From Noggin The Nog:
The post about the BBFC classification is fascinating. The following is the guideline from the BBFC web site which indicates what is permissible in a PG rating. It is interesting to note the specific references to “fantasy” as being a mitigating or acceptable reason for violence and horror. The type of violence which must surely form part of FOTR if shown in the context of a contemporary backdrop would almost certainly have earned a 12 classification.. Recently, the most likely scenario in the UK has been for cuts to made in films rated as PG-13 in the US in order to obtain a 12 classification in the UK. Alternatively the distributors have left the film uncut and accepted a 15 classification. Recent examples of this include Tomb Raider, Charlies Angels and Mission Impossible II. As FOTR is expected to have a PG-13 rating in the US I was ,if anything, expecting cuts. It can only be the fantasy context which has obtained this suprise decision.
‘PG’ General viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for some children
Unaccompanied children of any age may watch. A ‘PG’ film should not disturb a child aged around eight or older. However, parents are advised to consider whether the content may upset younger or more sensitive children.
Horror – Frightening sequences should not be prolonged or intense. Fantasy settings may be a mitigating factor.
Imitable Techniques – No glamorisation of realistic, contemporary weapons. No detail of fighting or other dangerous techniques.
Theme – More serious issues may be featured, eg crime, domestic violence, racism (providing nothing in their treatment condones them).
Violence – Moderate violence, without detail, may be allowed – if justified by its setting (eg historic, comedy or fantasy).
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Jordan has some extremely-cool news for all Tolkien fans: the Discovery Channel is making a 5-part series on the Science of Lord of the Rings. [More]
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From Jordan:
I caught a brief segment on swords and historical parallel in Tolkien’s literature on the Canadian Discovery channel today, and afterwards they mentioned that starting December 13th they are going to air a 5-part series on the science behind Lord of the Rings, where they will talk about the languages, geography, evolution amongst the elves/dwarves/humans, and special effects in the movies; amongst other things. Just thought I’d give a head’s up, it sounds interesting.
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Marcus writes: I just found an interesting article that talks about how Tolkien’s heroes are often the characters most would least expect to be heroic and how the road to victory is often the one last considered. A good read! [More]
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Karen wrote in to say that she noticed that the song ‘In Dreams’, which is a recurring theme throughout the LOTR score, sounded farmiliar to her. [More]
-update-
It seems that Karen’s post prompted a flood of mail, some requesting to know more, some packed-full of information. For those who are wondering what exactly the song is, just read on! [More]
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From Karen:
Has anybody else noticed that the song “In Dreams”, which is a recurring theme throughout the LOTR score, sounds familiar? It drove me crazy for a few hours until I figured out where I’d heard it before. The tune is almost identical to an old familiar hymn that most of us learned in childhood. The first two measures are exactly identical, and the next two are the same only a third higher than the hymn tune. I’m sure that this was entirely unintentional on Walsh’s and Shore’s part. It’s an easy thing to happen when you’re writing music. And it didn’t spoil the score for me; on the contrary it added a depth and connection with my childhood. I don’t want to spoil it for anybody, so I’ll just say that the hymn was written by Maltbie Babcock in 1901.
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