David sends along this link to some pictures of the Army of the Dead from Games Workshop! Take a look! !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]
Day: December 6, 2003
Michael writes: I thought I’d write a quick note about last night’s ROTK preview in Palm Springs. I had no idea of this beforehand, but we were told that this was the first-ever “public” screening of the film–all the previous screenings had been for invited guests. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]
Michael writes:
I thought I’d write a quick note about last night’s ROTK preview in Palm Springs. I had no idea of this beforehand, but we were told that this was the first-ever “public” screening of the film–all the previous screenings had been for invited guests.
A late arrival at the theatre put me very near the end of the line to get in, which resulted in second-row side seats–directly behind the seats reserved for Sir Ian McKellen. He sat there for a few minutes while he was introduced, then took the stage and spoke briefly, relating his experiences to the importance of public funding for the arts (the screening was a benefit for LA’s PBS station) before sitting down for a charming interview which ranged over his entire career. At the end of the interview, he was persuaded to recite a bit of Shakespeare–the “seven ages of man” speech from “As You Like It,” which he performed quite movingly, and dedicated to recently-deceased filmmaker John Schlessinger. Sir Ian looked great, in a very beautiful pair of leather pants. Not surprisingly, he didn’t stay for the screening. I swiped the “reserved” sign from the back of his seat. He was replaced in the front row by some New Line folks, a couple of whom took turns scanning the audience with night-vision binos looking for bootleggers.
I’m disinclined to write a spoiler-filled review of ROTK, especially as I’m still internalizing a lot of it. I will say that I like FOTR much better than TTT–both the books and the films–and had mixed expectations for ROTK. I needn’t have worried: the final film of Peter Jackson’s trilogy is an absolute masterpiece. I have a few quibbles, of course. I have serious reservations about the characterization of Denethor (my similar reservations about Faramir in TTT faded with repeat viewings, so I’ll say no more). I sorely missed Saruman’s balcony scene, which, by now, everyone knows was cut. One potential spoiler: I also missed a cut scene I hadn’t heard about in advance–the parley with the Mouth of Sauron, which seemed to me to be a lost chance for some real character-driven drama.
That said, the dramatic tensions, intercutting between stories, and development of the themes of friendship, sacrifice and loss in ROTK are handled brilliantly. The siege of Minas Tirith and the battle of the Pelennor Fields are terrifying and heart-wrenching. And Frodo, Sam & Gollum’s journey through Mordor is a thing of great emotional complexity. Trust me, you’ll cry.
Visually, how can you lose when you let Jackson’s brilliant team loose on rich environments like Minas Tirith, Mount Doom and the Grey Havens, or on fantastic creatures like fell beasts, war oliphaunts … and Shelob? I’ll only say your jaws will ache from repeated dropping.
I don’t know how I’ll feel next year after I’ve seen the ROTK extended edition a few times and can judge the trilogy properly as a whole. Today, though, to quote Boromir, life is good. I think ROTK is probably the finest of three very fine films.
lorna writes: I went to Memorabilia Con on Saturday and Sunday last week and enjoyed every minute of it. Had met Jorn and Craig Parker before, but not Mark Ferguson. All three of them were really friendly putting everyone at their ease if they were slightly nervous. I had a great weekend and would like to thank them for being there. [More]
Attention all free peoples of Middle Earth! Just as Gandalf sought out the identity of the One Ring in the library at Minas Tirith so can you discover your true fellowship at the Orlando Public Library. Begin your preparation for the final leg of the journey with an afternoon of all things Middle Earth. [More]
Attention all free peoples of Middle Earth! Just as Gandalf sought out the identity of the One Ring in the library at Minas Tirith so can you discover your true fellowship at the Orlando Public Library. Begin your preparation for the final leg of the journey with an afternoon of all things Middle Earth. Event features:
The event is on Sunday, December 14th from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Orlando Public Library, 101 E. Central Blvd Orlando, FL 32828.
1:00 “Prancing Pony Brag Meet”- Secure a table at the Prancing Pony to display your most enviable LOTR goods.
2:00 “Free Peoples of Middle Earth Fashion Show”- Up for some healthy competition? Come decked out in your Middle Earth garb and try for the title of “best dressed”.
2:30 “Hobbits in Hollywood”- “Shire” your thoughts about the Lord of the Rings books and films. How faithful to the movies were the books? What underlying themes course through these time-honored stories? Would Tolkien have approved of the films? The answers to these questions are what inquiring minds want to know!
3:00 Lore Challenge- Do you have the heart of the hobbit, the erudition of the elf, and the mettle of men? If so, then prove your valor at the trivia table to determine how well you really know Middle Earth.
4:00 Special presentation by Dr. Jerome Donnelly, professor of English literature with a specialization in Tolkien, at the University of Central Florida.
And much, much more! Participate or come enjoy the company of fellow Ringers all afternoon.
For a full schedule of the day’s events or to register for the Prancing Pony, the Fashion Show, or the Lore Challenge, please call 407-835-7323.