Need to talk about this -- am I crazy?
Find a Conversation
| Sun, 12-21-2003 - 3:06pm |
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.

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
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*
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