Aniva writes, “I was fortunate enough to see the first New Zealand screening of “The Tale of the Tongan Ninja” last night, and was plesantly surprised at the number of connections to Lord of the Rings there was. For one, everyone’s favourite elf – no, not Leoglas, but Figwit, contributes to one of the film’s more questionable dance sequences. His name is credited to the coreography of the film’s most random musical break-outs.
“I also noticed that in the credits, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Barrie Osbourne are included in rather a long list of thank you’s. I suppose “Tongan Ninja” being predominantly filmed in Wellington was the reason for this.
“The movie was hilarious – a stand-out being (Flight of the Concord duo) Bret McKenzie & Jemaine Clement’s lyrics in the many songs that seemed to be thrown into the mix. The Australian Empire magazine gave the film an atrocious review, but I thought it was a very enjoyable, funny film.
“….I just thought I’d e-mail you to let you know Figwit’s progress in life after Lotr…..”
Hengist writes: In a new book by Richard Cohen called “By the Sword” the author describes (amongst other things) the history of screen swordplay. He obviously devotes some time to Bob Anderson and includes the following snipet about Liv Tyler, which says a lot about Bob Andersons techniques and about Liv Tyler.
“He [Bob Anderson] was laughing at the fate of Liv Tyler in The Lord of the Rings. Cast as the young heroine, Arwen, she had bridled at the notion of rehearsing for a fencing scene. An angry Anderson told her he was going away for a while, leaving her with his assistant. He told her he’d give her one chance to shoot the scene on his return before giving it to the director for his approval. “When I came back I could see a gleam in my assistant’s eye: she did the best fight sequence I’ve seen a girl do!”
Buy “By the Sword” on Amazon.uk Today!
Felicia
Here’s a little report from Andy’s book signing last night in SLC. I don’t know how many people were there but we were about half way down the line and it took us a couple of hours to get to Andy. He said he would talk to everyone in line (they cut the line off at around 8:30). When we got in line they were estimating that there were about 600 waiting–maybe somebody else has a better idea of how many people were there. He was so kind and accessible to everyone. The books sold out in about 5 minutes. When it was our turn to have him sign, my 10-year-old daughter asked him to do the Gollum voice. The next thing you know, he starts a Gollum/Smeagol dialogue like, “What would you like me to say,” going back and forth whether he should say anything or not and whether she liked him or not, and even did the Smeagol hand thing on his head like when they were in front of the Black Gate in TTT. He was wonderful with her and also with my 13-year-old son, who doesn’t want to wash his hand ever again after shaking Andy’s. What a great guy.
Macilmé
Just thought I’d drop a line and tell you my experience with Andy Serkis when he appeared at the Borders bookstore in Crossroads Plaza, Salt Lake City, on January 14.
I arrived shortly after 7pm and the line was HUGE; it snaked all around mall. Because his book had sold out very quickly, they allowed memorabilia to be signed, and luckily, I had brought my large Smeagol/Gollum (with 20+ phrases), so he signed the box for me. Even though it was 10:15pm, and he’d been signing non-stop for almost three hours, he was still smiling, gracious, and courteous. We were rushed through the line (though I doubt it was Andy’s choice) because there were so many people. I was able to snap a few photos after he signed my Gollum.
Great experience. I’ll know next time to take a half-day off of work to get in line.
Jennie writes: “Bernard Hill was interviewed on Mix 107.3 FM in Washington, D.C. this morning, on the Jack Diamond Morning Show. Unfortunately, I was in the car and so unable to record the interview or I’d have transcribed it for you. He mentioned how wonderful all the fans had been, and remarked how even the die-hard Tolkien geeks (I think he means us) were with them every step of the way, and very much appreciated. He also said that they’d filmed the movie, “with one foot on the book,” contrasting the filmmaking to how other book-to-film projects are often made. He said that normally, they read the book, put it aside, go on holiday for the weekend, and then sit down to write the screenplay. Not so with this film. The book was always there and they were always trying to slip more of Tolkien into it throughout the process.
“He did mention something I’d never heard, and something Bernard claims he’s never told anyone before.
“When the warriors are returning to Helm’s Deep, he was supposed to be riding a white horse. But his horse had pulled up lame, and he’d wound up riding a brown one. (They had several horses trained for the set, but the only one available to him was the brown.) This horse wasn’t used to him, nor he to it. So the horse went up when he went down, and when you see him about to dismount at Helm’s Deep, you see a pained look on his face, as though he’s had a hard ride and a difficult time getting there, and is devastated by the loss of Aragorn and so many men, etc. etc. Really, he’s just thinking, “Ow! I think the pommel just cracked my sternum!” Which is what had happened. So look for the wince. It’s real.”
Ringer spy KT says, “Quoq Inc. in Japan has just released a Lord of the Rings credit card! There is a website, to apply for the card, but I am quite sure that only people residing in Japan will be elligable to get one, I am sure going to try my hardest to get one.” [More]
“I think this goes someway to making up for making me wait two months to see the movie.
“The release date in Japan has now been announced as February 14, on Valentines Day.”
Helena writes about the premiere in Japan, which is proving to be frustrating for the fans, because it seems like they’ll be excluded from the chance event to line up by the red carpet and cheer like they do in other countries:
“I’m writing about the Japanese premiere, that apparently is going to happen maybe on next 22nd. On the contrary of all the premieres all around the world for the whole trilogy, every time when it comes to Japan, the thing seems to be more of a super-secret-non-secret thing. Let me explain: It has been published on the official Japanese LOTR site that on this month is going to happen the very especial premiere with the presence of Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, PJ and many others (apparently 22 people are coming), but nothing about the place, the date, the time…The site is telling 777 fans will be lucky to ‘watch’ the premiere live on their PC and it also says about watching it on the cell-phone.’Become the witness of this historical event!’ it says…Now, when in all other places the fans wait excited to be next to the red carpet or do the craziest things to be able to get in, here in Japan all we can do is wait to see how it was on the news for a few seconds next day or buy magazines to read the interviews next month.
“The lack of information is absurd. One fan called the company that’s arranging the event and the person told her that the Japanese premiere will not be for ‘regular’ people, which means that only famous people who call themselves artists will be there, not even for the film, but to make the news papers next morning.There are hundreds of fans waiting for this moment, the stars are coming, PJ is finally coming, why not make an event worthy of all this dedication to this movie? Why so top-secret?
All the fans wish they could go and send the cast and crew their love and show how much they care, but go where? When?”
A BIG thank you to Diamond_T & Mediadoc the Magnificent for sending along this transcript from Ian McKellen’s appearance on ‘The View’
Begins with a viewing of the clip of Ian and Billy Boyd in the stables at Edoras with Dom.
STAR: Welcome! Love those beads! You are decorated! Ian is wearing a black shirt with a white muscle tee underneath and some Crewe beads, one set particularly large and orchid in color.
IAN: I got these at Mardi Gras. I just got these gestures to the large orchid set outside. Maybe I should give it to one of you.
JOY: You have to pick one. I think it goes with my blouse. Don’t cha think? Women nod approvingly
Ian: I know what to do. Turns to Star Jones You look after these for Barbara (Walters, who was not present). Everyone goes ” ahh” . He gives the beads to Star
STAR: Now, that was very Gandalf. I have to tell you, I mean, in case you haven’t figured that out…why are you here? I haven’t figured that out. The movie has just made about a billion dollars. The whole world is going to see it. You don’t need to promote it. Did you just come to visit the girls? Ian nods Fantastic! I just love it!
Ian: A little holiday spirit he hold up a glass with clear liquid in it.
STAR: It’s water; it’s fresh. In all honesty, you know I’ve seen all of the LOTR films. This is the final; the third of the trilogy, and the conclusion of the story. Did you ever have any idea how big it would become. Ian shakes his head. Unbelievable!
Ian: How could we have known? I never read the books, but the minute I said that I would play the part, suddenly my website in flooded with people saying ” Now, you better play this part well. We’re all depending on you.” So, there was always a corale that had read the books and were waiting to see the movies, but no one could believe it would have gone through the roof as it as now. As for publicizing it, I don’t mind talking about a movie I really like. I mean, sometimes you’re sitting around one of these talking about films you wish you rather hadn’t been in, and I want everyone to see it; on the big screen. Don’t wait for the DVD; see it on the big screen. See spectacle like it’s never been! Applause
Star: See the fight scenes ’cause you will really lose out if you don’t see it on the big screen. I mean, there are animals over 200 feet tall. The most amazing thing I have ever seen. Peter Jackson is brilliant.
NEW HOST: And it just got nominated for two Golden Globes: Best Director and best Picture. No acting nominations though?
Ian: Ah, no. The New York Board of Review gave us the Ensemble Acting Award. I think we were all chuck about that because we’re a bit of a team, and we perhaps don’t want to be selected away from the others.
NEW HOST: So, do you think about your possibilities of getting an Oscar Nomination, or does it really matter?
Ian: Well, I’m tempted to say, “who needs Oscar?” I think if you’re in a little movie that needs help, like “Gods and Monsters” that I was in, and got nominated for that…
STAR: That was great! Applause
Ian: But this movie doesn’t need little prizes. A little cherry on the top of the Christmas cake. But, the real important thing is the audience.
JOY: yeah, right. Is the “Sir” is that really important?
IAN: It is. And it’s funny I know Americans don’t really understand about these titles-
JOY: We couldn’t find an equivalent.
IAN: No, you don’t have one. They’re medals given by a grateful nation for your contribution to the life of the country. “Sir”…well, politicians get the knighthood, teachers-
JOY: Rock artists-but some people turn it down-
STAR: Vanessa Redgrave turned it down-
IAN: Yes. They do. Well, she may have turned down the “Dame” title, but I can tell you what, she is a Commander of the British Empire that she got when she was 27. She keeps quiet about that. All go ‘AHHHH’!
MEREDITH: But for you, does it make you feel like you look in the mirror and say, “hello, Sir!” laughter It’s got to be heady.
IAN: There are two things for me. First, to be in the same category nominally as my hero Sir Lawrence Olivier, Sir John Gill, Sir Alec Guinness-
JOY: Sir Ralph Richardson
IAN: Yeah, exactly. It makes me feel very warm. But, then, I got it just 2 years after I had come out and said I was gay. And that hadn’t happened before that an openly gay person had be given a knighthood. So, I just saw that as a bit of social charge that I approved of. That was why I was so pleased.
MEREDITH: Why did you think-I was going to ask you that because you did ‘come out’-you have been very vocal, and it hasn’t affected your acting. You play-
IAN: Actually, my film career took off the moment I came out, so–*laughter* guys, get out of the closet! More laughter
STAR: Yes-you play one of the best characters ever!
JOY: The British don’t care about things like that-
STAR: Obviously the Americans don’t either! The movies have made like a billion dollars…
IAN: And they don’t care on Broadway either. It’s just Hollywood. They’ve got a few problems.
JOY: nods Issues.
IAN: Mind you, they just discovered in Hollywood a few years ago that they have Blacks there, did you notice? Uproarious laughter
JOY: …for roles other than servants, yes.
MEREDITH: I have to ask you…are you a little nervous? My son is coming out in the next segment…
IAN: A very nice young man. Extremely nice, and intelligent, and friendly.
MEREDITH: Trying to buy him, are you? Laughter
IAN: Well, crosses fingers we will hope for the best. Smiles
(Meredith’s teenage son was offering reviews of the Holiday Season releases, including of course, ROTK). I have a pretty good idea of what he’s going to say, so I am pleased.
MEREDITH: He will be reviewing your movie and “Cheaper by the Dozen”. Do you care what the critics say?
IAN: Well, the critics are the audience. They’re the people. applause
STAR: …about the confidence you have…
IAN: Well, if people come and see your movies and with LOTR , they come around the premieres by the hundreds of thousands and say, “Thank You!”…then, what the critics sat becomes less important.
STAR: Well, in this case, the fans love it, and the critics adore it. I have seen all of the best movies of the year lists. It’s either number one or number two…but for me, it’s number one!
Ian: Oh, thank you, Star!
STAR: LOTR: ROTK is everywhere! I know, I searched! Applause
