The Desecration of Isengard

[Odin]

Isengard seems to go from lush peaceful gardens to ruined war machine in about two seconds flat.

When Gandalf the Grey arrives at Isengard, it's full of greenery with no Orcs or Wildmen present. In fact the only resident seems to be Saruman, alone in a circle of life.

It's hard to reconcile this lush paradise with the hellish war camp that we see later in the trilogy.

Were the Orcs and war machines always in Isengard and just hidden from Gandalf or did Saruman do some massive urban remodelling while Gandalf was trapped on the Pinaccle of Orthanc?

 

[Valandil]

I suspect the transformation had already begun - but that Saruman was initially careful to keep his changes screened off from those approaching. So at first - outside the circle, and from the gate to the tower, all the views would have made it seem much the same. Just keeping a belt of trees along the route from gate to tower would have done much of that.

And Saruman actually had a number of months. Gandalf was trapped there in summer of 3018. The confrontation with Saruman after Helm's Deep is in March of 3019.

"It is always easier (and faster) to destroy than to create" (Spock - more or less - speaking of the Genesis Device in "Wrath of Khan" - the 'and faster' is my add)

 

[Mike]

There was plenty of time for Isengard remodeling in the book. It's in the film where the orcs show up and a few days later Isengard looks like something out of ​Metropolis.

 

[Halasían]

I agree Mike. One gets a feel of the time line when they read the book and know that it didn't just suddenly happen in a couple days.
Likewise, Saruman didn't just cast a spell and occupy Theoden's mind.

This shows more how the PJ movies have caused the Desecration of the Lord of the Rings literary masterpiece.

 

[Eledhwen]

And Saruman actually had a number of months.

Ha ha! I actually read "moths". The films have affected me more than I thought.

 

[Valandil]

Ha ha! I actually read "moths". The films have affected me more than I thought.

Yes - Saruman had a number, Gandalf only had one. ;*)