight in his character.
It is the same with Gandalf. In the book he is simply back without much explanation. The film you at least get to see a bit of his fight, so this storyline doesn't seem as cut off as it is in the novel.
Merry and Pippin are by far more active in the movie. Beside the fact that they are really funny, they matter more. In the book they were constantly dragged along by someone but didn't have much to say that was important.
The movie is in general very atmospheric and captures the very essence of the book. I love the soundtrack, it blends in perfectly.
One more thing I have to mention are the CGI effects. Gollum and the Orcs are as good as flawless. Especially the huge fighting scene was impressive.
So this time, the movie and the book are nip and tuck. But I'd say that the film is slightly better than the book as it allows the characters more depth.