Easily Correctable Plot Holes in Your Favorite Movies

Movie enthusiasts often discuss plot holes in their favorite films, finding both frustration and entertainment in these narrative blemishes. However, some plot holes are merely minor artistic choices, while others could be easily corrected through slight adjustments or elaborations. Let's delve into two such examples: a loose end in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" and an unaddressed opportunity in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" franchise.

Loose Ends in Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof"

Quentin Tarantino's film "Death Proof" is a unique blend of action and tension, leavened with the director's trademark dialogue and misdirection. However, the fate of Lee Montgomery remains a pivotal loose end that could have been easily resolved in a more traditional narrative.
At the end of "Death Proof," Lee Montgomery is left in a precarious situation with the car owner, who uses her as collateral after mistakenly believing she sent her car down a runaway path. The car is subsequently destroyed, and the tension is left unresolved, punctuated by her final line, “_gulp_,” which she does not swallow, but rather states phonetically.

The Frustration and the Solution

Frustration with this unresolved plot point is understandable, as viewers might wish for some form of closure or a comedic relief scene. For instance, a brief shot of Lee or a brief scene where she dominates the car owner, might have relieved the tension and provided a satisfying conclusion. However, these scenes were not what Leonardo DiCaprio (playing the character of QT) had in mind. He deliberately chose to leave the plot open-ended to enhance the film's dark, menacing tone.

The Eagles: A Sentient Flight in "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy

Another frequent plot point of debate among Tolkien fans and movie goers is the unsolvability of having Gandalf and Frodo fly to Mordor on the backs of fellowship member Elrond's Eagles. This issue stems from an intricate world-building aspect of Tolkien's work, which was not entirely adaptable to the cinematic medium without significant alterations.

Understanding the Eagles' Role in Middle-earth

In "The Lord of the Rings" canon, eagles are not simply animals but sentient and intelligent beings. Unlike other creatures, they are not easily controlled or domesticated. The passage of the eagles rescuing Gandalf serves more as an observer-assisted event than a strategic transportation service. Gandalf was not in control during this rescue, as he was taken at the whim of the eagles, who followed the instructions of Radagast, the brown wizard.

The Eagles' Expanded Role: A More Informed Decision

To clear up this plot hole, the filmmakers could have expanded on the nature and interaction between the eagles and the elves. By showcasing the eagles' intelligence and their role as observers rather than participants, viewers would gain a better understanding of why they do not fight in Mordor directly. For example, scenes could illustrate the eagles conveying information to the elves about the dangers of Mordor, emphasizing that their presence would be too obvious and thus easily detected by Sauron.

Conclusion

While some plot holes are inherent to the nature of screenwriting and storytelling, others can be easily corrected through minor tweaks and elaborations. Both the loose end of "Death Proof" and the eagles' role in "The Lord of the Rings" could have been clarified with a bit more context and interaction. These adjustments would not only provide more satisfying endings but also enhance the overall coherence and authenticity of the films.

Note: This article aims to provide a constructive analysis of certain plot points in movies, with the purpose of enriching the viewing experience and encouraging thoughtful discussion. Any adjustments suggested are hypothetical and aimed at improving the narrative consistency, rather than changing the original creative vision.