Need to talk about this -- am I crazy?

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Registered: 05-01-2003
Need to talk about this -- am I crazy?
3
Sun, 12-21-2003 - 3:06pm
When I was a lonely (and abused) 14-year-old (and I'm not going to tell you how long ago that was!), I first read J. R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Not only was I captivated by the magnificent story, but many of the ideas expressed in the story gave voice to ideas that had begun to grow in my mind -- care for the environment, friendship overcoming ancient prejudice, feminism, and much more. For several horrible years, the characters in this beautiful book were literally my only friends. I'll admit to some nerves when I heard a few years ago that it was being filmed (anybody else remember that animated horror from the 70's?). It seems, though, that Peter Jackson picked my imagination when making the movie(s). I've already seen Return of the King three times (twice the first day). My therapist even said he was giving me a gift for the premiere -- an unopened box of Kleenex! I needed it -- I cried for at least half of the movie. They managed to find several of my hottest buttons and press them: Eowyn's hopeless love for Aragorn, Sam's unshakable loyalty, and even one of the characters being informed that his own father wishes him dead. I think I would have had to be made of cement not to respond the way I did.

You wouldn't believe the level of flak I've taken over the years for my passion for this story. My father tried to convince me it was a lousy book (skipping the tiny detail of reading it himself first!), and my ex-DH told me it was a piece of escapist fluff (again without reading it).

Maybe I'm crazy, but this story has been part of my heart and soul for almost three-quarters of my life. The magnificent films have obviously been made by people who love it as much as I do. I don't know how I can ever thank Tolkien or Jackson for the tremendous gift they've given me. Watching the first film two years ago, suddenly I was once more the 14-year-old girl reading eagerly by the little light on the stovetop at two in the morning!

I've been told that my grip on reality is a bit tenuous, that I'm one of those crazies who wear elf costumes to the movie (I didn't). When I try to explain to anybody but my therapist (who's been wonderfully supportive, and who even said I should have been a film critic!), it sounds a bit crazy. I've read the book literally two dozen times (starting on 25!), and I've seen all of the movies multiple times (lost count when they went to DVD!). I end up wondering if there really is something wrong with me, that a fantasy can so totally capture my heart and imagination.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Sun, 12-21-2003 - 6:06pm
I don't think you are crazy or anything. I have posted before about how I am addicted to the Anne of Green Gables movies. I watch them because I love them so much, but at the end of the movies I always feel so alone. Like I just had to say good-bye to my family or something.

I was ignored as a child, and my mom was an alcoholic. I have been reading a book for Adult Children of Alcoholics and so much of it is making sense to me. I am 25 and I still make up stories. Before I go to bed I make up a situation and "dream of it" until I fall asleep. I think I do this because I don't want my mind to start to think. I guess I just never stopped doing it from childhood, when I did it to cope.

Sorry, this is turning out to be about me.

Anyway, I can assure you that you aren't nuts. Look at all those "Trekkies" out there! And you have an honest to good feelings for these characters.

Take care sweetie. I am sending you hugs.

Pamela

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Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 12-22-2003 - 12:34am

I can't see how it can be bad for you unless you're hurting someone else with it, or having trouble functioning in 'the real' world.


I love books and movies that take you out of reality for awhile and take you someplace where you feel alive..and anything that touches your heart and soul and makes you feel good is worth the time..


Don't worry too much..


*hugs*









iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 12-22-2003 - 1:44am
No you are not crazy. I LOVE Lord of the the Rings. I have read "The Fellowship of the Ring" and part of "The Two Towers" (I just do not have any free time to read with all my classes). I am going to see "Return the the King" later on today. I can not wait. I have heard that it is by far the best of the three. It is said to be the best epic filmed to date. Peter Jackson had a vision that would touch many lives.

I love this story it has so many points that touch on so many things in today's world.

One of my favorite quotes from "The Fellowship of the Ring" is when Gandalf is talking to Frodo in the Mines of Moria about him having the "Ring":

"So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

This quote is so true so many of us.

I have watched "The Fellowship of the Ring" at least 50 times (I have the 4 DVD set). I have only seen "The Two Towers" a few times but I do have (The 4 DVD set) I have not had time to watch it because of my class and Work Study.

When I watch these movies I am in my own little world and nothing bothers me. I escape my life if only for a little while.

You have every right to enjoy anything you can. If it makes you happy I say go for it do not pay any attention to what people think or say they just do not understand the feelings it makes you have.

Take care of yourself {{{{{{MaryK}}}}}}

Hugs,

Cathy