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Amen Harry
by Dash Riprock
Jul 13th, 1999
04:13:16 AM
Damn straight. The talkbacks on yesterday's post were just ridiculous. Some of you need to go BACK ON your medication. Jeez...I mean rilly!
Husband and wife team, eh? Hmmm...
by ThePantingMenace
Jul 13th, 1999
04:14:47 AM
This might not mean much to Americans, but I think Pete jackson could be planning to use the First Couple of Tacky Weddings, Mr. and Mrs. David Beckham in the LOTR movie. We all know Victoria can act - she proved it in Spiceworld - so we just have to see if Satanic little David can cut the mustard. Or maybe we're going to be treated to Macauley Culkin and his missus? Let's face it, we've already got two former child stars in this movie (Wood and Astin), so why not go the whole hog and cast the Mother of all Child Stars? In fact, let's get Corey Haim as Aragorn and Corey Feldman as Gandalf! you know it makes sense! Right...I'm off to re-read LOTR. I've been inspired.
new line cinema
by greenlightscafe
Jul 13th, 1999
04:17:07 AM
is this the same michael deluca who produced THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT and still haven't paid two screenwriters $1.5 million for the privilege of SHANE BLACK ripping off their 1991 screenplay INSIDE THE RIBBON offered to Silver Pictures, and Shane Black seels it at auction screwing Joel Silver and giving it to New Line instead? STEPHANIE AUSTIN POWERS: THE CARLA FRY WHO SHAGGED ME.
casting
by kev
Jul 13th, 1999
04:18:31 AM
wasnt kate winslet supposed to be cast as galadriel a while back? i dont think the guy she married is an actor but i seem to remember him being in the biz in some way....as long as it aint dicaprio i'll be fine.
Finally some reason
by Fairlane
Jul 13th, 1999
04:20:17 AM
Im sure this talk back will be filled with a lot of BS as always, but it does make you think that De-luca actually reads the comments on Talk-back. Now that does show a grain of interest from "There" side on our thoughts. Maybe they ar'nt that bad after all?
cool
by creamy goodness
Jul 13th, 1999
04:21:22 AM
Well that pretty damn cool. Yea, I didn't understand that whole flame war about new line screwing things up. I'm guessing some people are preparing themselves to be horribly disappointed, given the track record of fantasy films. But if done right, this movie will change more than a few things in the world of cinema: happy endings will no longer be a necessity (opening up the door for more tragedy or comitragedy); fantasy films will no longer be for kids (or just for them, something Lucas knew then kind of forgot... let's hope he remembers for Eps 2&3); hollywood will be more open to using unknowns (yes!); and there will be a new emphasis on plot. Hopefully, that is. Only 700 days to go! -CG
Basinge/Baldwin
by DickensDean
Jul 13th, 1999
04:46:20 AM
Actually, this could be a very strong possibility, but for a very different intriguing reason. Boromir. I see another Baldwin brother pairing up with Alec to play on-screen younger/older siblings.... hmmmm....
GIVE US DANIEL DAY-LEWIS PLEEEEEEASE!
by Synner
Jul 13th, 1999
04:54:58 AM
He's soooo right for the part. Gandalf could only ever be Max Von Synow and I feel sick to my stomach at some of the husband/wife teams Harry mentioned. Tom Cruise or Bruce Willis in Lord Of The Rings? ABSOLUTELY NO fuckin way! The only one mentioned that I could handle is Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin. DickensDean: Sorry, I can't stand Baldwin - lets have Adrian Paul as Boromir! He can really weild that sword.
corrections...and a suggestion
by Alanon328
Jul 13th, 1999
05:02:59 AM
Well, Ryan Phillippe is indeed married to Reese Witherspoon, and Gabriel Byrne went through a nasty divorce with Ellen Barkin. And who the hell knows what's up with Bruce & Demi. But here's a suggestion: How about Jerry Stiller and Ann Meara? Sorry, couldn't resist :
Thurman and Hawke, anyone???
by pete23
Jul 13th, 1999
05:04:38 AM
I may be a little out of touch with the state of celeb's love lives, but last I heard Uma Thurman was still married to Ethan Hawke. Anyone else think this would be casting heaven?
synner, just a note; and re: baldwins
by creamy goodness
Jul 13th, 1999
05:14:23 AM
Foghorn Legforn sounds more like a scot than Adrian Paul. Yes he can wield a sword, but he can't act worth a damn. If knowing how to wield a sword is the only criterion for getting into this film, then why don't they just walk down to a local martial arts studio, pay an instructor a few hundred bucks and be done with it. Or hell, put me in it; I'm sure I know more about sword fighting than Ewan MacGregor did before SW:Ep1. And about the baldwins - now that would be screwing up! Oy vey! My dog has more acting range, and it's dead. "Oi! Doctor! My brain hurts!" -CG
holy crap?!?!?!
by creamy goodness
Jul 13th, 1999
05:20:25 AM
Yes, Thurman and Hawke!!!!!!! Holy garbanzo beans batman! Wow! That's the only good suggestion for the married couple yet. Imagine Uma doing Galadriel's speech to Frodo. Wow! And Ethan is a wonderful actor, with a huge range, and a sensitivity that could very well pull off a perfect Faramir. Ok, I'm just gonna be saying wow the rest of the day. Thanks for the suggestion! -CG
Ethan and Uma
by NJCAA1
Jul 13th, 1999
05:26:10 AM
The hubsand and wife in question is Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman. Check with their reps and you'll get some very interesting answers about thier future plans. Barto out.
More morons play the casting game...
by Ilvenshang
Jul 13th, 1999
05:28:49 AM
Daniel Day-Lewis is a wimp, w/ lotsa prestige & minimum talent. Jeremy Northam (who PJ characterized as "not famous" when I tried to pin him down on what-constitutes-a-celebrity in 20Q2) is worth 5 of Daniel. As for Hawke-Thurman, I've never seen Hawke in action, but he does look the part. I hate Thurman (Avengers, etc.), but I must concede that she could prob. more or less handle Galadriel.
Deluca's reading?
by Severian
Jul 13th, 1999
05:29:27 AM
You know, quite a few of my friends and family members have told me that I would make a great hobbit. And I'm currently looking for a new job, so...
The married couple should be...
by Scooby
Jul 13th, 1999
05:30:43 AM
Bob and Delores Hope! Hey, he's British at least. All kidding aside, married or not Helena Bonham Carter and Kenneth Branagh belong in this movie! If they can't afford both I could live without Branagh. But put Helena Bonham Carter in this movie! Please, please, PLEASE!!
Trailer schmailer
by giorg
Jul 13th, 1999
05:45:42 AM
If Newline or whoever wanted confidence in the movie before a tralier is released, they could have helped with a bit more sensible casting, and little less authoritarian disdain for the fans, and for the book being made into a movie. They didn't do it, so naturally there's a reaction. They are in charge of the show.... Perhaps dubbing the voices might help (it won't fix the acting though).
Uma?
by Achilles
Jul 13th, 1999
05:50:11 AM
You know, Ethan Hawke is a great choice for Faramir. He's a great actor. He may be a little wimpy, but he can work on that. But I gotta say I have never understood anybody's interest in Uma Thurman. She just plain isn't pretty enough for the part of Galadriel. She also isn't a very good actress. All of her work over the past 4-5 years is testament to that fact. Galadriel is supposed to be the most beautiful being on the planet, save only Arwen. There are literally thousands of actresses who have the acting chops for the role who are better looking than Uma. Why would they want a husband/wife team for those two roles anyway? I don't think think they ever appear in the same scene, except maybe the wedding at the end, and everybody is in that scene. Oh, and Mr. Deluca, and Peter, if you are reading this, I would like to renew my appeal to you both. Cast ME as Eomer. I was made for this role. Seriously. Don't cast that role until you give me an audition.
Is this for real?
by SirReal
Jul 13th, 1999
06:01:41 AM
Husband and wife team? Cruise and Kidman? Willis and More? Isn't Galadriel supposed to be like 7 feet tall? Don't even get me started on Faramir. Or the fact that American accents would be way out for at least elves. Hey Scooby: Brannagh could easily be lost from the movie, but i do agree: Helena Bonham Carter is perfect. To you who would like to see Keeanu "Yes, Sir dude Sir Dracula dude" Reeves in LOTR: I think he is the acting equivalent to a root canal. -S
Uma and Ethan. What a match!
by Lord Neo
Jul 13th, 1999
06:01:51 AM
YesYESYES, this guy got it all right! Uma and Ethan are indeed the perfect couple for these roles in Lord of the Rings. This guy must be a genius or an insider. Anyway thank you! Oh yeah alhtough I think this is the ultimate couple, what about Winona Ryder for the female role? I'm not sure who she's dating right now, but hey that can be arranged!
husband and wife team guess
by daneel
Jul 13th, 1999
06:07:35 AM
Ralph Fiennes and Francesca Annis.. oops.. they're not married. But interesting idea nonetheless?
You guys need to think more...
by Ellindar
Jul 13th, 1999
06:13:54 AM
You guys don't give credit where credit is due. Baldwin/Basinger may or may not fit the part perfectly but both are accomplished actors. As for Bruce and Demi, not a chance. Even though I like Bruce and his movies, they neither one would fit into the LOTR trilogy... ESPECIALLY 'ol G.I. Jane. No thanks. I think so far, Ethan Hawke and Uma have been the best nomination. If Uma doesn't look like a tall slender elf then no one does! I don't find her all that attractive but when she's really made up to look well, (Batman & Robin... eck) she does look good. The two of them were in the movie GATTICA together correct? Might be a good way to check out their chemistry. To rip down Daniel Day Lewis as a wimp with no talent is just plain absurd and has no basis whatsoever. His acting in Last of the Mohicans was fantastic and I think he'd make a great Aragorn. However, whether or not he fits that part perfectly isn't up to me, but thank God for all of us it's not up to Ilvenshang. There's been a lot of great actors mentioned here but when DeLuca talked about a husband / wife team did he actually say they were thinking about a famous husban / wife team? They could be unknowns for all we know...
Achilles, thems fightin' words
by creamy goodness
Jul 13th, 1999
06:20:28 AM
"She's just not pretty enough for the part"????? Looks like someone needs a new prescription for their glasses. About her acting: some of her roles have been less than stellar (Batman & Robin , and purportedly Avengers, which I never bothered to see), but in that movie about her with the long thumbs (Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, I think?), she was magnificent. She's a very quirky actress, with a style and personality that is very individual (why else would terry gilliam be the one to discover, or rather uncover her?). You can't just put her in a film and focus the camera on her curves a la B&R . She's too intelligent for that, and the awkwardness shows. That's why I believe she can do a perfect Galadriel, who is a very strange character (underneath the beauty is a hunger for power that eternally clashes with an endless compassion and unending wisdom; she is at once strange and aloof and distant, but also intimate and down-to-earth (a quality which throws both Frodo and Gimli for a loop); and her modesty - her deference to Celeborn, her husband - is both flase and genuine: false because she is of a much greater stature than he (and she knows it), but genuine because she really does love him). Uma has the right presence and could pull it off. (Of course, she, like anyone including PJ, could just as easily not pull it off; but I'll just cross my gingers.) -CG
Myserious Ranger
by Stevanos
Jul 13th, 1999
06:34:43 AM
Having an "Unknown" as Aragorn could be very good. Years ago here in the UK, the BBC made a very successful Lord of The Rings Radio Play. Tom Bomadil was missing too, but the plot virtually styed the same. The actor who played Aragorn was then an unknown, too. He was Robert Stevens - who became a well-acclaimed actor. When first introduced as Strider, his voice sounded really rough. But by the end it was kingly and noble. His genius was that throughout the play it is very difficult to discern where precisly it changes. Sadly, both he and most of the other actors are now dead. Sir Michael Horden played a worthy Gandalf, and whoever played Theoden (I've forgotten) had a voice deep and grand. Incidently, Ian Holm played Gimli, too. One's thing for sure: whoever does get the role of Aragorn will have his work cut out for him. Especailly when as Strider his must "Appear foul and seem fair"!
Husband and Wife Teams?
by edmj
Jul 13th, 1999
06:38:00 AM
How about Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant (not technically married, I know)? Can't you just see Hugh as the bold Faramir? ;) Or Claudia Schiffer and David Copperfield? ;)
Eternal...
by Dash Riprock
Jul 13th, 1999
06:41:26 AM
I mean, I'm glad that in your post today, that you take no responsibility for your previous actions and statements...I mean that's a good point and all, but I think a better one would be to avoid flying off the handle, but then it's your business if you want to come off looking like a moron. You're right, we should all have a sense of humor...but really, the only person who seems to be lacking one is you. I know I know, if I DONT like what you HAVE to say I SHOULD probably NOT read YOUR posts, AND in ALL LIKELY hood FUCK OFF for GOOD measure.(do those caps make your head hurt as much as they do mine when I read your posts). I'm not trying to be overly critical or anything but JEEZ. Well, consider me censored chief.
Let's just hope it isn't....
by treadwell
Jul 13th, 1999
06:48:28 AM
...Martin Landau and Barbara Bain!!!
Couple o' notes..
by Hobbes
Jul 13th, 1999
06:51:32 AM
Kudos to Deluca for publishing (one of) his e-mail address (If he's smart, I'm sure he has more than one address to prevent him from getting inumdated by film geeks on his personal account). Sure he may be a corporate weasel, but how many corporate weasels woudl publish their address and asking all to write? Second, Gabriel Byrne and Ellen Barkin are not the Husband and Wife team they are talking about. WHy?? They split a few years ago and Ellen is getting primed to marry a non-hollywood type million(billion?)-aire.
Anglo-snobbery
by Azure Tyger
Jul 13th, 1999
07:07:15 AM
The Euro-elitists among the Tolkien fans have it absolutely right. Every one in the movie must have an English accent. Just because this is a largely American financed and supported project, the lowly American accent must not be used. Oh, the dreadfully uncouth voices everyone outside of the British isles have. Every different race and group spread across the entire continent of Middle Earth MUST speak in a rural English accent or the movie will be terrible. Tolkien the linguist would back me up if he were still alive -- The accents must be homogenous!!!
UMA---OPRAH= NUTS
by Brian D.
Jul 13th, 1999
07:11:16 AM
has everyone lost their minds for this film?? first we cast TEENAGERS to play 50 year old hobbits (ok, the hobbits at 50 may look 30-35 to you and me, but still wrong), then we have people seriously applauding uma fucking thurman (yes, she was hot in dangerous liasons, but she is not beautiful, ala catherine zeta jones et. al.)for galadriel,a woman of impeccable beauty, wise and stern, with much maturity (which comes from being thousands of years old)...and ethan double fucking hawke for faramir??? the same ethan hawke who is approx. 5'4 tall and 150 pounds??? to play a wise and grave (mature!!!) WARRIOR, someone who has lived thru awful things, and who is at least 6'5 in the books? (and yes, i realize there arent a lot of over 6' stars, so we do have to compromise, so how about making them at least average height or more, which STILL leaves ethan 5 inches short, and 40 pounds under)... i'd take yes, i said it, bruce and demi in a heartbeat over those two--at least they appear to have lived a life!!! Get real people! My suggestions, for "types", NOT necessarily the actual stars--galadriel, Glenn Close (too old, and not pretty enough, but the exact right level of gravity and sympathy), faramir, daniel day lewis if he doesnt get aragorn...otherwise, i give up....why dont we just bring the whole cast of "party of five" over to this film? jennifer love hewitt IS arwen!!!...good god........
faramir pliskin
by avo
Jul 13th, 1999
07:17:50 AM
Can you imagine Kurt Russell as Faramir and Goldie Hawn as Galadriel? please god....no!! Tom Baker for gandalf? for christs sake sombody agree with me
how about...
by Meynard
Jul 13th, 1999
07:19:07 AM
Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick. I could see that happening, They're not the "Hollywood Couple" that others have mentioned, and I think they would be great for the roles. I didn't notice anyone mention (and it would be blasphamy) Travolta & Preston.
Aragorn
by soccer-lad
Jul 13th, 1999
07:20:07 AM
Daniel-Day Lewis must play Aragorn. He's flat out the best actor in the world.Plus He looks the part and he's tall enough. If New Line is listening:Offer him the part. As for Borimir,how about Russel Crowe? He's got all the right attributes. And Gandalf..I like Gary Oldman. He's a bit young, but he can do just about anything. Oh, and Tom Cruise would make a good Farimir, if he weren't 4'5''
Correction: he is passable in Last of the Mohicans
by Ilvenshang
Jul 13th, 1999
07:20:59 AM
I have nothing against Daniel as a person, but I have NEVER seen anything to indicate that he is a serious actor, worthy of my respect as such. I don't claim to know anything about the backgrounds of the 2 Day-Lewis fans who've posted here. However, most of my friends who praise him are pretentious ignoramuses, easily impressed. My motto is: "easy to amuse, HARD to impress." For me to call Day-Lewis a good or brilliant actor, would be to insult every good or brilliant performance I have ever seen in a movie or TV series, from Kind Hearts & Coronets to Twins of Evil to DS9. As for whether it's a good thing or a bad thing that I'm not involved in the casting process, well, my comments on Uma show that I at least try to keep an open mind. PS - I don't know anything about New Line stiffing other writers. But they seemed to've behaved themselves reasonably well re: LOTR. And I don't think they're responsible for the Wood-Astin casting. It smacks of PJ's peculiar brand of insanity.
Hubby and wife teams...
by Monkey Lovins'
Jul 13th, 1999
07:27:21 AM
Hubby and wife teams...
by Monkey Lovins'
Jul 13th, 1999
07:27:21 AM
Thank you Mr. Deluca
by Goodgulf
Jul 13th, 1999
07:32:36 AM
I am excercising restraint and not writing directly to Deluca since I suspect he has/will be deluged with email from every one else. But I want to say Thank You for setting things straight (or a bit straighter) for us fans. We all want the same thing: A picture worthy of the book. If all goes well, we will ALL be "happier than a puppy with two peters" to quote a line from City Slickers.
Another list of candidates
by Lord Neo
Jul 13th, 1999
07:37:24 AM
More potential actors for the roles of Faramir and Galadriel Mel Gibson (maybe too old, but another Braveheart role would be nice) Jim Caviezel (young, talented, tall and handsome) Juliette Binoche (what can I say..) Christopher Lambert (well, just got a highlander flashback. The guy can handle a sword) Val Kilmer (?, hmm not so sure about this one) Allessandro Nivola (well new, talented, but not very tall) Madchen Amick (beautiful, but can she act?) Well, besides Uma and Ethan, what do you think?
Eternal Apologies
by Goodgulf
Jul 13th, 1999
07:41:13 AM
Thanks for the apologetic post Eternal. As others mentioned, it is your right to have and voice your opinions. I think that we can all voice our opinions in a rational manner without trying to hammer stakes in each others hearts when differences arise. The emotions run so very high here because LOTR is almost a religious topic with people crying "heretic" at any deviation from the story.
Reply to creamy goodness
by Achilles
Jul 13th, 1999
07:41:13 AM
I agree with you on your take on Galadriel. She is a mysterious, very deep character, easily the most powerful and influential of all the elves in Middle Earth. If you read the Silmarillion it is easy to see why this is: she is the last of the true Noldorin Elves, elves that lived in the Undying Lands under the tutelage of the Valar, "Elves of Light" that remember the light of the two trees. She was cousin to Feanor, who led the revolt of the Elves against the Valar following the theft of the Silmarils, and she followed Feanor to Middle Earth. Elrond may have a more significant lineage, but even he defers to Galadriel. So I understand the important influence that Galadriel has on Middle Earth history and the regality and wisdom that her character can project and that is why I say with confidence that... UMA THURMAN IS TOTALLY UNSUITED FOR THIS ROLE. I just don't think she is a good enough actress to bring it off, and she isn't pretty enough. Period. I can understand how people find her pretty. I just don't she could be confused for the most beautiful woman in all creation. I have a very strong grasp and understanding of the story. Trust my judgment on this one. Anyways, if Hawke is going to be Faramir, then Uma is going to be Eowyn (which she would be fine for, although I would prefer Kate Winslet for that role).
Hubby and wife teams...
by Monkey Lovins'
Jul 13th, 1999
07:41:46 AM
Sorry about the blank posts, I'm all thumbs today. But I'd have to say out of all the couples that have been suggested that none of them really fit. Some don't have the warrior look on the male side, or the wise and beautiful look on the female side. Keep in mind, that the information on the couple team says nothing about fame. And Peter Jackson has done his share of finding unknowns or all but unknowns and putting them in his movies. Maybe it's some duo that he's familiar with but we would all have to hit a movie database to find something that has them in it. Just an idea... And Eternal, I understand and always did respect your opinion, but I responded to your post because of the language and explosive anger that I felt just wasn't neccessary. But yes, I would agree that it's something to be considered. I would put my faith in the announcement on the whole idea of trying to keep costs down on actors. I hope I'm right and your wrong but who knows. And I salute your last response. My math may be wrong, but when we are talking about at least a few dozen, important roles and all of these big name actors, how is the budget really going to be able to cover that many of them. An example, say that the Demi and Bruce theory is correct. Al Pacino is going to be Gandalf (laughable at best), Connery is Sauruman, and pick yourself another three of four rumors of the list. So say we have 6-8 big names in the list and estimate what you think they would do the movie for in US$. 5 mil, 10? Wouldn't this be rather low and these actors taking less just to be in the movies? Even at about 7.5 mil each, 8 actors of renown is 60 million of the budget. Now I ask you to go thru you latest rumor list and pick a fav for each role and estimate a modest pay. Maybe I'm just rambling, but I don't see how half the roles that we seem to think are rather major, and in my opinion Faramir is a minor role as a whole, could be filled with half of the names we've thrown out. Anyway, stick me with a fork, cause I'm done.. -Monkey Lovins'
the fuck?
by morpheus
Jul 13th, 1999
07:52:51 AM
.......
Wow!been AWOL for sometime and look what i missed
by morpheus
Jul 13th, 1999
07:58:43 AM
Deluca was actually here!cool!Lets just lok at Eternal this way..that he(she) loves LOTR more than us and like us iss imptient for casting news albeit to a greater degree;) someone just mentioned about observational differences btweeen eklves and humans.I believe Vanyar(nm?) answered that when he states that elves has visible aura! p.s.goddamn bot kkeps sending my message to the worng damn place!??
Patrick Stewart for Gandalf!!!
by pete23
Jul 13th, 1999
08:06:48 AM
If we're all in a speculating kind of mood, then I think old Picard would be great in the role. You could even get Ryker as TreeBeard (kidding, kidding!!).
Having vented my annoyance, now back to the important stuff...
by Ilvenshang
Jul 13th, 1999
08:07:22 AM
I really don't know enough about the Hollywood dating pool to make a guess about the couple. Deluca's remarks suggest that they've found a married couple, one half of whom comes off as a careworn young warrior type, and one half of whom can play the beautiful, enigmatic woman-on-a-pedestal. Hawke-Thurman comes the closest of the candidates whose names have been mentioned. A Galadriel by Thurman would be acceptable but unmemorable to my mind. And even great movies have unmemorable characters - not too many people would care if Charley Grapewin were somehow excised from Wizard of Oz, or notice if Peter Cushing were editted out of Star Wars. Who they? My point exactly. Now for the complaints about Wood/Astin being too young or too American. Listen, snobs, there are cultured Americans, even cultured American actors. When I was growing up, I used to fantasize about Vincent Price as Saruman. Yeah, he prob. was too hammy for the part, but the point is that you could've stuck him in the middle of a castful of Brits, without anyone pegging him as an American. As for Astin & Wood being too young there are some things you have to remember. Frodo is 33 when the story opens. Tolkien lets 10-20 yrs go by (I think, the nit-pickers can correct me if I'm wrong), but you can't afford to do that in a film. PJ'll prob. have Frodo on the road w/i 6mos. to a yr. after the Birthday Party. That makes Frodo still 33 or 34, & his companions are younger still. Remember also that the hobbits have to seem sheltered, innocent, even naive. It is HARD for an actor to look like if he's older than 25.
how about this then?
by morpheus
Jul 13th, 1999
08:16:55 AM
tHE VOICE OF Glenn Close as Galadriel's and Uma Thurman as the body double of Galadriel.I mean if Glen can make a cutn paste cartoon doodle feel so full of gravitas then she can make Uma(or some other purties) feel like the arcetype feminine:)TO those who think Uma isn't purty,a pox on you:).She was Venus in The Adventures of Baron Munchausen!
Please no Uma Thurman
by chrisd
Jul 13th, 1999
08:18:01 AM
Batman and The Avengers aside (and believe that's hard to put aside!); Uma Thurman is not really right to play Galadriel. She may be a competent actor (they don't want to stay aside!) but I don't think she can capture Galadriel. Cate Blanchett, though not really prettyin the traditional sense, could portray the elegance of Galadriel. There are other possiblities as well, (Connie Nielsen?) but not Uma Thurman. And I think Ethan Hawke would detract from the film as well. They have done well, Gattaca, for example, but not here.
Freud woulda pointed out....
by morpheus
Jul 13th, 1999
08:22:25 AM
the womblike hobbit hole.....
Stevanos and BBC LOTR
by cutshaw
Jul 13th, 1999
08:22:34 AM
I just wanted to correct a couple of things that Stevanos stated about the BBC radio adaptation of LOTR. In fact Robert Stephens wasn't unknown when he did the voice of Aragorn. He had been long established on the stage and in films. Among his credits, he played Sherlock Holmes in Billy Wilder's The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes in 1970. Also Ian Holm was the voice of Frodo, not Gimli. Just for clarification
Wide of the Mark / Married couples
by sirrobin
Jul 13th, 1999
08:25:49 AM
hmmm, no one (but Harry) has commented on the most interesting couple of the bunch for my money -- Neeson/Richardson. Frankly I haven't seen any of Richardson's movies but from what I saw on her fan page (http://westwood.fortunecity.c om/prada/101/index.html) she might have the stuff. Her aside, Neeson's much talked about nobility (read just about any of his spin, and for once they may be right) chimes well with Faramir.
Jeremy brett!Now why didn't i think of that!!!
by morpheus
Jul 13th, 1999
08:32:21 AM
I think ,like Gabriel Byrne(which is my choice after watching King of Jutland),neeson's kinda too old as Harry has mentioned,Can anyone tell me if Madeleine stowe is married to an actor??
Landau & Bain
by vanillalady
Jul 13th, 1999
08:33:23 AM
Hey, since ya mentioned it, why not have it be Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft?
hubby & wife
by seanti
Jul 13th, 1999
08:42:15 AM
What about Nic Cage and Patricia Arquette? She's an elfin beauty...
What about...
by Jim H
Jul 13th, 1999
08:47:48 AM
Keeping with the English accents theme, what about Hugh Grant and Liz Hurley as the suspected couple. Though, I am not sure how I would feel about that one...Grant has some qualaties that would make a good Faramir and Hurley obviously has the physical assets to be Galadrial but I am not sure she has the maturity and sense of power required to pull off her scenes with Frodo and Sam.
Mr. DeLuca
by -Z-
Jul 13th, 1999
08:48:56 AM
if that was indeed you, New Line has just garnered a new fan. Any studio where the head actually takes the time (even though it's only a few lines) to address fans concerns, it shows that the studio gives a shit. I hope this is the case, and look forward to some fantastic movies.
Richardson/Neeson
by Ilvenshang
Jul 13th, 1999
08:50:06 AM
It sounded plausible when I first heard about it, but the more I think about it the less I believe it. Faramir is YOUNG but CAREWORN, not some noble, faintly pompous forty-yr-old. Incidently, if you want my dreamcasting, here goes: Gandalf: Rene Auberjonois (tho I'll settle for Chris Lee if I have to) Aragorn: Jeremy (Net, Mimic) Northam. Sam Neill or Richard E. Grant would also be acceptable. I've heard people kick Lee's name around re: this role; despite his age I can see that working in a weird sort of way. Boromir: Colin Firth. Faramir: Paul Gross. Eowyn: Gilliam Anderson (a pipe-dream I know, she won't be free of X-F in time) Treebeard: voice of Avery Brooks Saruman: Christopher Plummer Theoden: Anthony Hopkins, but if Connery is hell-bent on appearing, he should have this role. Legolas: Christopher Shea (NOT to be confused with the other Christophers :-) or Jeffrey Combs. If Mel Gibson wants in, and won't overcharge for his services, this is the role for him. Denethor: Christopher Lee. Eomer: I kinda think he's been written out, but if not, he's definitely an Ewan McGregor role. Gollum: voice of Peter MacNichol.
lotr
by deluca
Jul 13th, 1999
08:50:58 AM
Thanks for the support Harry. We're all in this together. I have total faith in Peter and I'm sure we're all going to see film history made.
DeLuca Rocks!
by claymore
Jul 13th, 1999
08:53:06 AM
Hell Yeah! That's how hollywood should work. The Exec's listening to and responding directly to the fans. Would you EVER see a Warner do that?

by Oskar
Jul 13th, 1999
08:53:06 AM
First of all I think the Hobbit's should apear childlike and Woods/Astin, regardless of their age, will make great Hobbit's visually. Case closed for me. Galadriel/Faramir.....Madonna/ Penn, Couldn't resist.
AT LAST SOME RESPECT. Thanks to Mr. deLuca
by nightsir
Jul 13th, 1999
09:04:55 AM
Guten Tag, greetings from germany. As I
"Unknowns"
by Sabrina
Jul 13th, 1999
09:06:33 AM
One of the things I love about people who post to this board is their inability to think of the most obvious, People Magazine-type American "hottie" actors. Remember -- despite the casting of Wood and Astin, PJ has concentrated his search in THE UK and AUSTRALASIA. This means that the "husband and wife team" could very well be ENGLISH (or Australian) and the "unknown" for Aragorn could be a little-known-in-the-US British actor like SEAN BEAN or IAIN GLEN (or JEREMY NORTHAM, for that matter). Make the paradigm shift, people, and get your heads out of the "US ACTORS ONLY" sand!
Deluca
by Eriol
Jul 13th, 1999
09:18:44 AM
Wow! Deluca, I know its been said up above already but you are definitely a good man in my book! To take the time to talk to fans, to even bother checking out what the fans are up to, is really showing how much you care about this project, and from your tone I sense that it is a GENUINE care - not just money interests, which I am thankful for. I admit folks, I've been worried the past few days after certain casting rumours had been floating around, but my faith in New Line has been comletely restored and bolstered even. Deluca! "A fine old fellow. Very polite." ; )
Neeson/Richardson
by Kingasaurus
Jul 13th, 1999
09:30:30 AM
Well, I was the first one to suggest this pair in the last talkback. However, I agree that Liam is a bit old for Faramir now that I think about it. On the other hand, I was suggesting Natasha for Galadriel a YEAR ago on Jackson's fan site. She has the five qualities that are essential for the actress portraying Galadriel: She's....1. A terrific actress, 2. Classy, 3. Mature in attitude, 4. British, and.....5. Gorgeous(IMHO). What more do you need? And by the way, I really appreciate Mike DeLuca bothering to post here. I'm sure it means something to fans to have their opinions at least HEARD, even if those with decision-making authority end up going in other directions. Good show, Mike....
Husband & Wife Team
by DwarfStar's-Gal
Jul 13th, 1999
09:56:59 AM
I'm really surprised that no one has come up with this idea yet! I think Kate Winslet & James Threapleton would be perfect as Galadriel & Faramir! :-) Steffie
Galadriel
by Mirror White
Jul 13th, 1999
10:00:56 AM
Achilles, I quite agree with you. The first book published after the Silmirillion was a volume called "Unfinished Tales of Numenor & Middle Earth" it contained a large chapter called 'The History of Galadriel & Celeborn'. Tolkien througout his life continued to upgrade the character of Galadriel. Calling her variously 'greatest of elven woman', 'reatest of the Noldor except for Feanor although she was wiser than he and her wisdom increased with the long years.' She was descendant of three royal houses of the High Elves: Her father was the half Nolder/half Vanyar 3rd son of Finwe King of the Noldor, her mother was the daughter of Olwe King of the Teleri. Achilles, you might find the following interesting: JRRT's son Christopher writes in 'Unfinished Tales' that the last thing JRRT wrote on middle earth and Valinor, a month before he died... "In this he emphasized the commanding nature of Galadriel already in Valinor, the equal if unlike in endowments of Feanor; and it is said here that so far from joining in Feanor's revolt she was in every way opposed to him. She did indeed with to depart from Valinor and to go into the wide world of Middle-earth for the exercise of her talents; for 'being brilliant in mind and swift in action she had early absorbed all of what she was capable of the teaching which the Valar thought fit to give the Eldar', and she felt confined in the tutelage of Aman. This desire of Galadriel's was, it seems, known to Manwe, and he had not forbidden her; but nor had she been given formal leave to depart. ... they were about to seek leave from the Valar for their venture when Melkor... destroyed the light of the Trees. In Feanor's revolt that followed the Darkening of Valinor Galadriel had no part: indeed she with Celeborn fought heroically in defence of Alqualonde against the asault of the Noldor, and Celeborn's ship was saved from them. Galadriel, despairing now of Valinor and horrified by the violence and cruelty of Feanor, set sail into the darkness without waiting for Manwe's leave, which would undoubtedly have been withheld in that hour, however legitmate her desire in itself. it was thus that she cam e under the ban set upon all departure, and Valinor was shut against her return." There's more here and in "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien". Hope that is interesing... :)
My Mistake!
by DwarfStar's-Gal
Jul 13th, 1999
10:08:44 AM
Sorry...I was so excited with my idea...that when I went to IMDB I didn't check that close and I failed to see that James Threapleton is a Director not an Actor! I tried!! :-) Steffie
I FINISHED THE BOOK!!
by JJ McClure
Jul 13th, 1999
10:35:32 AM
I DID IT! Yeah, hooray for me. I finally finished reading Lord of the Rings! I can't believe what a bitter-sweet ending it's got. It's a real comedown. *sigh* In fact, I wouldn't mind someone clarifying the very end for me (Creamy Goodness, perhaps..) I mean, why do the Ring-Bearers HAVE to sail away? And where exactly did they go to? Is it some metaphor, or something? Oh, yeah, and another thing - the hero of the book is Sam, not Frodo! Sam is the central character! I wonder if the film-makers pick up on that. P.S. New Line always did rock.
Maried Acting Couple
by Galgil
Jul 13th, 1999
10:52:43 AM
I seem to recall that the uncommonly tall Tim Robbins and the uncommonly poised Susan Sarandon are joined in wedlock. Both are at the tops of their field in my book...
DELUCA!!!
by TolkienScholar
Jul 13th, 1999
10:52:58 AM
Im glad you came down to mix with the little peope and hopefully you will hear this. I really dont like the idea of Elijah Wood. I think you hit far of the mark with him but I am willing to forgive. Sean Astin I thnk is a better choice but herein lies the question. Will they have accents in the film? They may to you look like the part but can they act it? Sams whole character was built around his personality and one big aspect of that was his manner of speech. I will forgive all if you give them accents and use a little makeup to make Wood look older.
To the person who read the book...
by TolkienScholar
Jul 13th, 1999
10:59:34 AM
You kind of have to read the silmarillion to understand some things about lord of the rings. They did not have to go to over the sea but Frodo wanted to. It was more of a symoblic thing that the ringbearers had to go. They bore the ring which was not an easy task so they deserved something in return. You see over the ocean was the land of the Valar (or the gods) Valinor. Think of paradise. Basically the same thing. Valinor is kind of the same thing as Avalon. A place of rest. Hopes that answers you question! Read the silmarillion!!!
Speaking of Otherworldly Beauties...
by Anton_Sirius
Jul 13th, 1999
11:04:19 AM
..are Angelina Jolie/Johnny Lee Miller divorced or seperated? Maybe we can squeeze them in there on a technicality.
I've got it!
by JJ McClure
Jul 13th, 1999
11:16:05 AM
Hey, thanks for clearing that up. By the way, I know who the "couple" in question are! It's Pamela and Tommy Lee! They will lend pomp and gravitas to this production, and no mistake!
JJ - congrats!
by creamy goodness
Jul 13th, 1999
11:23:23 AM
Isn't it wonderful?! So did any parts choke you up? What characters were your favorites? What events knocked your socks off? What didn't you understand? As for the ending, yes it's wonderful isn't it? Very ... bittersweet is really the only word. Nothing like in Star Wars, where they just kind of forget about the billions that have died and suffered, etc. Here, we follow the heroes after the celebration - how are they doing, are they happy, do they live happily ever after, etc.? The ending is I thinkm the best ever. Rather than stop at the field of Cormallen, Tolkien takes us on (history doesn't stop after all). The stuff about Sharky is an incredible discussion about malice, bitterness and revenge; about oppression and rebellion; as well as about modernity itself. As for the Grey Havens and why the Ringbearers leave: they didn't have to leave. They wanted to. They needed to. I believe that the stain of Sauron's power, the ring's power on their hearts and minds continued to be a burden, a burden without cure and without relief in this world. So Gandalf and the others arranged for passage for them into the Uttermost West, the Undying Lands of Aman, which was there before the paths of the world were bent (where the Valar dwell). This is telling because mortals were not lightly admitted in Aman (the men of Numenor tried to enter by force and Iluvatar reshaped the world, drowning the country and making the world round). I believe this was not merely a reward to the ringbearers for their service, nor merely a gesture of pity and mercy. I think that it was an implicit recognition that the Valar themselves bore a certain amount of responsibility for the events that took place, the sorrow and the pains of the world. Others may disagree, but that's my take. They choose to leave and go into the west because they are tired, pained, tortured, and have felt so much grief and sorrow and loss, that the world no longer sparkles for them. The sadness is too great to bear. But also, they themselves are too great. The world has become more narrow and small. For the ringbearers, every joy has been bought by sorrow, every happiness has been paid for in grief, and the memory of that price still itches their hands, weighs down their necks, and burdens their hearts. The bittersweet ending is an acknowledgement of the gravity of all the sacrifices that have been made - Hama, Theoden, Boromir, and yes Gollum - and a recognition that that such things are not lightly born or quickly forgotten..... Sorry if I'm getting carried away. Some of this might not have made any sense, so if you want more clarity and less verbosity, just ask. And congratulations again. To borrow a phrase: "You have taken your first step into a wider world." -CG
Tolkien Scholar: the tick on the back of AICN
by creamy goodness
Jul 13th, 1999
11:36:40 AM
Twit. (That's all.) -CG
come on people...think
by Deep Helm
Jul 13th, 1999
11:39:28 AM
I think it's pretty obvious that the couple is Kenneth Branagh and his wife EMMA THOMPSON...not Bonham Carter. All the other couples mentioned are not going to happen. While I personally don't think Emma is the most beutiful woman in the world, she is one of the most respected actresses around. Check out Much Ado About Nothing if you haven't seen it. It's amusing and stars both Branagh and Thompson and my personal favorite for Arwen Kate Bekinsale who will be in the movie Brokedown Palace with Claire Danes and looks unbelievable in the trailer. The question then is if Branagh is cast as Farimir who plays Boromir? Well...how about Branagh. Of course he would have to look bigger and have a darker complexion (I think) but it makes alot of sense to cast the same actor for both roles since Bormomir would appear in the first two moview and Faramir does have much of a role until the last. It might be economical to cast the same actor. Nuff said...
LOTR Casting
by BigDick
Jul 13th, 1999
11:40:38 AM
Husband and wife team? I'm kinda suprised no one here has mentioned Dennis Quaid/Meg Ryan. That might actually work....Hmmmm. Well, as long as Tom Baker is cast as Gandalf, I really don't care, he is perfect for the part. Want another good one for Aragorn? How about Adrian Paul. Unlike a lot of the other actors mentioned, he actually knows how to use a sword (He has been trained in Spanish Rapier/Gauche and Saber in addition to the Japanese techniques.) Connery? I think he would be a disaster as Gandalf, but would be great as Theoden. Want one really off the wall? How about David Bowie as Legolas.
Thank you, Mr. Deluca and Harry; more on Eternal
by Si Rowe
Jul 13th, 1999
11:43:47 AM
Other people (Fairlane, creamy goodness, Goodgulf, and -Z-, among others) have expressed my feelings about Mr. Deluca's openness and Harry's much-needed attempt to bring some sanity to these proceedings far better than I could, but I wanted to add my voice to the chorus of approval. Eternal, I appreciate your apologies. However, I wonder which of the things you said do you stand by? That it is the fans who have made this movie a potential classic? That New Line's "rumor silencing" is a mark of an incredible and unforgivable disrespect to the fans? That New Line has no concern for the quality of the final product, but only for making the maximum possible profit out of it? Or that there was some sinister plot behind the "no further leaks" announcement? I, for one, would appreciate some clarification. If I was one of the people you referred to who "flamed you" and "hadn't said a Goddamn thing on the board previously," I apologize to you -- however, I have to say that I didn't "come to the Talk Back to attack a person for the sheer Hell of it" -- I challenged your tone because I thought it was inappropriate, and your content because I disagreed with it. And as for "appreciating" your views -- I do appreciate them. However, I disagree with them, and am saying so here. After all, isn't that what the Talkback is for? And, incidentally, if the statements you put forth yesterday were not meant to represent your own viewpoint but the opinions of "many others," why not let those others speak for themselves? (If this is getting too personal, off-topic, and "meta," I'm willing to take it to email. Anyone who wants me to shut up or take it off the board can tell me so at sirowe@earthlink.net.) Oh, P.S. to morpheus -- were you suggesting Jeremy Brett as Gandalf? If you were, although I agree that he could have carried the role off quite well, there's just one small problem -- he's dead.
Gandulf
by Myrrhibis
Jul 13th, 1999
11:45:20 AM
Hmmm...Rene Aberjnois as Gandulf - I could see it. Especialy if he uses the "Odo" voice (kinda gravelly). As for the elven woman - even tho I dunno if she's married - Zeta Jones would be beautiful; tho I don't knwo if she'd be able to do a Brit accent. I'll admit I haven't read the books with her in them, so she may not look right. Of light-colored actresses...wow - I can't think of ANY that might have an innate grace & regalness, along with great beauty. But hopefully, they will not get any "big-name" actors or actresses on these films - Woods & Astin are known, but don't command big bucks.
Branagh and Thompson
by Si Rowe
Jul 13th, 1999
11:52:03 AM
Sorry, BigDick (is that the name of an insecure person, or what?) -- Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson split up two or three years ago, alas. Branagh has been with Helena Bonham-Carter since "Frankenstein" and "Hamlet" (I can't remember which one came first).
Oops! Sorry, BigDick!
by Si Rowe
Jul 13th, 1999
11:59:02 AM
My mistake. It was Deep Helm that suggested Branagh and Thompson, not BigDick (although I stand by my comment about his name!). Oh, Mhyrribis -- Catherine Zeta Jones *is* British! More precisely, she's Welsh. And I think she'd be great for the role of Arwen. Of the couples mentioned so far, my favorite is Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon. Now THERE's talent.
Gimli
by DwarfStar's-Gal
Jul 13th, 1999
12:07:41 PM
Please take a look at Brian, I think he would make the PERFECT Gimli! He has auditioned for the role! PJ wouldn't need to use CGI to shrink him down! :-) Steffie http://www.dwarfstar.org/dwarf star
Couple that no one has mentioned.....
by Safire
Jul 13th, 1999
12:15:49 PM
I haven't seen anyone mention this couple. Antonio "How do you say..." Banderes and can't remember who his wife is hasn't been mentioned. I would rather not see Antonio in these movies, especially not playing the role of my favorite LOTR character... But who knows what Peter Jackson has in store for us. I vote for unknowns.
Why the husband/wife team?
by Snurgle
Jul 13th, 1999
12:24:34 PM
Hmmmm....pardon me for being skeptical, but are we sure the statement that Harry posted is actually from the REAL Michael Deluca? Has anyone tried emailing him to see if the address is legit and reaches its destination? (I
Random comments
by Alessan
Jul 13th, 1999
12:37:42 PM
Creamy Goodness - well written. I enjoy Tolkien's works on a fairly regular basis, but it's been a long time since I actually anlyzed them. Your theories had me thinking. As for our Mystery Couple - somebody suggested, jokingly, Madonna\Penn. Very funny, indeed, but it reminded me of something. I wracked my mind and came up with a similar combination: Wright\Penn. Now, Robin Wright has already been cast once as The Most Beautiful Girl in the World (in The Princess Bride), and Sean Penn is a undisputed talent who can change his looks to fit the role (as in Carlito's Way). Noe, I'm not supporting them or disparaging them. I'm just stating a possibility.
CG - Did I choke up? Hell, yes!
by JJ McClure
Jul 13th, 1999
12:44:11 PM
One bit near the end of the book got me so bad that I had to stop reading and do something else. Sam finally had to chuck away his pans and cooking stuff, over a cliff in Mordor. Now you wouldn't think that would be so upsetting, but somehow, the way he clung on to them all that and... well, it was a touching moment. Sam's an amazing character. The one that intruiged me the most though, or rather, my reaction to him was Gollum. I felt so sorry for something so confused and unwanted. I actually liked the little fella, or more to the point, was fascinated by him. And Faramir was interesting too, the way his Father held him in lower esteem than his older brother, yet probably he was the greater man. Best bits? Well, Tom Bombadil freaked me out, no question, but the time they spent in Lorien was stunning. Also, the fight with Shelob was mad! And, yeah, I guess there's loads of things I didn't understand! Where is Middle-Earth? What does Sauron look like? How did Gandalf survive the fall with the Balrog? But I don't need (or even want) to understand them at all. One thing puzzles me though - how many of the different races of people did Tolkien invent, and how many did he make up? I've heard of Elves, Dwarves and Orcs before, and I assume they're part of ancient mythology like Goblins and Fairies. But things like Ents, Balrogs and Nazgul I've never heard of until I read this, so I'm guessing Tolkien created these. Anyway, all in all, the book gets you. No wonder it's popular. The scope of the story is massive, yet the detail is so intricate, and the characters so complicated. And the ending! I feel like I've grown within myself by reading the book...Amazing...
My Little Daydream...
by Cassius the Evil
Jul 13th, 1999
12:51:03 PM
I've been trying to come up with an idea for who could play Gandalf, and I'm about to give up... the only well known I could think of who might be able to do it (besides Sean Connery... heh) is Donald Sutherland. I'm not sure about this, but I think he might be able to pull it off. And, since I'm a Babylon 5 fan... ya think they could get Wayne Alexander? He impressed me in those two roles he had (Sebastian and Lorien). Plus, he's british. Any thoughts?
Miscellaneous Thoughts
by TimTheEnchanter
Jul 13th, 1999
01:00:41 PM
Just a few thoughts...First, I think it is amazing that a studio exec would post to a site like this. There is hope for the world. Now if we can just cut down the flame quotient... Second, for the person above(Claymore) commenting about what a Warner exec would do, isn't NewLine a unit of Time-Warner? Isn't it funny how the right hand has no clue and the left hand seems to be getting the job done right? -There are some who call me...Tim?
why we're doing one big announcement
by deluca
Jul 13th, 1999
01:04:00 PM
The reason we're doing one big announcement is pretty simple. We'll get more national p.r. value out of one major announcement of the entire cast than if it trickles out one by one. We're not trying to frustrate the fans, we just have a better shot at things like VANITY FAIR, G.Q., TIME, NEWSWEEK, and USA TODAY if it's one big press release, and we think the national p.r. is worth it and will help promote the movie. I can assure everyone that Peter Jackson is driving the casting and quality is the only consideration.
In addition...
by Cassius the Evil
Jul 13th, 1999
01:11:15 PM
Yup, Max von Sydow and Gary Oldman would make good Gandalfs too.
A reply to JJ and something completely unconnected
by Alessan
Jul 13th, 1999
01:20:44 PM
JJ, first of all, I envy you. I read LOTR the first when I was ten, and the only thing I remember is that I cried when it ended. As to Tolkien's races:now, everybody's heard of Elves and dwarves. The fact that you have heard of orcs shows that you have some experiance with fantasy literature and RPGs. So this would perobably be easier for you to understand: while tolkien indeed took the names from northern European myth, the character of these races is all his own. Elves were previously considered small and mischevous, or large and malicious; Tolkien made them noble and majestic. He transformed Snow-White style dwarfs to proud Dwarves, adding depth to over-stereotyped characters. As for orcs - the name existed as a catch-phrase for various demons. Tolkien took the goblin-archetype, made it more menacing and renamed it. no fairy-tale goblin reached the complexity of LOTR's orcs. In short, what I am trying to say is that Tolkien redefined pre-existing races to the extent that they were hardly recoginsable. That they seemed familiar to you is due to the fact that nearly every fantasy auther after him based his races upon those in the book. Not for nothing is Tolkien considered the father of modern fantasy. ............ On a different note, I wonder if Jackson has taken on any fantasy authors as script consultants. I think that that would be a wise move on his behalf - he may be talented, but he's never done High Fantasy before. Someone with more experience could certainly help him achieve the proper atmosphere. I'd like to suggest Guy Gavriel Kay, who not only is - in my opinion - the greatest fantasy auther alive (as my name should indicate to those who are familiar to him); he also co-edited the Silmarillion eith Christopher Tolkien. If not him, then Donaldson of G.R.R. Martin. Just as long as it isn't jordan, unless he wants a movie 17 hours long with no ending. Alessan out.
Galadriel and Hollywood
by Jaded
Jul 13th, 1999
01:40:31 PM
Hi everyone! I forget her real name, but she was Lady De Winter on the Three Muskateers (you know, she threw herself off a cliff?) What about her for Galadriel - she's got that elvish look and everything. Can anyone tell me of a time when Bruce Willis didn't play a big strong blow 'em away man on any film? Has some one informed him there are no guns in LOTR? If he can change his style for the movie, yeah, great, but otherwise... this isn't going to be a Bruce Willis Movie. I hope he knows that. Ethan and Uma? Tell them this isn't a movie about hardbodies. See if they're still interested. Personally, I think a movie full of unkowns is perfect because it suits the bulk of the fan audience. Most of use know what it means to stand in everyone else's shadow until that one great moment (or movie...) Just my opinion.
Neeson & Richardson/ & Freeman?
by rodeo
Jul 13th, 1999
01:53:33 PM
I'm really excited about Elijah Wood and Sean Astin. I also think that Neeson & Richardson would be kick-ass as Faramir & Galadriel. I'm really bummed that Sean Connery isn't going to be Gandalf, though. Maybe Richard Harris could pull it off. Or actually, I think Morgan Freeman would be a very interesting casting choice for Gandalf. Hmmmmm...
Arwen
by Azure Tyger
Jul 13th, 1999
02:06:48 PM
Only one actress has the qualities to play Arwen in the trilogy -- Ashley Judd. She is beautiful without being voluptuous and has great screen presence. She has dark hair and a light complexion, with the high cheeckbones and facial structure you think of for elves. She is also an accomplished actress. If she can do the liguistic parts (I think I read somewhere that she is fluent in French, which requires good vocal control for an American) she is absolutely perfect.
Penn
by Oskar
Jul 13th, 1999
02:17:09 PM
Alessan, I suggested Madonna/Penn in jest but think Sean Penn is a wonderful actor. I didn't know he was married to Robin Wright! Dumb luck may make me 1/2 right. Thanks for the info. I've seen a couple of posts suggesting that Eomer may be out? Say it aint so...
Is that you again, "Mr. Deluca"?
by Snurgle
Jul 13th, 1999
02:21:05 PM
OK,
Arwen
by Numenor
Jul 13th, 1999
02:23:18 PM
I'm not sure on the husband/wife team, but I do know who SHOULD be Arwen. Catherine McCormack from Braveheart is perfect in every way for that role. I could see her as Galadriel but I think she's just way too HOT for that. Galadriel needs to be stately and beautiful, not HOT like Zeta-Jones or McCormack. Uma as Galadriel is a bad idea. Hands down. I could see Neeson/Richardson, but why on earth cast them in totally unrelated roles? I don't see the motive. Whoever they get, they need to get someone who can fight and a woman who is mature, CAN ACT, and looks good as a blonde.
Wait just a second...
by Ellindar
Jul 13th, 1999
02:42:51 PM
So far there's some VERY funny things here... 1. Daniel Day Lewis is wimpy but Hugh Grant is not. (bwahahah.) 2. Deluca has now posted twice. (the second time not really in reference to anything, and I have a feeling the real Deluca has much better things to do than to post here two days in a row.) 3. No one in this movie should be American because they can't speak with an English accent. (P-lease, this is not even worth talking about) 4. Frodo should be played by some old midget instead of an accomplished actor who may look too young... (ever hear of makeup and good acting?) 5. Gandalf should be played by !Morgan Freeman! (uhm, not touching this one) 6. Kate Winslet (VERY short sleaze bag from Titanic) should be Galadriel??? (VERY short sleaze bag from Titanic) These are all pretty hilarious. My opinions of course are in parenthesis... I believe we are all in our very gullible stage right now and would believe just about anything that got thrown our way.
People, My God!
by Anton_Sirius
Jul 13th, 1999
03:01:21 PM
Are none of you familiar with the concept of a 'link'? Go click on the word deluca up above. You will find that it is in fact e-mail from someone with the e-mail address "michael_deluca@newline.com". Gee, wonder who it could be. And it was posted around lunch time on the West Coast. Draw your own conclusions.
Ahem
by Anton_Sirius
Jul 13th, 1999
03:04:53 PM
OK, it wasn't 'e-mail', it was a post, but you get the idea. And Mr. D is right- look at the opportunity Fox wasted with the X-Men movie by having the casting news dribble out the way it did. Halle Berry, Anna Paquin and Rebecca Romijin would have made one heck of a magazine cover, don't you think?
I know the couple he's talking about
by greegor
Jul 13th, 1999
03:12:21 PM
It's Mel Brooks & Anne Bancroft.
Cameos from the Hollywood Genepool
by wizdom
Jul 13th, 1999
03:44:15 PM
I can think of two movies that dropped a notch last year because of star cameos. The first is Saving Private Ryan, thanks to Ted Danson. Everyone I talked to was popped out of the narrative briefly by seeing Sam Malone's mug suddenly appear in the film. The overall impact of the film was not threatened, though. In the Thin Red Line, however, the inclusion of John Travolta in an early scene and especially George Clooney at the end, severely torpedoed the sense of place and time. Neither actor was on film long enough to convince us they were anyone else but their Hollywood personas (as Sean Penn and Nick Nolte had time enough to do). I kept thinking: "Well maybe my grandchildren will watch this movie and not think of that guy at the end as George Clooney." This isn't the fucking Muppet Movie or Cannonball Run for chrissakes! The Lord of the Rings will sell without Will Smith showing up as an Orc Captain. One more (clear and painful) example: Who was that man next to Yoda? However many times I see it, he still is Samuel L Jackson. If a star can't live without being in this film let them be buried under a pound of makeup. That's the price you pay for fame.
comment on lotr
by ajr2679
Jul 13th, 1999
03:50:58 PM
Here is a few suggestions for a good cast. Gandalf: Peter o'tool or Donnald Sutherland, Elija, I think thats how you spell his name, would make a good Frodo. As for music, I think something in an Enya style would be good.
Eeeeep!
by JJ McClure
Jul 13th, 1999
03:56:46 PM
Talk about back story! You know, it's a lot to take in. I can barely remember the beginning of the book, it seems like so long ago. But, yeah I'll read The Hobbit, for sure! Anyone familiar with Gabrielle Anwar? She's the most beautiful person in the whole world, the kind you fall in love with just by listening to them talk. She'd make a pretty good Galadriel...
LOTR
by Prince Caspian
Jul 13th, 1999
04:21:49 PM
LOTR
by Prince Caspian
Jul 13th, 1999
04:28:44 PM
I consider LOTR to be among the greatest books ever written in any genre, but thats just my opinion. I have read LOTR several times, and yearn to read the Silmarillion. However, I cant seem to get past the first few pages because it begins in such a bizarre manner. I feel as if I were reading the bible, and I find it a bit incoherent. Perhaps Creamy Goodness could explain (by the way, you are worthy of respect just based how insightful you are) but, does it get easier to follow, and flow as LOTR does? Please somebody respond! By the way, I can barely contain myself in waiting for these movies!
What does it matter who is in it...
by ToxinHead
Jul 13th, 1999
04:51:13 PM
I could care less whos in the movie...as long as they are fit for the role and it portrays the story well...the only thing i care about is that i hope the movie is actually somewhat like the book... and not like that crappy Hobbit cartoon movie (MAN that thing was horrible!!!!)
$190 million will go a VERY long way
by Cliff
Jul 13th, 1999
05:00:39 PM
Been a long time since I posted on an LOTR subject. Nice to be back. Today the IMDB posted a "correction" on their Studio Briefing page, claiming that the New Zealand newspaper was misinformed when it said Mr. Jackon now had $190 million to make the "second costliest film of all time behind Titanic." The correction (just as Harry pointed out) is that it's for THREE films, not just one. According to the bank, the current exchange rate is $1.91 New Zealand dollars to $1.00 US dollar. Basically, Peter Jackson has a whopping $362.9 million! That's about $121 million per picture (and well within the range of most huge, effects-laden Hollywood event movies). Now, consider further that the cost of production equipment, tech crew, carpentry/masonry, location fees, etc., is MUCH less in NZ than their equivalents here in Los Angeles. What kind of a Balrog does $121 million buy these days? A pretty damn BIG, scary one, I'm sure! Now, it's true the esoteric secrets of motion picture bookkeeping are well out of my reckoning (as Samwise would say) but I sense that Peter Jackson has MORE than enough moolah here to craft a stunning, polished, visual epic to rival anything Lucas could put out. And since Jackson has FAR superior source material, it's a safe bet these LOTR films will be exemplary. They may even do something unexpected. As deeply revered as this story is... to many ages and across many cultures... Just imagine: like Gone with the Wind, this could be a film that defines a generation.
Husband and Wife team...could it be...?
by Drahzi_1
Jul 13th, 1999
05:06:23 PM
Streisand & Brolin?
Patrick McGoohan as Gandalf
by Pallando
Jul 13th, 1999
05:15:31 PM
It seems to me that no one ever talks about McGoohan as an excellent choice for Gandalf even though PJ himself mentioned the possibility in 20Q1. I personally would love to see him as Sauroman, but maybe thats just because he was an such an excellent villan in Braveheart. I'm relieved to hear that it looks like Aragorn is going to be an unknown, I don't think that DDL fits the role.
Did someone mention music?
by Cassius the Evil
Jul 13th, 1999
05:52:45 PM
Uh oh. Now the real debate begins... who should do the score to the LotR movies? I don't think the Williams or Elfman-type stuff would work. You'd need something more... oh, I don't know... fantasy-ish? Hmmm... I've been slavering for Peter Gabriel ever since I bought his "Passion" CD the other day, so obviously you aren't going to get an unbiased view from me... Oh, and by the way... (Plug mode on) ...buy Peter Gabriel's "Passion" CD. It has an african-ish theme and a lot of synthesizer stuff... (Plug mode off)
tis I
by Taliesin
Jul 13th, 1999
06:03:43 PM
the husband and wife team is me and catherine zeta-jones! we arent planning the wedding yet but im sure itll happen as soon as we meet. someone mentioned catherine mccormack earlier, so i will admit that she will be my wife too, and we will all live happily in a castle in belgium. oh, but if we dont take the parts in this film i think neeson/richardson are a great choice. although when its announced we'll have to read dozens of posts saying neeson is too old, just as we were buried with people saying woods/astin are too young.
Aaaargghhh! (casting)
by Dan42
Jul 13th, 1999
06:19:18 PM
Husband and wife for Faramir and Galadriel? That would seem to demolish my own choice for Galadriel, Michelle Pfeiffer (who happens to be hugely talented). Maybe her husband has converted himself to acting? I doubt it. Damn, darn, shit, bleep! I *really* wanted her for that role. I could accept Nicole Kidman as a (distant) second choice, but Uma Thurman? Not only she isn't beautiful enough (well, compared to Pfeiffer, no one is beautiful enough), but I also think she's too rough; I doubt if she could have the Commanding Presence and Regal Beauty of Queen Galadriel. Besides, can you picture her with blonde hair? As for Zeta-Jones, she's extremely beautiful but in an outrageously-sexy way. I really don't want *that* for Galadriel. For Arwen: in the words of Numenor, "Catherine McCormack from Braveheart is perfect in every way for the role of Arwen".
Ages
by Kasziel
Jul 13th, 1999
06:31:23 PM
Just for anyone who might care, Sean Astin is actually 28, not some "little teenager" like everybody seems to spout off about.
Christopher Plummer IS Gandalf!
by wickerman
Jul 13th, 1999
06:42:07 PM
This is the biggie role! I've been talking Chris Lee since we started this madness, but there seems to be a consensus that Lee may be too old. Maybe...but he'd be awesome as Gandalf! Lately though, more and more I see Christopher Plummer as Gandalf...MAN, THIS IS THE GUY!!! He's got the look...perfect face, especially the nose...the VOICE... and is an extraordinary actor. Anyone else think Plummer is our wizard?
How Galadriel got to Endor & Sticking with the Silmarillion
by Vanyar
Jul 13th, 1999
07:11:38 PM
As usual MorGoth, you smacked the glamhoth right on the noggin with your comments about Galadriel coming to Endor by way of the Helcaraxe, and your encouragement to Prince Caspian about not giving up on the Silmarillion. (1) As Mirro White pointed out, Tolkien did indeed write a version of the Flight of the Noldor wherein Galadriel & Celeborn departed Aman in a Telerin ship instead of via the Grinding Ice. However, the version he settled on was the one as it appeard in The Silmarillion -- Galadriel not participating in the Kinslaying at Aqualonde, nor agreeing with Feanor, but wanting to go to Endor to establish a kingdom of her own. What an incredible lady! As for Prince Caspian struggling with the first few chapters of the Silm. Be not discouraged. It was deliberately written by Tolkien (a devout Christian)in a very epic religious tone, combining the mythic and sublime -- the "music" that unfolded the vision of what would become the "physical world" of Ea, the angelic powers coming into creation to shape the raw stuff of the world into the vision Eru had shone them, Melkor not wanting to serve but to be "God" himself, and Marring Arda in the process...etc,etc. That whole beginning is a grand mythic vision of how it all began as told to the Eldar by the Valar (angelic powers) during their time in Valinor. From there the story becomes a little easier to understand and digest, as the tale turns to the Elves, the rebellion of the Noldor, the pursuit of Morgoth to Middle Earth, the hopeless war with him, and all the sorrows that befall them and their allies, the Edain (men). It is such a mmagnificent, deep, poignant story that it takes many many reading to really grasp the nuances. Keep at it Prince Caspian -- it is weel worth the effort. Oh, an a closing kudo -- to creamy goodness -- it is a pleasure to read your insightful, thought-provoking commentaries. Keep a postin. Oh, and I also thingk that the Thurman-Hawke idea is an excellent idea. Namarie
Deluca and Casting
by dsight
Jul 13th, 1999
07:32:53 PM
Well I must say that mr. Deluca hit the spot with his comments. I fully understand his reasons and it's a really decent thing for him to come out here and offer himself to the flak. He even left his email (real or not)! Let's get on with the casting! Who ever thought of the Turman-Hawke tandem is out of their minds! They are good actors but not for LOTR. Hawke is good but like someone pointed out he just doesn't have the build and presence to be Faramir. As for the Bruce Willis talk I don't see a part for him LOTR but hey you never know and he could do a decent job if well directed. Please no Demi in this movie... Sean Connery as Theoden is good but it is the only role that should be offered to him. Gandalf's role is pivotal and they must pick a great actor to fill it. I have no real preference but no connery please! Eternal, nice of you to be apologetic but it doesn't excuse your overboard attitude. You are obviously a big LOTR fan and you seem reasonably bright but you need to calm down and reflect before you post, over-emotion only clouds what your trying to say and makes people react badly so definitively stand for what you believe in but do it in a cool headed and mature way. I promise you that that will get you a better discussion about LOTR. On a final casting note there are many interesting options out here on Talk back and if nothing else some of them are quite amusing. Here's one for the sema person who proposed letting the party of five cast on to LOTR: how about William Shatner as Gandalf, captain kirk meets the wizard! He can certainly overact and he's uned to wearing hair pieces. While we're at it why not recycle the entire cast from the old star trek show: Leonard Nimoy as Theoden Uhuara as Galadriel Sulu as Boromir Scotty as Gimli MCoy as Saruman Chekov as Aragorn And for the truly hard luck cases we could even ressucitate Mark Hammil's Career and cast him as Faramir or an elf..... Cheers
a few words
by Amalthea
Jul 13th, 1999
07:38:06 PM
If a modern fantasy writer *were* to be included in this project, it ought to be Peter Beagle! Not only is he one of Tolkien's devoutest fans (didn't he write the preface to a recent lotr edition?) but he has created his own brilliant and effective writing voice from that inspiration without, as he puts it, "aping Tolkien." That means he can see from both the preserver's and the creator's perspective. Someone else mentioned Loreena for the soundtrack; that would be beautiful! Maybe in some voice over song during traveling or fighting, like Clannad in Last of the Mohicans. JJ, Middle Earth is our earth, in history... or mythology. I grock you on not necessarily wanting to know everything, so I'll say no more. Oh, and Antonio Banderas in the movie: That would be almost 50% as GOD-AWFULL as him taking on the Phantom of the Opera. Now *there's* a project I'd like to see in the hands of someone as noble as PJ.
All Star Cast or Unknowns
by Goodgulf
Jul 13th, 1999
07:48:34 PM
I had also hoped that the cast of LOTR would be relative "unknowns". And to be honest, Both Elijah Wood and Sean Astin are both pretty much unknown to me. But I was thinking, and as the smoke wafted from my ears, thoughts of previous "blockbusters" came to mind. Many of them used "All Star" casts. Cleopatra, The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, The Wizard of Oz, The Longest Day, Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove, Gone With The Wind, and others that I can't recall at this time. As a matter of fact, I can't think of one true BLOCKBUSTER academy award winning multimillion dollar epic production that DIDN'T have at least one major "super" star in the lead role. Perhaps a few stars wouldn't be all that bad, so long as we accept them for the characters they play. A truely good actor, no matter how famous, should have the skill to make you forget that you're looking at the actor and allow you to see only the character. Olivier was such an actor. Ron Moody is good. Pick any Barrymore (aside from Drew). Too bad most of them are dead. As a matter of fact, most any one I think would be perfect in LOTR is dead. If anyone has seen Ron Moody as Fagin in the musical Oliver, wouldn't he make an excellent Wormtongue? Of course he's 30 years older now. Is he still alive? Oliver Reed in his younger days (and before his death) would have made a good Boromir/Faramir (they looked very similar didn't they?). Clayton Moore as the lone Ranger, Aragorn...just kidding. And I still think that Elijah Wood at 18 will be closer in age to Frodo when the story starts. After all, Frodo is only 20 when Bilbo leaves. Or was that 30? Hmmm...
Husband and wife team
by SPE111
Jul 13th, 1999
08:14:15 PM
I don't know, but for some reason Tim Robbins and whatsherface popped into my head. I can't seem to remember her name though. The one from Bull Durham....
Soundtrack
by ftoomsch
Jul 13th, 1999
08:40:00 PM
My vote goes to Dead Can Dance. Honourable mention to Blind Guardian, who released an excellent concept album last year based on "The Silmarillion" entitled "Nightfall in Middle Earth".
ooooooooooooh!
by Eriol
Jul 13th, 1999
09:56:30 PM
Two things: One - You know what I realized today? Of course its 121 million (approximately) for each film, but did anyone ever consider the thought that the budget is all three films. Hence, if Jackson, by some miracle, can stay under 1/3 of his budget for FOTR he has more for TT, and if he stays under there then even MORE for ROTK. I mean think about it - ROTK definitely will contain the biggest, most in your face battles and special effects. That would be incredible! Second - anyone ever heard of Ian McKellum, and could they tell me who he is, please? A pic is definitely preferable . . .
I can't believe no one's mentioned the most obvious couple...
by CaptBlood
Jul 13th, 1999
10:27:16 PM
Jim Carrey and Lauren Holly of course ;)
Can't get enough
by dsight
Jul 13th, 1999
10:35:10 PM
Well, i guess my posts just come in at the low-traffic time because I'm in South Korea (time difference and all)! That's too bad because it makes it hard to interact with you guys. Being out here in Korea as a canadian it's kind of tough to keep up with all the news from home. It will be cool to get the full casting list whenever that happens but I would prefer to know wht PJ & Newline are planning to do about the overall look of the movie, the Q&A with PJ was good but left a lot of questions unanswered. I would like to know for example what they are going to do to portray Nazguls and Orc's and what about Trolls... The casting will sort itself out and I'm sure some will be happy and some will cry murder and call it heresy but hey you can't please everybody... Cheers
Huband and wife team
by Fred
Jul 13th, 1999
11:20:05 PM
Bruce Boxleitner and Melissa Gilbert?
Hello Mike!!!
by Kirin
Jul 13th, 1999
11:40:17 PM
I just want to mention that I think your doing a *great* job. :) Whoo Hoo GO LOTR!
More speculation...
by Severen
Jul 14th, 1999
12:20:31 AM
Don't know if this has been mentioned yet but as soon as I heard husband and wife team I thought Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. I seem to remember reading an interview once in which Quaid stated his love for the LOTR books, however it could just be my mind (or at least what's left of it) playing tricks on me. I doubt it would be a popular choice but I could actually see it working if they were the 'husband and wife team' in question. As to the other casting decisions that have already been made, Elijah Wood I can see, but Sean Astin I must admit doesn't exactly thrill me to bits. Still I won't judge such things until there's actually a finished product to judge. Besides even if worst comes to worst and somehow Peter Jackson does manage to drop the ball on this one (not that I think that will happen) at least we can rest assured that there's no jar jar in middle earth...
Faramir & Galadriel are Not Married
by Duinidain
Jul 14th, 1999
12:27:30 AM
While having a well-known married stars team up to portray a couple in LOTR is a fine idea, there first should be some clarification regarding the relationship between Faramir and Galadriel. Faramir and Galadriel are not an...er, item. Faramir married Eowyn, and Galadriel's mate is Celeborn. So, if a big-star couple is cast in the movie, this husband & wife team should portray Celeborn & Galadriel OR Faramir & Eowyn. They don't necessarily have to be married. How about a Joseph Fiennes/Cate Blanchett match-up? Or a Gabriel Byrne/Emma Thompson team? By the way...Geoffrey Rush would make a GREAT Denethor...
to the Daniel Day Lewis fan, and Brian D
by Agges
Jul 14th, 1999
12:30:35 AM
is it one person with different tags repeating the Daniel Day Lewis suggestion?... To Brian D, Faramir was young, though with wisdom beyond his years,and not the typical warrior, it was Boromir who was thickset,
husband & wife/casting
by parallela
Jul 14th, 1999
01:13:24 AM
hmm.. about whether or not the "husband/wife team" is famous--it could just be me, but the way it was put--"a CERTAIN husband and wife team"--makes me think that by "certain" he means to hint that it's somebody we would know. I mean, usually that's why people use the word "certain" in that context, right? but I could just be reading into it. another idea, i just thought of it and don't know yet whether or not i like it--boromir = colin firth, and faramir = johnathon (jonathon?) firth. doesn't it make sense in a kooky way? of course that doesn't jive with the husband/wife news, but hey..
hell, everybody else is doing it--
by parallela
Jul 14th, 1999
01:35:05 AM
my casting wish list: Eowyn: Kate Winslet. Arwen: Catherine Zeta-Jones. Legolas: Jude Law. Samwise: Ed Norton (I know, I know, nuts to that.) Gandalf: Christopher Lee (actually I don't know about this, but the guy seems like such a psychofan--it'd make me happy if somebody as crazy about middle-earth as me got the part, you know?) Aragorn: Christopher Lambert (wonky alternate: Rufus Sewell). Galadriel: Michelle Pfeiffer/Cate Blanchett/Madeleine Stowe, all maybes. Bill Ferny: Rowan Atkinson or Eddie Izzard, with a strong leaning towards Rowan for the look we'd see on his face upon contact with apple. And Loreena McKennitt MUST be on board for the scoring, collaborating with other composers, whatEVER--my god she's amazing at creating atmosphere. she just KICKS, that's all.
Re: JJ and Prince Caspian
by creamy goodness
Jul 14th, 1999
08:13:59 AM
Like others have said, yes, read the Silmarillion. I agree that the beginning is somewhat confusing. Part of that confusion comes from the fact that, if I remember correctly (I'm doing this from memory, so if I have some details wrong, feel free to correct me and accept my apologies), the story of the beginning days is basically told twice; first in the Ainulindale and then in the Quenta Silmarillion proper. Another part of the confusion stems from the abundance of styles and voices used in the text. The beginning is told in a very descriptive but unspecific way, echoing the solemn chants that brought the world into being. Details are sparse; the emphasis is on tone and atmosphere. It's amazing I think because as the world is being created out of the mists of nothinness, a coherent story unfolds as well. As the Silmarillion progresses, details become more concrete, stories become more defined, and characters with whom you can identify emerge. Of course part of this comes from piecing together the Silmarillion from various writings of Tolkien after he died. Christopher, who edited the Silmarillion, recognizes this "unevenness of tone," saying it is sometimes remote, sometimes immediate, and that finding a consistant voice was impossible in the writings and notes of his father. Some might say this is a flaw, an unfortunate circumstance. And they well might be correct: Tolkien himself estimated that a publishable Silmarillion would be on the order of length of the Lord of the Rings, and possibly longer. (Imagine what that would have been like!) But to my mind, the Silmarillion as published has a very authentic quality to it, a feeling that these are indeed ancient stories passed down through the ages, as if gotten variously through rumor, evidence, and word of mouth, incomplete and therefore more believable. Of course the stories do become more concrete later on. The stories of Beren and Luthien and of Turin Turambar could nearly be short stories existing on their own, with fully formed characters, who are palpable, immediate, fallible. We see love, hatred, fear, pride, honor, courage, despair, sacrifice, and cowardice all trying to outrun the footsteps of doom that never tire. All in all, the Silmarillion emerges not as a coherent text, with a fully formed plot, and an array of protagonists, supporting characters, and villians. [There is no hero. (The only hero in anything approaching a traditional sense (in the sense that Frodo or Luke Skywalker is) is Ulmo, which is already stretching the definition far beyond its bounds.) True, Morgoth is indeed the "villian," but he exists as much as a concept as a real character (much like Sauron in the LOTR, though he does a bit more acting - as does Sauron for that matter).] Instead, the Silmarillion emerges much more history than novel, more tradition than story. Its plot, such as it is, seeps through the individual stories, and is sometimes advanced only incidentally. In that sense, The Silmarillion is one of the great experimental novels of the 20th century..... All this is by way of saying, stick to it. The rewards are tremendous. And when you're done, read everything again, because you will have missed things, without question. (I did.) Only by rereading, by searching out the gems of detail, will you be able to fully appreciate the wonders of Tolkien's middle-earth. -CG
Faramir & Galadriel...???
by Silicon Avatar
Jul 14th, 1999
10:30:43 AM
Why is New Line looking for a married couple to play Faramir and Galadriel? Anyone who's read the book knows that Faramir marries Eowyn and Galadriel is married to Celeborn. Did anyone else notice this?
They're not married in the movie ding-dongs...
by Glaze
Jul 14th, 1999
08:31:14 PM
I think it was pretty obvious that Mr. Deluca was only stating that he had a real life married couple in mind for the parts of Faramir and Galadriel. Just because they are married in real life, does not mean their characters even have to meet in the movie (although Faramir would have met Galadriel at Aragorn and Arwen's wedding). any relationship between Faramir and Galadriel would be just plain stupid. Kudos to Wickerman for his support for Christopher Plummer for Gandalf. I've been screaming his name in these talkbacks since October/November. He is clearly the man for the role.
casting...and to JJ
by Turin Turambar
Jul 15th, 1999
12:07:07 AM
I for one am getting sick of all the guesses for the roles, as i agree with some of the posters who think most should be unknowns. That being said i would like to put forth one suggestion for a role, and one i havent seen yet, Robert DeNiro as Aragorn?...(or any role almost for that matter. The man is an acting God, and would lend an incredible amount of acting class to the greatest piece of fiction of all time IMHO. Also to JJ, congrats on reading the books! I just recently re-read them for the twentieth time(at least), since i first read them seventeen years ago. But before you read the Simarillion i would suggest reading the hobbit and rereading the LOTR. The Sim, while wonderful as well, is a bit heady and takes a bit of patience. Rereading the books might help to understand the underlying themes of tolkiens world..just a suggestion!
FORGET DDL, TAKE Dylan McDermott for ARAGORN
by NikeTheDude
Jul 16th, 1999
08:48:35 AM
The guy is fited to be ARAGORN, if PJ want a near unknow BUT good and charismatic actor, the answer to your quizz cast is that man: Dylan Mc Dermott who played Leo Fish in the last movie directed by Jodie Foster "Home for the Hollidays" : Handsome, 30+, just perfect for the role!!!
Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman!
by Browne
Jul 26th, 1999
11:09:41 PM
I think this couple is the best for the role! Ethan Hawke is my favorite actor, and Uma has an Oscar nomination under her belt. They're perfect!
Eh, maybe.
by Wolfpack
Aug 11th, 2006
12:20:11 PM
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