Will the films change fans' relationship with the books?

[Black Breathalizer]

I understand the interest in keeping film and book discussion separate. But I would like to begin a discussion of how the films are changing our relationship with the books.

In a recent interview, Phillipa Boyens, one of the screenwriters for the films, was asked this same question. I found her response interesting:

Phillipa Boyens said:
"We can tell by the book sales that more people are reading the novels because they've seen the films and that's wonderful. But it's a little harder to talk about how the films might change a fan's relationship with the book. One of the guys who worked on the DVDs told me that he never thought the films would affect him, but that now, when he picks up the books, he can't get Ian McKellen as Gandalf out of his head. And how can you? Ian is so absolutely perfect in the role. So I just hope that we haven't done anything, in terms of the writing, that prevents people from going back to the text. Frodo and Sam coming together at the end of the Fellowship was played up big in the film, for example, but it was a low-key and slightly quaint scene in the book. You could read it now and think, 'Well, this doesn't feel quite right.' So I don't know."

I think this is a fascinating topic and would be interested in your reaction.

Have the films changed the way you now view your beloved novels?