From: Mark
Hi folks,
I’ve been enjoying your site each day. A cup of coffee and a check on the latest news is a nice way to get things rolling. Here’s a (very) little contribution of my own:
My family is from New Zealand, and though we are now situated in various places on the east coast of USA, we stay in touch with relatives and friends from back home. As an old LOTR fanatic, I was delighted to learn of the production, especially the news of Masterton, my birthplace (I had always wished that I was born somewhere in Middle Earth – this is the closest I’ll come). Anyway, my mother has received some local “intelligence” that you might find interesting. She has an old friend who lives in Seatoun, and when you published news of the construction there, we went to her for the answers. She writes:
“In answer to all the LOTR questions, Yes, they are building a village for the film in Seatoun on the old Fort Dorset land. The army have moved out and the land is earmarked for a new Seatoun School plus housing development. We peeped over the fence last weekend when visiting the area. Can’t see much – everything covered. Peter Jackson – a local Pukerua Bay lad (Pukerua Bay used to be a drab northern suburb) – has made several movies but this is his most ambitious. He has bought 5 houses in the area – both over 1 million dollars. Sam Neill – a prominent actor – bought 2 houses in our street just above Peter Jackson’s – they are firnds. Also we are told Sean Connery has been strolling up Tai Pak on occasions. An old neighbor met him one day and couldn’t believe it. He must be in the movie.”
Keep up the great work! I really enjoy it.
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From: EMMANUEL C.
Sir McKellen,
I am a french fan of Tolkien’s books and when the LOTR Movies were announced, I’ve been very happy. Hear that you will be in this project is for me THE gratification. You must know that i was sincerely impressed by your performance in Apt Pupil, ( Un élève doué in french ) and some others movies, like gods and monsters that I ‘ve seen in English.( That was difficult for me !)Therefore, I am not at all worried about the part of Gandalf the Grey in LOTR.
I ‘ve just one question : I want to know if the interpretation of Magneto can help or influence you to act the part of Gandalf ? Please, a answer will be great !
I’m very, very, very sorry for my english !
Sincerely,
Emmanuel
at the moment magneto and gandalf dont know each other – i shot apt pupil and gods and monsters back-to-back and those characters didnt seem to verlap
best wishes ian mckellen
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From: Scott I
This is the reply and the question from ian Mckellen.
Hello, Sir McKellen (or is it McKellen the Grey)?
Anyway, I’m a big fan of the Lord of the Rings( not big in stature, just enthusiasm!) and was just wondering:
Will the Gandalf character you portray in the film be YOUR Gandalf or one perceived by another person, e.g Peter Jackson?
Thanks for your time,
Scott I,
Doncaster – England
dear scott i
u ask a simple question that is not easily answered. let’s say for now that tolkein and jackson will be my guides
best wishes ian mckellen
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From: Resevoir Dog
I’m writing this to let you know some news that I found out recently. A bout a year and a half ago a company here in Australia put on a stage play using puppets of teh hobbit. It only played a small season and I managed to catch it. It was absolutely fantastic with cool puppets, effects, music, drama everything a tolkien fan could dream of.
I have just noticed that the company is going to reopen the show and tour around Australia and the on to New Zealand!
Renewed interest in Tolkien has obviously made this possible so let some of your fans know that it is coming their way and tell them not to miss it.
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From: Kevin
I heard from a friend who had a chance to talk with Gary Gygax (creator of AD&D) that Gygax has been hired as a consultant for the movie.
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From: Kenneth
I just recently sent the following e-mail to Sir Ian McKellen:
Sir McKellen,
I just wanted to write and let you know how pleased I am that you have decided to undertake this marvellous adventure in Tolkein’s Middle-Earth. I have seen several of your pictures and must say that if anyone can bring this role to life, it is you. I wanted also to ask a question. I was wondering if, in your research for the role of Gandalf, whether or not you watched Ralph Bakshi’s animated version of the film from 1977? I was curious as to what your view (of the way Gandalf was presented in the film) was and whether or not you envisioned him in a similar way when you first read the books (as I’m sure you have, if not for your own entertainment, then certainly in your research of the role.) I know that your portrayal of Gandalf will be a direct reflection of Peter Jackson’s direction, but what vision of the character do you see for yourself? What elements do you see yourself bringing to the role?
Sincerely,
Kenneth
Dallas, Texas, USA
PS: Best wishes for a successful shoot on “X-Men”, and very much looking forward to seeing you on the silver screen in the months ahead.
This was his reply:
dear kenneth
i generally avoid other interpretations of characters i am about to play. after all i must find gandalf inside myself – that process is just beginning and i may try and plot it out in the grey book. altho too much analysis can be harmful away from the workplace
best wishes ian mckellen
Hope this might be of use for the website.
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