Ian McKellen has been thought of as one of the world’s great actors for more than half his life. But in the last decade, he has also transformed himself from a strict stage thespian – highly rated, seen by very few – into a big screen star.
He combines high art and mass appeal once more next year when filming beings on The Hobbit, a fourth movie adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books, in which he will again appear as the great wizard Gandalf.
McKellen claims no great strategy for combining critical and commercial success. “How am I expected to make sense of a career which has basically been about me enjoying myself and hoping people would come to see me too?”
For the rest of the article click on the link. Time
Everyone knows Hollywood giants Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg are collaborating on three Tintin movies, but rarely has the public seen the two top film-makers in the same place. A new online video shows them not only together, but with the potential to be a snappy comic duo. The official website for Tintin unveiled this week a two-minute video recording of Jackson and Spielberg made for the the Angouleme International Comics Festival in France. In the video Jackson and Spielberg wear bowler hats and carry umbrellas as a homage to two of the Tintin series’ most popular characters, the bungling detectives Thomson and Thompson. They are seated between a cardboard cutout of Tintin, the plucky Belgian detective. “We’re here to celebrate Tintin’s 80th year in existence,” said Spielberg, who is directing the first Tintin film Secret of the Unicorn. Tintin video unveiledVideo
The Lovely BonesLord of the Rings director Peter Jackson has been rated a top 2010 Oscar hope with his new film, The Lovely Bones. The Los Angeles Times has predicted the New Zealander will scoop the pool with his adaptation of Alice Sebold’s best-selling novel, possibly winning up to six of the top categories. Jackson is no stranger to Oscars, having won 20 of the prized gongs for directing and producing the Rings trilogy. The new film, based on the novel about the rape and murder of a teenager, has been shot in the US and New Zealand but is not due for release until December. Jackson’s new film touted for Oscars
New roles appear; new opportunities beckon. Just ask Sean Astin, who played Samwise Gamgee in the “Lord of the Rings” movies. Astin currently stars in “The Color of Magic,” which has its U.S. debut Sunday. He had already met its witty author, Terry Pratchett, four years ago. That was when Astin was in one of his favorite places, New Zealand, to film the mini-series “Hercules.” Paul Telfer, who played Herc, began talking about how Pratchett was coming to Auckland for a book-signing. “Paul said, ‘You’ve got to meet this guy; he’s an amazing writer,'” Astin recalled. “We went down there and stood in line.” ‘The Color of Magic’ stars former Hobbit
Galenswerd Swordsong writes: I Just wanted to let you guys know that members of the LOTRO community on the Landroval server have created an awesome video set to the music of Celtic band Fathom. Turbine featured the video on their community spotlight:
“The first time we saw “The Battle of Ballylochlan,” we knew we’d have to spotlight this Celtic masterpiece on a very particular day. Like minstrels of ancient times, Welby and the Lonely Mountain Band wield the arts masterfully, and envelop us in their merriment. Featuring an enthusiastic drum beat, insane Irish piping, and stunning visuals, the movie lets us join them in a St Patrick’s Day themed celebration, on the special day itself. Congratulations again to Welby, and happy St Patrick’s day from the Turbine team!”
Today Turbine has unveiled Volume II: Book 7: Leaves of Lόrien, the latest major content update for subscribers of The Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria (LOTRO). Book 7, which is now available to North American subscribers (available in Europe on 3/24), delivers the next installment to the epic story of LOTRO, a new 12-player raid, the Spring Festival, access to the full region of Lothlorien, and more. An official press release follows. In addition, Turbine has just released a new batch of Book 7 screenshots, which illustrate Strange Happenings, a new quest arc that begins deep within the Waterworks of Moria.
Ian McKellen has been thought of as one of the world’s great actors for more than half his life. But in the last decade, he has also transformed himself from a strict stage thespian – highly rated, seen by very few – into a big screen star.
