'You ought to go quietly, and you ought to go soon,' said Gandalf. Two or three weeks had passed, and still Frodo made no sign of getting ready to go...

Where chapter 2 deals with much exposition and pushes the story further. Chapter 3 seems to be an arc chapter with really not much story to tell. Frodo, Pippin and Sam set off on their quest, heading out to Brandybuck by way of an old road.

What we do see here is further character development for Sam and Frodo. The introduction of the 'Black Riders' and we see Elves for the first time. All these are critical for the film.

I should think that the Black Riders, who are obviously very ominous and evil, should have this 'Dark Quality' about them. Not so much 'the room seemed to darken', just something that makes them seem to suck all the light and energy around them, something like a 'pull' of light or energy about them.

David day's book 'A-Z Tolkien' describes them physically as:

They wore great cloaks, black and hooded, and hauberks of mail and silver helms, yet beneath were the gray robes of the dead and their bodies were invisible.

I'd like to see these guys looking a bit tattered and kinda 'worn', much like they have been roaming Middle-earth for centuries (which they have) I'd like them to not be all identical, so maybe you can tell one or two of them apart.

We also see the Elves for the first time. The Elves help the Hobbits by providing safe passage for a short while. They then turn off the road and head for an opening in the forest. They sit in a circle and sing, a fire is started (somewhat magically if you ask me) This would be a great opportunity to show the magic of these Elves. With the fire springing to light and the music and food. Frodo and Gildor, sitting off to the side, with Sam at Frodo's feet, this is a great little conversation that pushes the plot along with some exposition. There is also some great dialogue here:

Elves and Hobbits

Gildor

I do not know for what reason the Enemy is pursuing you; but I perceive that he is - strange indeed though it seems to me. And I warn you that peril is now both before you and behind you, and upon either side.

Next Chapter: A Short Cut To Mushrooms

All photo's are not copyright TheOneRing.net ™ nor do we imply that they are.