As fans know, Bilbo Baggins is the clue finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. He was chosen for the lucky number. He comes from the end of a bag, but no bag goes over him. He is the Barrel-rider. Plus, we know that soon he’ll be the centerpiece of one of the biggest big-screen fantasy epics of all-time.
But what does he mean to Guillermo Del Toro? MTV’s Movie Blog provided him an opportunity to discuss exactly that topic:
“The most salient virtue of Bilbo is a very relatable, basic decency and honesty – the fact that here’s a guy who’s going to do the right thing,” Del Toro said of the titular character in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. “Bilbo is a good-hearted man, and the honesty of Bilbo is in direct contrast to the greed of Smaug, which looms large in the entire narrative, but also in the newly acquired greed and pride of Thorin, who becomes intoxicated with power and gold.”
There’s more to read and includes a video on MTV.com.
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With just a few weeks left before he heads to New Zealand for several years del Toro checked in with MTV News to discuss his plans for “The Hobbit” and beyond, including news on Smaug, Doug Jones as the Elvin King, Guillermo Navarro, Elrond and more. On Smaug he noted:
I discussed the Smaug appearance with great detail with [Tolkien illustrators] John Howe and Alan Lee, and there’s some illustrations that John did out of that meeting in London that approximate Smaug. I cannot say much more. He is becoming clearer and clearer.
Regarding approaching some of the actors, someone mentioned Hugo Weaving and he said:
Oh yeah. We have to approach him — of course. Hugo Weaving, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen — they all must be approached to do the movie.
The written interview also includes a video on MTV News
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Vivienne sends this along: Organizers of the above weekend held annually in Birmingham ask you to pencil in next year’s diary the date of their special Tenth Anniversary Weekend. This event will take place on the 16th and 17th May 2009 within The Shire Country Park in Hall Green near to Sarehole Mill, and the home that Tolkien loved as a child. Ideas have already been forthcoming. Continue reading “The Middle Earth Weekend 2009”
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WESTWOOD, MA – October 9, 2008– Turbine, Inc. announced today the details of the launch of The Lord of the Rings Online™: Mines of Moria™. On November 18, 2008 The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria will be available in stores across North America and Europe allowing players to begin their journey to the vast, terrifying and unparalleled world beneath Middle-earth. Turbine also announced the launch of the Mines of Moria Pre-Order and Early Upgrade Programs. Players in North America can pre-order Mines of Moria at participating retailers nationwide beginning today or can purchase an early upgrade of Mines of Moria by visiting www.lotro.com/moria and get special benefits — including a special $9.99 per month subscription when purchasing a multi-month plan and special in-game items. Turbine Unveils Launch Date, Pre-order and Early Upgrade Programs for The Lord of the Rings Online™: Mines of Moria™
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During our exclusive coverage of Peter Jackson’s King Kong we got to know talented artist Joe Devito. Joe’s eternal devotion to all things Kong are evident in the books and art he continues to publish. He recently sent me some information about an exhibit that will be hosting his work, alongside the work of his brother, Vito Devito.
VITO AND JOE DEVITO – BROTHERS IN ART 25 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE
CLASSIC SPORTING AND WILDLIFE ART TO KING KONG, CYBORGS TO SUPERMEN, SCIENCE FICTIONTOTHE SACRED ARTS.
ASHAWAGH HALL, EAST HAMPTON
Friday October 17th – Sunday October 26th • 10 – 5 P.M.
Reception, Saturday October 18th • 5 – 8 P.M.
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Annette writes: The trailer for Reclaiming the Blade, Galatia Film’s documentary on swords and sword fighting is full of LOTR folks. It begins with comments by John Howe who is followed by Richard Taylor, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys Davies (the film’s narrator), Karl Urban and, of course, swordmaster Bob Anderson. There are clips of all of our favorite sword fights and the list of authorities on the film’s web site is would make an incredible melee!. Continue reading “Reclaiming the Blade Trailer Boasts LOTR Alumni”
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