Was 🧝Elrond depicted unfairly as a racist in the films?

[Elessar II]

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I wonder why Galadriel ever married Celeborn.
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Probably so she could use him as her puppet. Didn't you notice how, even in the FOTR, Celeborn acted as if Galadriel was talking through him. Yes, I agree he's a major numbskull.

 

[Eledhwen]

In defence of Celeborn

The lines all got twisted in the film, with Legolas speaking a version of Celeborn's words about Gandalf falling into folly. Celeborn was speaking out of grief and long knowledge of the dangers of Moria. When he had regained his composure, he spoke more kindly:

"I did not know that your plight was so evil. Let Gimli forget my harsh words: I spoke in the trouble of my heart. I will do what I can to aid you, each according to his wish and need, but especially that one of the little folk who bears the burden.'

and

'Go now! You are worn with sorrow and much toil. Even if your Quest did not concern us closely, you should have refuge in this City, until you were healed and refeshed. Now you shall rest, and we will not speak of your further road for a while.'

It was Celeborn who gifted the fellowship with boats to speed their journey, and gave directions and advice, and through Celeborn, Tolkien voiced the opinion that Old Wives Tales should not be ignored or dismissed. Finally, what has become known as 'the gifts of Galadriel' were actually from both Galadriel and Celeborn, because as she distributed them, Galadriel said "We have drunk the cup of parting, and the shadows fall between us. But before you go, I have brought in my ship gifts which the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim now offer you in memory of Lothlorien."

And it is no wonder that "the Elves stirred and murmured with astonishment, and Celeborn gazed at the Dwarf in wonder" at Gimli's request, for Feanor himself had asked Galadriel for such a gift, and was refused.

And Elrond....

Elrond could not be the same in the film as in the book, because Aragorn wasn't. In the book, Elrond charged Aragorn with regaining the throne of Gondor, for he would give up his daughter to no less a mortal. In the film, Elrond himself declares that "he turned from that path long ago" instead of it being the condition for matrimony. Consequently, he does this massive emotional blackmail on Arwen instead, and she almost falls for it until ***spoiler*** she gets Narsil Andurilled and rides off to meet Aragorn with the words "I can't protect you any more!" ringing threateningly in her ears from Elrond.

It's a shame that Agent Sm.... er, Hugo Weaving didn't get Tolkien's Elrond to play. The reason people kept seeing Agent Smith in Elrond was because he was written into the script.