[Sam Cree]

So, I guess the idea must be that Aragorn is the main character? If so, Jackson failed, at least in part.

[HairOfTheDog]

Well, no - there is of course no character that stands out as a definate lead.... But in this case, since he is the ~title~ role, maybe he could be run as 'actor in a leading role' instead of competing for 'supporting actor'.

That's my theory.

[Restorer]

IMHO, LOTR (book version, anyway) has four main heroes: Gandalf, Aragorn, Frodo and Sam. Each is heroic in a different way.

[BradyLS]

So, I guess the idea must be that Aragorn is the main character? If so, Jackson failed, at least in part.

It's weird. Aragorn must do so much in the book. Yet all of it is for nought if Frodo and Sam fail in the their quest. Once the Fellowship breaks, all the fun, exciting things happen to Aragorn. All the depressing, harrowing things happen to Frodo and Sam. I have to admit that even if the movies were closer to the books, they would probably not be as popular as movies, because people hate to leave a theater feeling sad.

As it is, these movies have erred on the side of action and adventure whenever that choice must be made. They are still good movies and they are fun to return to. But, for me, they don't have nearly the impact that the books do.