04-03-2003, 04:33 AM
Quote:"Value" is a very subjective thing. If a reproduction of an artifact made for a movie more or less based on a book you love is sufficient to have value in your eyes, then go for it. Assuming, of course, that the value is great enough to justify the cost.
Agreed. An excellent point, in fact. The problem lies in that there is no way to determine Tolkien's opinion on the matter (and his is the only one that would truely settle the debate). Even his own son has released publications of his writings that would probably make J.R.R. apoplectic. Some money-grabs I tend to buy into... despite their nature. I just hope that I sufficiently use reason and intellect to battle the "gimmegimmegimme" demon of materialism that haunts me.
Then again... Tolkien's interviews suggest he was a bit schizophrenic on the nature and underlying meanings of his own publications. Nature of the beast: he wrote it, but he obviously didn't understand the message that he was obviously trying to draw attention to... obviously. In the end... it's MY book, and your's.. and his... and everyone else's that has truely fell in love with it.
But as far as the "value" of this reproduction (and a reproduction of a movie prop at that), I find my own purchase to be worth enough to me. I don't see it as a reproduction, or even a bragging piece... it's more of a personal tactile piece of memorabilia: worthless to some, treasure to others. The White Elephant makes the economy turn 'round? :)
Hey, if they used the Sword of Charlemagne in the Louvre to crown the French Kings... then surely my own reproduction can hang with happiness on my own wall. After all, the Sword has never been authenticated, has been refurbrished many times... and is still the heart of a fierce debate that a sword of that style and construction could not have possible existed in the supposed timeframe.
*pats his sword* We'll just call this my "Sword of Charlemagne". :D
Garnered Wisdom --
If it has more than four legs, kill it immediately.
Never hesitate to put another bullet into the skull of the movie's main villain; it'll save time on the denouement.
Eight hours per day of children's TV programming can reduce a grown man to tears -- PM me for details.
If it has more than four legs, kill it immediately.
Never hesitate to put another bullet into the skull of the movie's main villain; it'll save time on the denouement.
Eight hours per day of children's TV programming can reduce a grown man to tears -- PM me for details.