07-06-2006, 12:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-08-2006, 01:30 PM by Occhidiangela.)
Quote:Actually, the fact that all of this is even an issue with Tolkien's work says something to me about a combination of the rampant homophobia in America and the over-analytical tendencies of the (upper IQ) movie-goers. Whether or not Jackson, or even Tolkien himself intended anything of the sort, what the hell is the deal here? Does it change any aspect of the book/movie at all? Put it this way: what if Sam were a woman and this (phantom) relationship still existed? Would anyone even blink?Oh no, did I miss the "Queer Eye for the Straight Maia" joke? It appears I did, I must be losing my edge. :D
--me
Your assertion that homophobia is the root of this analysis seems to me inverted logic. :shuriken: Secret and forbidden lust is an old trope, even among straights. (Note the Gimli-Galadriel bit in the Secret Diaries link in my previous post, with the Celeborn twist.) The entertainment industry's efforts to present male homosexuality as a valid state of being -- overtly campy humor is part of that -- seems more influential than homophobia in this line of jokery. Without that advocacy, Will and Grace never gets made, nor does Queer Eye, nor does the excellent part Greg Kinnear played in "As Good as it Gets" get such a strong reception. (Didn't he get a best supporting nod for that one?)
I doubt Tolkein considered love for one's fellow man to embrace pederasty and buggery (as he would have seen it), but who knows what equal opportunity lechery lurks in the hearts of men? :blink: The Shadow knows! Whoa, wait a minute, the Shadow of Mordor knows! Hmmmm. Maybe that is why Tolkein had to destroy it! :lol: Fighting the inner demon with pen in hand . . . but I digress.
I sensed that Jackson was playing to the estrogen-rich fan base in his casting of Aragorn, Boromir, Frodo and Legolas. Given that LOTR fan base, he probably considered attraction among homosexual men as a bonus appeal, if he considered it at all in his story boarding.
When Tolkein said "the tale grew in telling" I don't think he referred to Legolas' tight buns:lol:(whoops, wrong tail!) nor imagined all of what people would bring with them and add to their interpretation of his story -- the Bomb = the Ring for one thing.
Jackson might have been tempted to further rework the story a bit, but Sam would have killed him if he had tried anything too extreme! :lol: (ref in the previous link)
Occhi
PS: The Shadow knows line is from an old, famous radio show. I miss radio mystery dramas, they were such good stories.
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete