Two Frodos

[Child of the 7th Age]

While reading the Fellowship, I suddenly realized that I have two distinct images of Frodo in my head: the movie Frodo whom I've only known a few months, and the book Frodo whom I've known many years.

Most disconcerting! These two overlap, but are not identical. While I am writing this with a slight grin on my face, I am trying to focus on the genuine dilemma which has been created by the wonderful movie and PJ's compelling vision. Moreover, I'm not only referring to the differing physical attributes of the characters, but to nuances in behavior and attitudes.

Will I ever be able to come out again with a single unified image in my head? Does it even matter?

Does anyone have a similar problem in regards to Frodo or another character? Alternately, the problem may be a location (e.g., Lorien, Rivendell, the Shire) or the depiction of a particular race (e.g., hobbits, Elves).

What about people who saw the movie before they read the book? Do you find you automatically visualize the movie character or location in your mind as you read, or have you been able to separate the two?

Now, on to Frodo. While Michael Martinez said that the literary Frodo and the movie Frodo were pretty much the same, my mind sees differently. I am aware that some differences are the necessary result of adapting a story to a medium which has very different demands, both artistically and commercially. (I will be curious to see if my image changes further with the release of TTT and RotK.)

In oversimplified terms, here are my two Frodos:

Frodo #1 -- (a.k.a. Elijah Wood)
This character has huge eyes which beautifully express the innocence and caring in his soul. He is in his late teens, and could melt the heart of any woman who is not a block of ice. He brings out every maternal instinct which I possess.

From the instant he learns the Ring's history, this Frodo is attacked by fear. He is very quickly aware of he significance of the Ring. Terror shines through his face and eyes. From the beginning of his journey, he bears great suffering, but sometimes appears passive in dangerous situations.

After he leaves the Shire, he rarely laughs or sings. He does show love and loyalty to Bilbo, his friends and to Gandalf. He is clearly struggling, day and night, to resist the dominance of the Ring.

With the exception of Rivendell and Lorien, the pace of this Frodo's life is extremely rapid. He shifts from one scene of action to another: hiding, chasing, fighing, confronted with compelling visions of evil.

Frodo # 2 (a.k.a. my long-time friend from the book)
This Frodo looks a bit older. (Just take the movie Bilbo initially "frozen" by the Ring at 50 and subtract 17 years to get my Frodo similarly "frozen" at 33)

This Frodo is not drop-dead gorgeous. I guess he looks a lot more like Alan Lee's drawings. See also Gandalf's comments:

"A stout little fellow with red cheeks....taller than some and fairer than most, and he has a cleft on his chin: perky chap with a bright eye." p.163

This Frodo can still laugh in the early stages of the journey, such as when Farmer Maggot presents him with a bowl of mushrooms or he acts quite silly in the Prancing Pony. He is able to sing and takes time to appreciate the "endless vistas" of history and myth which surround him. Like the other Frodo, he is loyal to Bilbo, to friends and to Gandalf, although there's a much greater element of master/ servant in his relationship with Sam.

This Frodo learns and takes things a bit more slowly. He has more rest stops along the way. Only gradually does he come to realize the terror of the Ring. He sees images of evil, but he is also capable of experiencing wonderful visions of the Sea and distant green lands or of sensing the ancient dreamland of Lorien. He is clearly identified as an Elf-friend.

The suffering is less evident on his face, but he is beginning to fade as a result of the Ring and his wounding by the morgul-knife. His face is also beginning to glow with light, a process of purification which Gandalf indicates may someday totally remake him.

This Frodo shows considerable bravery in facing enemies much larger than himself. In the Barrow-Downs, at Weathertop, and at the river ford, he personally asserts himself and is not simply a piece of luggage carried along by someone else. In each situation, he also cries out to one of the "greater" powers to aid him--specifically, Tom Bombadil, Elbereth, and Luthien.

Both of my Frodos are clearly compelling characters with their own unique appearances and attitudes. So what, if anything, should I do to reconcile them?

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[ June 13, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]