BBC Radio adaptation: frodo - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Gayalondiel · 07-09-2002, 05:50 AM

Generally, I loved the adaptation. Most of the actors were terrific, the scenes were beautifully described ("Oh look whats this over here" moments notwithstanding) and its very faithful to the books: a lot of the second part comes fron UT.

But Sir Ian Holm bothers me. I really don't like his Frodo. (This is from before i saw the film, incidentally). Up until the breaking of the fellowship, he's great. but then he gradually gets... well... nasty. I know he's under the influence of the ring, but he's always either super-dramatic or shouting at Sam. There's very little of the Frodo i found in the books, the Frodo that never fails to thank Sam, and almost always calms down instantly.

Does this bother anyone else? or do other people find a nasty, snappy frodo in the books?

Ok, rant over! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]

The Silver-shod Muse · 07-09-2002, 10:25 AM

Yes, I did. He was very violent and grumpy when talking to Sam, and he didn't sound so very tired, just evil.

Kaze · 07-09-2002, 04:43 PM

It bothered me a lot, too. It could have been his interpretation of the influence of the ring; that Frodo became angry and violent. I still didn't like it, though, it didn't match the idea I had of Frodo.

Sweatpea Knotwise · 07-23-2002, 02:23 PM

I think as good as he was in the radio show, Holm makes a better Bilbo than a Frodo. I have enjoyed the BBC version for a number of years, but after the movie, I find that I prefer Wood’s interpretation. And that is an unfair comparison considering the sensory advantages cinema has over radio. Perhaps Frodo is vocally abrasive due to the aural medium; what better way to evince his disintegration than with his voice?

Gayalondiel · 07-24-2002, 06:27 AM

I agree that the limited medium affects the performance, but i don't think it covers all of what i disliked about Holm's Frodo. The opening episodes were terrific, especially the bits with the four hobbits together. But towards the end, Frodo is just nasty. He gets very snarly and shouts at sam a lot, and then calms down and becomes tragically melodramatic. Maybe this is Holm's, and other peoples, interpretation of the character. It is not what i found in the character, and I certainly don't see him proceeding every single sentance with a deep dramatic sigh when they get back to the shire. That said, someone might well like this interpretation.

07-09-2002, 05:50 AM	#1
Gayalondiel Wight Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: My own little wierd, wierd world Posts: 133	BBC Radio adaptation: frodo Generally, I loved the adaptation. Most of the actors were terrific, the scenes were beautifully described ("Oh look whats this over here" moments notwithstanding) and its very faithful to the books: a lot of the second part comes fron UT. But Sir Ian Holm bothers me. I really don't like his Frodo. (This is from before i saw the film, incidentally). Up until the breaking of the fellowship, he's great. but then he gradually gets... well... nasty. I know he's under the influence of the ring, but he's always either super-dramatic or shouting at Sam. There's very little of the Frodo i found in the books, the Frodo that never fails to thank Sam, and almost always calms down instantly. Does this bother anyone else? or do other people find a nasty, snappy frodo in the books? Ok, rant over! [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img] __________________ Not another ****ing Elf! ~C.S.Lewis

07-09-2002, 10:25 AM	#2
The Silver-shod Muse Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: The shoulder of a poet, TX Posts: 388	Yes, I did. He was very violent and grumpy when talking to Sam, and he didn't sound so very tired, just evil. __________________ "'You," he said, "tell her all. What good came to you? Do you rejoice that Maleldil became a man? Tell her of your joys, and of what profit you had when you made Maleldil and death acquainted.'" -Perelandra, by C.S. Lewis

07-09-2002, 04:43 PM	#3
Kaze Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 54	It bothered me a lot, too. It could have been his interpretation of the influence of the ring; that Frodo became angry and violent. I still didn't like it, though, it didn't match the idea I had of Frodo. __________________ Disbelief in magic can force a poor soul into believing in government and business.

07-23-2002, 02:23 PM	#4
Sweatpea Knotwise Pile O'Bones Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 17	I think as good as he was in the radio show, Holm makes a better Bilbo than a Frodo. I have enjoyed the BBC version for a number of years, but after the movie, I find that I prefer Wood’s interpretation. And that is an unfair comparison considering the sensory advantages cinema has over radio. Perhaps Frodo is vocally abrasive due to the aural medium; what better way to evince his disintegration than with his voice? __________________ Single Hobbit Lass seeks Single Hobbit Lad, enjoys quiet evenings at home and the occasional spot of Old Toby. Talent: a killer seedcake. Contact “The ‘Pea” at Willowrot Row, Michel Delving.

07-24-2002, 06:27 AM	#5
Gayalondiel Wight Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: My own little wierd, wierd world Posts: 133	I agree that the limited medium affects the performance, but i don't think it covers all of what i disliked about Holm's Frodo. The opening episodes were terrific, especially the bits with the four hobbits together. But towards the end, Frodo is just nasty. He gets very snarly and shouts at sam a lot, and then calms down and becomes tragically melodramatic. Maybe this is Holm's, and other peoples, interpretation of the character. It is not what i found in the character, and I certainly don't see him proceeding every single sentance with a deep dramatic sigh when they get back to the shire. That said, someone might well like this interpretation. __________________ Not another ****ing Elf! ~C.S.Lewis