Tolkien Terminology

I read Ellen Baskin’s interview with actor Ian Holm eagerly, hoping for some news about his role as Bilbo Baggins in the upcoming movie based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” (“A Method to the Madness,” April 9).

Referring to the film as “[director] Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ ” is understandable, although regrettable (that’s Hollywood). But to refer to “LOTR” as Tolkien’s “classic science-fiction work” makes me wonder whatever happened to the fantasy genre. Perhaps Baskin (or the Calendar copy editors) has confused “ring wraiths” with “pod racers.”

BEN HERNDON

Los Angeles