The New Hobbit Hole

[Penny1]

I thought he was just screeching with pain, but my daughter believes that he was answering the Riders, or calling them(?), since he was being slowly turned into a wraith because of his wound.

I thought that was a very interesting dramatic choice to make. I think you're daughter is right, it's definitely that Frodo is slowly becoming a wraith himself. In fact, the most dramatic Frodo-screeching moment comes just after Aragorn says, "He's passing into the shadow world...he'll soon become a wraith like them." The wraiths howl and screech, and he sort-of screeches in response. Perhaps Frodo's answering screech added a little extra impetus to Aragorn and Sam looking for the athelas plant--it was pretty scary that Aragorn left them a bit defenseless at that moment while he went off looking for the herb. It brings out just how perilous Frodo's situation really was, that worse than being killed or injured by the Nazgul that lurked seemingly all around them would be losing Frodo to that shadow world--losing his very soul.

I think the same connection is illustrated when Frodo almost dies after the Nazgul are "drowned." It's almost as if he drowns himself--it really brings out that connection that he has with them, and it's quite frightening. I have a feeling this connection will come back in at least the final movie if not TTT, it will be interesting to see how they handle that.

[Penny1]

I am a very big fan of subtle acting, and ITA about that moment with Frodo on the beach. There are lots of little moments like that, and I think Viggo is very similar in his acting style. The other thing I notice about the principle actors in this movie is how good they are in the background. When other people are talking, even when the camera is focused on another character, they are always intensely involved in the scene and in what the other characters are doing or saying. It provides a lot more depth to the characters and to the richness of the story and highlights the relationships as well.

Some of my favorite character/acting moments happen when the person isn't saying a word.

[JenB]

I am pretty much an unemotional movie viewer- I don't really care for 'emotional' movies. Flicks like Die Hard are my favorites, not tearjerkers. I'm the obnoxious teen in the back row who makes the "If you kill him, they will come" comments during the "mega-funeral-with-mourners-coming-for-miles-to-remember-the-boy-with-cancer-who-died-saving-a-puppy" scenes.

However... I have come out of LotR with red-rimmed eyes, crying for a character who I don't care for that much and am more likely to accuse than to praise. I've wept for Gandalf, even though I know the story inside out. And Sam's devotion to Frodo leaves me crying almost every time.

That's what I call a movie that deserves Oscar nominations, acclaim, and all my spare cash. Wonder whether there's a chance of seeing it this week?

[Penny1]

Wonder whether there's a chance of seeing it this week?

Hehehe...there's always a chance...where there's a will there's a way. ;)

I CAN'T WAIT till the DVD comes out and we can all watch it and chat online together!!!!

[JenB]

Hi Penny! How are you? Missed chatting with you this weekend!

Ohh, our DVD night is gonna be so fun. We have to decide, though, watch the short version or wait for the expanded director's cut?

[Overtaxed]

Decisions! Decisions! :)

[Penny1]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm sure not going to want to wait... ;)

But then, I'm certainly not the most patient person on the planet either. Even if you don't want to buy the theatrical version, those who don't buy it could still rent it.

:)

I missed chatting with everyone too! I feel like I missed all kinds of good conversation, but I did have fun watching my nephew play in the snow so I guess it's a fair trade. ;) Glad to be back though, will we be chatting tonight?

[JenB]

I hope so... I have a math test at 6, and then have a meeting until nearly 9, but after that I'll be around. (Eastern time zone, which makes things easier since most of us are on Pacific time and will be eating dinner while I'm slogging away at equations).

[carton253]

I'm getting both. The DVD comes out in July/August... and the Director's cut right before the 2nd movie. (that's the latest I heard).

Okay, first of all, I have to get a DVD player.

[JenB]

I have a DVD player built into my computer. Of course, watching the DVD and chatting at the same time would be a challenge...

[carton253]

Wow! I need to buy a new computer since my laptop died. I want to get one that does everything (sounds like your computer does that).

Hopefully, I can get one around July.

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

I think Lucius just said something naughty!

Only if one has a 'naughty' mind, heh, heh!

[Penny1]

I watched his opening monologue, hoping for some LotR references, and decided I couldn't stomach it enough to watch the rest of the show.

I'm glad to know I didn't miss anything LotR-related.

[HairOfTheDog]

Who me? Guilty - very naughty indeed!

Hey - Jen - That pic is back up - scroll up!

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

my favorite character is the angst-ridden Robert the Bruce. More for the fine acting job Angus McFadden did. In fact, I use his performance as a text book for my acting classes. Sort of like Angus 101.

Yes McFadden's playing of The Bruce, someone who wants to do right, but is sent by his twisted father (what an evil man), down a path of betrayal, but is forgiven, and eventually redeems himself, William Wallace, and Scotland in the final scene is spellbinding.

[2Jedismom]

I'm home! Now I'll have to sit and read up on all you have been talking about! I'll do it tonight.

[Penny1]

Welcome home! I've been thinking about you...hope you and your family are doing okay.

Awfully nice to have you back!

[MozartLover]

Yes and Yes on the Aragorn & the Legolas scenes. I LOVE the part where he shoots the 3 arrows.

One of my favorite parts is a very small one; the very first close-up of Frodo's face, as Gandalf is arriving. Just the total innocence & the shine of youth; which of course dims as the movie progresses. But that first shot of him is precious.

I can't wait for Sunday night; I NEVER watch the Academy Awards but I will this year! Can't wait to hear Enya sing "May it Be". I'm listening to it now.:)

[HairOfTheDog]

Welcome Back!

I have been thinking about you... I hope you and your husband are doing as well as can be.

[HairOfTheDog]

Would you like to join our hobbity Yahoo egroup?... we are planning to use the chat room there to share comments about the Oscars easier than posting here... FReepmail me for instructions if you would like to... We will likely be monitoring the usual live thread the ladies put up here too...