Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.

THERE AND BACK AGAIN: A Geek's Adventures In Middle-Earth!!! CHAPTER SEVEN!!!

He He by Fragar	Dec 21st, 2000 01:18:36 AM
Im first! Sorta disappointed now!
good one by exar_black	Dec 21st, 2000 01:27:03 AM
well done Harry, we are very impressed with all this and jealous as hell.
First!!! Ha.. Harry once again a brilliant chapter!!! :-) by Kampbell-Kid	Dec 21st, 2000 01:28:46 AM
You still haven't mentioned anything about Hugo Weaving in LOTR's???
Harry is the Uber-Geek by catbarf	Dec 21st, 2000 01:29:05 AM
Congrats Harry. What a deleriously happy experience that sounds like. Sounds more like Snow White than LOTR (your experiences I mean). Hope your plane doesn't turn into a pumpkin in mid-air on the way back! (Oh, and make sure that Alan Lee book is with your carry-on luggage just in case they send the checked bags to Indonesia by mistake). Cheers to the cast and crew. They sound very un-Hollywood and egalitarian. Have fun and Merry Xmas.
Why Peter Jackson is God by Keyser195	Dec 21st, 2000 01:29:47 AM
This is it, people...This will finally be the fantasy film worth seeing..I can feel it. I trust the man responsible for "Dead Alive." Good luck, Harry! I'm DYING to be in your shoes.
Neat....... by crimsonrage	Dec 21st, 2000 01:36:12 AM
......this has been a great series of articles, thanks Harry.
Thanks, Harry by Mister M	Dec 21st, 2000 01:39:54 AM
Thanks, Harry, for your wonderful reports. Your writing is great, for sure, man, and there's a lot of heart in it. We can feel the passion of everyone involved in the project, and yours, of course!!! I think this trilogy is going to be a fucking masterpiece. And thanks to you, we AICNers can be a little part of it...
One last day.... by BennyA	Dec 21st, 2000 01:48:44 AM
8 chapters won't be enough! We are so greedy, aren't we? Thanks Harry for teasing us with your vivid accounts. I want to see these films more than any others ever made - AND I don't care for the pedantry of stale Tolkienites. I hope Gandalf's staff does change hand - THAT would make it delightfully REAL! So thank you again. But I do have one problem I wanted to ask about that no one seems to have mentioned. Every film I have seen Viggo in, I can never understand his mumbling. Is this going to be a problem because I love those stories about him camping out in costume etc? And does 'Mother' have a cameo? Christ! We ARE greedy. MORE!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA by panpil	Dec 21st, 2000 02:09:18 AM
Ok, I apologize for what I have said about the 40' footage. Another great report. Keep up the good work. PS: The skeleton up there who throws Harry doesn't look like one of the skeletons in the PC game Grim Fandango?
to the Jolly King by ol' painless	Dec 21st, 2000 02:18:47 AM
Harry, this LOTR series has been absolutely brilliant: I have logged on every morning for the past week with great anticipation, and the writing has been great, the passion evident, and the articles nice and LONG (I love a good read). Also, as a Kiwi living in London, I have also really appreciated the little snippets you have recorded here and there about the land and the people of little old NZ. We are a furtive shy bunch by nature (except when pissed, or watching the All Blacks), and therefore not often noticed, so be assured that your LOTR work is very well-received by THIS expatriate, big fella. Ka pai!!
greetings to the whole LOTR crew, now that i know they will read by Skript	Dec 21st, 2000 02:19:09 AM
yep, harry great writing, real energy and a supreme christmas present to all the fans but still so long to wait... but this time the waiting is real fun
CAST & CREW by Y282	Dec 21st, 2000 02:24:14 AM
On the off-chance that the cast & crew read this, I'd like to thank them as an enormous fan of Tolkiens writings for putting the heart into this work which I now believe they have done. As with all leaps of faith, if done for the right reasons it produces the best results. Once again, thanks to all, especially Harry.
Pippin by PrivateerLunatic	Dec 21st, 2000 02:26:42 AM
Pippin was always my favorite Hobbit. Except for, well, all of the Elves (I like Elves, especially Sindarin Elves. I can't wait to hear the Sindarin langauge spoken. I've read so many books about it, it sounds so poetic and musical, far too much so for me to pronounce it correctly. That's going to be so frickin' cool. I'm getting carried away. I'll go back to my original topic now), he was just about my favorite character. I'm very excited about Pippin's character. You know, this is gonna be awesome. The hobbits are all just beautifully cast. Sean Astin? Wow. Didn't I hear that err, gawsh, what's his name. Fifth Element...priest guy...Hollow Man, guy that drowned in the pool. Gah. The guy that's playing Bilbo. He rules too. And Elijah Wood. Gasp I remember when I was following this film, I had my own little idea on who should play who. I had Christopher Loyd for Gandalf (don't laugh yet...think about it. I know McKellen is awesome, but at the time, really...), and I had all these ideas. But I just couldn't figure out who could play Frodo. Then I heard Elijah Wood and it clicked. I went, "HOOOOOOOOOOOLYYYY CRRRRRRRAAAAAAP! THAT'S PERFECT!" This is gonna ruuuuuuuule. I don't care if this movie flunks in the box office (like it will. And actually I do care. But you know what I mean...), I'm gonna love it anyway. I'm such a fantasy nut I loved Dragonheart for crying out loud. But anyway, this is very exciting. Too bad these reports are almost over.
Am officially so excited I could wet myself at any moment. by Cracker Jim	Dec 21st, 2000 02:34:28 AM
Harry, your grammar may be atrocious, but you've got heart, kid. Tons of it. First time TB'er, been following the production since the rumor stages (years ago- how strange!) I've read the sacred texts probably 5 times now, which in the greater order of fanboydom puts me at about a 6.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. Just wanted to say that this is hands down the best reporting on the production that we, the slavering horde have received, and definitely some of the best AICN ever. I look forward to some sort of longer, more detailed retrospective when you get back to the good ol' U.S. of A. And if I don't get to see scans of those yearbook dedications, I'll gnaw my toes off.
A special note to New Line's Marketing department... by Cracker Jim	Dec 21st, 2000 02:54:24 AM
I know you're reading this. You're playing it brilliantly to the fan sector. Shipping Harry out to goosh about the final week of production is a freakin stroke of publicity genius. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing...
Alan Lee picture... by sjmaatta	Dec 21st, 2000 02:55:18 AM
... does anyone know if it is online? Somwhere? Anyone? Bueller?
Thanks to both Harry (for reporting) & all the crew (in case the by _Ioreth_	Dec 21st, 2000 03:02:54 AM
not usually posting here (but on the LOTRTT Messageboard at http://www.gamers.com * http://boards.gamers.com/messa ges/overview.asp?name=lotrtt&p age=1 *) - but I must say a great THANK YOU to all involved in this ... I've been sceptical at times, but these news have taken away some of my fears ... LOTR has been my favorite since I was 10 years old ... //Ioreth
Getting all misty-eyed and caught up in the Christmas spirit.... by NUXX	Dec 21st, 2000 03:35:54 AM
(blows nose) Thank you very, very much, oh Jolly King Of The Hills - You rule.... Now if only i can get my damn FFWD-1YR-TIMEMACHINE (TM) to work properly! NUXX OUT...
Harry, you are the man. by Nordling	Dec 21st, 2000 03:38:19 AM
Yes. This is some of the best writing you've ever done. It's poetry. I cannot wait to see LOTR now. I have read the books for 20 years annually. And Jackson fucking NAILED it. You deserve some sort of award for this. This is beautiful. Thank you, Harry, a better Christmas gift could not have been given. Well, maybe the Green Destiny sword from CTHD... :)
Mainstream? by DozenedDirty	Dec 21st, 2000 04:54:19 AM
Just about everything that could have been said about all of this has already been said. I just hope this film becomes popular to the masses . . .not just scifi and fanatasy followers, that it gets the credit I think it will surely deserve!
Alan Lee painting by jhurshman	Dec 21st, 2000 04:55:48 AM
I believe it's this one: http://soar.berkeley.edu/roloz o/images/lee/lee35.jpg
FLAMING UDDERS!!! by Balrogette	Dec 21st, 2000 05:18:19 AM
I shall have to get me one of those books. They've all signed it, eh? BLAST! Hmmmm, a plan is forming. . . Harry! Are you, just by chance, you know, looking for a good time with a BIG girl and a FIERY personality? Offers there, big guy - Chiefy's let me down. Oh yeah - and when your tour of the movie-Middle-Earth comes to an end, why don't you save up and come to Britain? Give me a call and I'll show you what gave Tolkien those big ideas!!! Well done, oh mortal one. . ..
Another great report (man, I write this every day) by EmperorCaligula	Dec 21st, 2000 05:21:18 AM
Harry, you lucky bastard :=) I hope all of you (_all_ because Harry reads the talkback, but I bet some people from cast/crew may read it as well), all of you will have a wonderfuly party. My dear Mr. Knowles (aka king of the Hill), I bet you've probably seen worth 40min of footage when you were on set seeing what they were shooting :) Congratulations for your brilliant reports. And I have the definitive impression you write better and better every day. must be the pressure of knowing that LOTR people will read them as soon as they're posted >=) For the LOTR people, well what i saw so far is simply amazingly great. I was a bit dubious with some rumored changes, but so far they're just rumors, some being recently debunked in Harry's reports. The only _credible_ stuff that was released (preview, pics, etc...) are totally wonderful. Excellent work. I cannot wait to see the end result. * Alan lee's pic: you're right, it's this one, it fits exactly the description. Good, it doesn't look like blatant fantasy stuff, rather like some medieval/venitian/byzantine stuff, which correspond well with how I could picture Gondor. * Hugo Weaving: He plays Elrond, and did most of his scene. I think he should be there for the coronation and wedding, but perhaps did he made his scenes months ago ebfore leaving... Or he just came for 1 or 2 days and left as soon, so that Harry didn't really see him. Elrond is in parts 1 and 3; dependng on how PJ and co developed the script, he could perhaps appear in part 2; will see. Based on the book, his main part would be the first movie (with perhaps a _fighting_ Elrond in the Last Alliance sequence ). * OK, time to go, so too all of you who'll read this, well done, and have a good party :) * P.S: the talkbackers are becoming far more civilised than i ever saw in AICN. Is it because they're stunned and in awe due to Harry' reports, or because they know Ian mcKellen, Elijah Wood, Liv Tyler and mny others will read their rants ;=)
Harry, you ARE Treebeard, you wise old Ent! Great series!! by Roguewriter	Dec 21st, 2000 05:40:01 AM
Only sorry it's over. Please do us all a favor and archive these reports in your "Harry's World" section; it contains some of the most enjoyable writing you've done, and this series definitely deserves a place at the top. Kudos, Big Guy!!!
Trailer Idea. . . by RenoNevada2000	Dec 21st, 2000 06:09:44 AM
Hey Harry, while you still have Peter's ear, you might want to run this thought past him. At the end of Fellowship and Two Towers, let's have a quick 90 second to 2 minute preview of the next installment, a la the end of Back to the Future 2. Come on Peter!
Where is that negativity now? by anothervoice	Dec 21st, 2000 06:18:55 AM
Has anyone noticed that there are fewer and fewer comments that try to knock these films? Well, we can be asured that Harry's comments have given us an insight that no movies have ever done (at least that I can remember). And a Christmass gift for eight days in a row! Please, Harry, make that last chapter...last!
Try this, Harry . . . by moviet00l	Dec 21st, 2000 06:29:51 AM
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD! Harry, on your last day, as you're saying your goodbyes and shaking Peter's hand, do a Matrix-style Kung-Fu arm-lock and demand to know if that wizard-on-a-spike thing is really how they plan on killing off Saruman. Who knows, it might work! Okay, okay, I'll wait until it comes out. (P.S. Waiting sucks!)
The true Father of all Geeks by Airafin	Dec 21st, 2000 06:31:06 AM
Harry, not only are you one lucky webmaster, and, as all the TBers on the whole internet in the whole world, I envy you like nobody
ku'laka by ame_no_heisei	Dec 21st, 2000 06:34:08 AM
While you're there and if you remember (I'd have a damn hard time keeping my head about me if I were in New Zealand at the moment) could you ask some of, or even one of, the cast and crew what they would like to communicate to the fans? Something like what Dominic Monaghan did. It may seem a silly question but these people are living a dream that is, for me, very personal and it's hard not to be able to get more intimate with their experience. Thank you so much for doing these reports, they keep me feeling happy at work :)
The man behind the grassy Knowles... by Seepgood	Dec 21st, 2000 06:38:39 AM
Er, sorry. Couldn't resist it.
round spikey wheely deely! by scatha	Dec 21st, 2000 07:01:03 AM
Harry, please get to the bottom of the Saruman-on-a-spike picture! You lucky blankety blank. :-)
Congratulations by jolielouise	Dec 21st, 2000 07:02:16 AM
Thank you so much to Harry and to all the cast and crew of this amazing project. I'll be thinking of y'all today on the last day of filming. Everybody send good chi to New Zealand! Happy Holidays!
Harry, these stories have been the most interesing things I've r by geekzapoppin	Dec 21st, 2000 07:25:44 AM

HARRY! by GIANTLEO	Dec 21st, 2000 08:00:01 AM
Unbelieveable!!! Wow, what a treat. I cannot wait to see your Alan Lee book with all the autographs and artwork. I'm going out and getting my tattoo right now!! Need somemore news about Aragorn/Viggo!
WHO'S DOING THE SOUND DESIGN FOR THE FILMS??? by Reverendz	Dec 21st, 2000 08:01:08 AM
ASK! Please Harry, get at least a tidbit on this subject. I know that most of the work will be done in post, but at least find out SOME details. PLEASE?
Sarumans death by sundown	Dec 21st, 2000 08:16:10 AM
I just want to say I LOVE everything about the way this film is coming together. It will rock and I anticipate it like no other film that has come out in my lifetime. Now one question. Saruman dies at the end of the books in a short story unto itself where the returning now battlehardened hobbits kick the crap out of a bunch of evil humans that would have scared them silly before. Now this scnee I thought wasintegral to the whole trilogy and really hammered homw the ay the Hobbits changed and to me was the punchline to the books. You have these formerly meek being who went through hell facing a challeneg that would have terrified them but PALES to what they have seen. And they demolish it in front of all their friends they left so long ago. I thought that whole sequence was amazing and it really made the story great. Does anyone know if they are planning on excising that and killing Saruman in a more Hollywood fashion during an earlier battle with the hordes of Sauron? I hope that isn't the case as I liked the way things turned out. But I understand the need to rewrite some stuff to give the desired impact. I wonder if they'll change the ending to give a payoff with Sauron in the battle as well. I ain't universally against change but I hope it is as close as possible. But I understand the people who haven't read the books will want a more movie-like conclusion as sometimes things work better on paper than on film... But what do you guys think? Oh and Harry great stuff really I get more excited by the day...move into Jacksons place when he isn't looking and stay until they call the police to remove you!
Way to go Harry by ADA	Dec 21st, 2000 08:22:39 AM
It has been brilliant to get the low down on the last days of filming. This is going to be a landmark film, no doubt about it!
Get Your Paws Off My Peter! by SwanEater	Dec 21st, 2000 08:25:32 AM
A few short years ago, when Peter Jackson was but an imaginative Kiwi on the map of riotous bloody movies, I believed him the best kept secret on the globe. Absolutely hilarious sequences and great/gory moments that kept me hoping that the cinematic world would never get her greedy paws on my Peter. Now then, when he decided to unleash those balls of brass and tackle THE great book, I thought that perhaps our man Jackson had a Bad Taste sized slit in his cranium, leaking brain and obvious common sense along the way. The man has quite literally unveiled himself to the world of film in only two
I ALMOST FORGOT... by GIANTLEO	Dec 21st, 2000 08:34:11 AM
I've found myself dripping with anticipation for this film, more that any other. Harry, you've successfully put all other resources to shame with these wondeful reports. Screw John Fordes' (EOnline...what's up with that title anyway? "Force of Hobbit" sounds like the last minute, I don't care just get it posted, version....HA) reports from New Zealand, YOURS ARE ABOVE AND BEYOND GREATNESS, MUCH MORE INFORMATIVE. I only regret that poor Ian's "Grey Book" report won't be met with as much anticipation each month. Don't leave just move in with PJ, we need these reports. DON'T FORGET ELIJAH'S AUTOGRAPH!!!
By Eru! (and Saruman Wizard-on-a-Wheel Questions [*please]) by DrLocrian	Dec 21st, 2000 08:56:39 AM
Amazing. Thank you again, Harry, for your superb, sometimes even moving, reporting. I have been a harsh critic of the movies, but I must say I am more excited and impressed with the work they've done than I ever have been. It'll be a loooong year. * Like many others, I long to know the definitive answers to these questions: does Saruman indeed die on the wheel-o-death? Is he in Isengard or the Shire upon death? (by evidence, I know the answers to these questions, but I'm hoping for a hoax or change of mind) If Isengard, who is the Sharkey of the Shire? If he bites it in Isengard, I think the only viable solution is to make Saruman the villain of the Shire even after his demise (e.g. the machinations Saruman has set in motion are perpetuated by his lackeys). * Harry, your imminent "passing" from New Zealand reminds me of Gimli's departure from Lothl
I've been on this site nearly daily for over three years and... by PoopyPantsFanBoy	Dec 21st, 2000 09:11:00 AM
This is the most exciting and best shit that I've read from you Harry! I mean to be in your place Mr. Knowles, you're where every PoopyPantsFanBoy wishes he was..... Asshole!
WHO CARES CHUNKY BUTT!!!!!???? by Lil_Timmy	Dec 21st, 2000 09:19:20 AM
I mean really... instead of going to watch Lord of Rings, how about going on a diet you bloated monkey!
Harry, please ask Peter Jackson: by S. Bisley	Dec 21st, 2000 09:22:55 AM
If additional realistic gore during the battles will be included in a future LOTR DVD release? Has Braveheart-type gore been filmed? By all means, let the theatrical release be censored so New Line can have their precious dollars, but just once in my life I'd like to see realistic fantasy battles instead of the Dragonheart-type bullshit. A directors gory cut of LOTR. Please PJ. PLEASE.
Cast and Crew by Elendil55	Dec 21st, 2000 09:36:10 AM
Hey everyone. I just want to thank all of the cast and crew for putting so much effort into making these movies as wonderful as the books that inspired them. I am sure that these movies are going to be huge, and I truly believe from what Harry has told us that there is something very special about this production...I only wish that I could have been there to be a part of it. Thank you so much, and thank you Harry for some of the best articles that I have ever read. They are incredible.
nothing more to add by MercilessMing	Dec 21st, 2000 09:54:03 AM
Well, I've got nothing more to add to the talkback that hasn't been said already, but I'll give it a shot in case these reports are archived into movie history someday. Harry, you rock, the site rocks, these reports rock, and the LOTR movies are going to rock. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to handle this next year of extreme anticipation. I've already started dreaming about seeing the movies. Last week I dreamed that Fellowship was great, but on the way out I saw a poster advertising The Two Towers with the date saying December 19, 2018. AAAAGHH! 363 days to go!
Re: Harry being used? by catbarf	Dec 21st, 2000 10:06:18 AM
Perhaps. I'm sure no one would be anything less than charming to visiting press to begin with. Interesting that the most thorough coverage that we should get so far comes via this site...no doubt because they know Harry understands the subject matter. Other media outlets would probably screw everything up. But for that very reason (Harry actually understanding the subject matter) I think the crew geniunely likes the guy and his bubbling enthusiasm, even if he's a bit of a goof sometimes. This project MUST have deeply connected everyone working on it. In this context, Harry being treated like "one of the family" is a bit more plausible and the "bribery" seems more like the perks of actually being appreciated. Sure, it's in their interest to spoil him rotten, but the people on the set do seem to be enjoying it for it's own sake while they're at it. Harry is FUN to spoil! His enthusiasm is contagious. I don't think it's quite as bad as it may look to the cynical. As for his objectivity, Harry is obviosly "drunk" on the experience of being there, but I can't say I blame the guy. He'll sober up a bit when he gets back.
Great Stuff by Ibsen	Dec 21st, 2000 10:17:12 AM
Harry, Your posts have been quite a prelude to next year's best Christmas time movie extravaganza to hit the silver screen in quite some time. I believe that no gift will compare to the wonderful movies Peter Jackson and the people of Wellington are making for the next few holiday seasons. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
saurman on a stick by wookiehunter	Dec 21st, 2000 10:18:57 AM
where can I find that pic of the loley wizzard on a stick???????????
Oh, please say you saw my message by Solstice007	Dec 21st, 2000 10:35:20 AM
Harry, if you read the talk-backs, please tell me you saw my request and gave my message to Frodo (AKA Elijah Wood). But even if you missed that, I LUV YOU TOO, HARRY! Reading these chapters has been one of the best experience in my LOTR-centered life! Merry Christmas!
Thanks! :) by Golasgil	Dec 21st, 2000 10:38:57 AM
Ignore the cynics! I want to say a big Thank You to the cast and crew and the wonderful fan base. I am a Purist; I am bowled over by the enthusiam shown by everyone associated with the project. I think your excitement shows that you "get it" in the best sense. I no longer fear, I will enjoy every moment of your journey. Thanks. PS. I can't believe you people got tats! I want one now!
"whom's torture it is"? by Tulkas	Dec 21st, 2000 11:18:12 AM
That cracks me up. Harry, don't ever proof-read your reports - the flaws are part of the charm, and show the passion behind it all. It's hard to imagine how the cast and crew seem so low key and friendly when the pressure on this project must be huge. Hats off to the Kiwi mindset!
here's a thought... by ic24	Dec 21st, 2000 11:30:33 AM
Harry, Yous should totally ask PJ to add your reports tot he DVDs, as and when they come about.
In response to 'Harry being used' or 'Harry being to positive' by Dragonfire	Dec 21st, 2000 11:40:00 AM
First of all, the cast and crew of the lord of the rings trilogy DO NOT NEED TO USE ANYONE. They don't need to worry about money. They're going to make money of this movie no matter what. this is LORD OF THE RINGS for gods sake. Its is destined to be a success. Failure and lord of the rings is a fucking oxymoron. There are millions of lord of the rings fans world wide going to see this. there were 1.7 million downloads of the preview in the first fucking 24 hours for gods sake! THIS MOVIE IS GOING TO BE THE BIGGEST BLOCK BUSTER EVER. Its going to sink titanic. You understand me! titanic is going to positively BLOW UP after this movie comes out. Its going to burst into flame and sink like the flaming pile of crap that it is. Lord of the rings is going to slay every movie in history. They do not need to go so low as to USE anyone. They're above that. This isn't one of those 'normal movies' where they have to win people over. Its the most anticipated movie event of 2001. No fuck that, its the most anticipated EVENT of 2001, and 2002 and 2003. On to the next thing about Harry being to positive. Someone said that Harry's being overly positive because there had to be something there that didn't fit Harry's vision of the lord of the rings, because even if Tolkein made the movie people would still find that it didn't fit their vision. Thats true. Obviously its not going to fit every ones vision. Thats impossible. So just accept that there's a chance its not going to fit your vision. Instead of seing it as a bad thing, see it as a fact. There's no way it could possibly fit every one's vision. What matters is that it's a GOOD vision, that it does the lord of the rings justice. What Harry was seeing was brilliant. Whether it fit HIS vision or not doesn't matter. What he was seeing pleased him as a lord of the rings fan. and anyway from what I've seen it pretty much fits my vision of the lord of the rings, because my vision of the lord of the rings is that its pure brilliance, and so far, in all the pictures, the reports and the internet preview, thats all I've seen, is pure brilliance.
Yeah, tell it like it is Dragonfire! by brokentusk	Dec 21st, 2000 11:54:42 AM
These films will be greater than anything anyone has ever done. 'Titanic' is pure Wookie shit compared to even the title 'The Lord of the Rings'. When even the trailer for 'The Lord of the Rings' comes out. Every other film in the world will bow down and admit defeat. All the prints of the film 'Titanic' will explode (causing many a death of stupid people actually watching the film). Leanardo DiCaprio will explode because he won't be able to handle the fact that he is an idiot. Elijah Wood is the new king (not that Leanardo was ever king - what kind of stupid name is Leanardo anyway?) These films will not dissapoint. The ONLY thing that worries me is the music (soundtrack) cause that's the only thing we have not seen or heard about. I am not thay worried though as nothing that touches these films can be bad. I mean, look at the pictures of the Hobbits (from yesterday) and the picture of Bilbo from today and you can already see magic. I pity anyone who is not looking forward to these films...what boring lives you must have...
grits teeth Must...not...envy... by SoaringPhoenix	Dec 21st, 2000 12:40:53 PM
Another loyal fangirl who has been skulking in the shadows reading for many months. I've been reading your reports of Middle Earth and drooling all over my keyboard. smiles quietly I'd give my eyeteeth to be in your shoes. Tolkien has long been a favorite author and Hobbit/LOTR among my favorite books. I'm encouraged to see Peter Jackson appears to be staying true to the books, by and large. I've had to dig out my massive three-in-one edition of the books again just so I can sate my hunger for this movie. Screw Christmas2k; I want Christmas 2001!
Spiderman Teaser by willblake	Dec 21st, 2000 12:41:31 PM
The announcer states assuredly in his most announcerly voice, "As the most anticipated motion picture event of 2001 takes you on the ultimate spin". Spider-Man will most likely be a hit, but by no means will it have the heart and timelessness the 'Lord of the Rings' will have. Yes, Harry, I feel the positive vibes your articles are generating, and there's a reason for that! Thanks again for the best writing yet on your site.
Ian Holm as Bilbo Pic by DrLocrian	Dec 21st, 2000 12:48:14 PM
Eat this, naysayers. If this isn't a photo that will make any LOTR reader smile, I don't know what is: http://www.theonering.net/movi e/scrapbook/large/819 *** Just to clarify: I'm sure that any true fan of the LOTR would be every bit as enthusiastic and uncritical as Harry is right now in the presence of so much material to be enthusiastic about. I don't know if these movies will be the "biggest ever"; I hope they are. Will they be successful? I'm sure--very. Will they have problems, some of which may piss me and others off? Probably. But I sure the hell like what I've seen and heard about the movies so far. So, in short, if you simply dislike Harry (which I'm sure that anyone who uses a HARRYISFAT aka does), please don't insult anyone's intelligence by pretending to be the voice of sanity. I have my doubts about the films, but that doesn't mean that Harry isn't doing a fantastic (and very thorough) job of reporting.
Nothing spoiled by scudd	Dec 21st, 2000 01:19:03 PM
I am very thankful for Harry's posts about his trip to see the final days of the LOTR. Finally we are getting some solid information from a fellow geek about the sets, actors, costumes, etc. without getting any spoilers. Nothing, save a brief mention in Chapter 7, was a description of a scene that was not part of the book itself, so I dont feel there are any spoilers here. The one thing that he could have spoiled, which is the scouring of the shire, was only alluded to and not fully described. By the way, nice answer to that PJ. :) Anyway, this has been a nice refreshing view of the upcoming trilogy, and though it wont sufficiently hold me over until next year, I am even more confident that our friends in New Zealand are doing Professor Tolkien's literary works right.
LOTR tattoo by semuta	Dec 21st, 2000 01:25:45 PM
I may have jumped the gun here, but I've had this since June already. I doubt it matches up to Alan Lee's new drawing, but hey, you never know. :) http://pubnix.org/~mark/tree1. jpg re: saruman's wheel> any chance that it could be the waterwheel at the Hobbiton mill? ;\|
Awesome Reports by LegolasGreenleaf	Dec 21st, 2000 02:10:19 PM
Hey Mr. Knowles, thank you SO MUCH for the previews over the last week! I am so excited; all doubts are being drownd in the gush of anticipation! Thanks! PS. I am gratified to see that somebody shares my opinions of Leonardo De-whatever! You go ManOwaR!
Post Script by LegolasGreenleaf	Dec 21st, 2000 02:22:11 PM
Hey, if the cast and folks from the movie read this (cool!) then hey you guys! Y'all are doing, or have done, an awesome movie here I can't wait to see it! Take care.
Another great report Harry by Elros20	Dec 21st, 2000 02:30:32 PM
Its funny, I usually come to this site scan quickley for new peices of news, check them out and leave. This week however, I've come here for the sole purpose of reading the daily reports from new zealand, then leaving the site. I'm sure I'll get over this, but its like no other movie news really matters.
*Harry, please look HERE* Now, ask PJ about Saruman. by $crooge McDuck	Dec 21st, 2000 03:29:22 PM
I think it's going to be really sad if this wizard-kebab-thing is going to be in the film, espescially if it happens in the second film. Miami Mofo: The elvish letters on the pictures look like the letters inside the ring: One ring to rule them all One ring to find them One ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them In the land of Mordor where the shadows lie. So who will have the role as Sauron? Leonardo DiCaprio of course!
And another question by $crooge McDuck	Dec 21st, 2000 03:35:06 PM
Is Boromir going to have dark hair or not? I've always thought he had dark hair. (I'm not sure if it's in the book, and don't have time to check now, but I'm totally sure Boromir has dark hair!) I have seen the internet preview, and I know the picture with Boromir holding the ring doesn't look promising, but I just wanted to know for sure.
It has just ocurred to me that the reason they may... by Skyway Moaters	Dec 21st, 2000 04:17:26 PM
...Kill Saruman off in T2T is that ROTK will be realeased a whole year later and 'non read' movie goers won't remember who the hell he is! Prompting questions like "Sharky? Who the hell is this Sharky guy?" "Where did this guy come from?" Ehhhh... it's a possibility(?).
s. moaters by wilko185	Dec 21st, 2000 04:50:05 PM
If that is the case, there are a lot of other things to forget ("who's this Bilbo/Elrond guy from 2 years ago?"). They should definitely put in some kind of synopsis at the start of the second 2 films (afer all, it isnt a trilogy you know
s. moaters by wilko185	Dec 21st, 2000 04:50:20 PM
If that is the case, there are a lot of other things to forget ("who's this Bilbo/Elrond guy from 2 years ago?"). They should definitely put in some kind of synopsis at the start of the second 2 films (afer all, it isnt a trilogy you know
Peter Jackson ought to do Bored of the Rings next. by vroom socko	Dec 21st, 2000 05:01:25 PM
Does anyone else know this book? Damn funniest thing you'll read. The scene with Frito, Spam, Pepsi, and Moxie at Tim Benzedrine's house, dropping acid. Fucking funny, man! (Before you ask, SDG, I'm not drunk this time.) Also, Harry, great story about the picture/set comparison. I can't wait for your final installment.
Damn, Harry. You make me feel like crying. by Lenny Nero	Dec 21st, 2000 05:07:37 PM
This is such a goddamn wonderful series of reports, and I don't think I can last another friggin' year before PART I...argh...dammit...time to take someone hostage just for footage of the first.
Hehe... how cool can it get? by Dan42	Dec 21st, 2000 05:21:22 PM
The "Jolly King of the Hill" actually answered my question about the pronunciation of His name. Unless it was a HUUUGE coincidence, but that would be cool too. Harry, I feel so much pity for you. How are you ever going to come down from such an incredible high? This is going to be worse than 10,000 simultaneous hangovers.
.....uh....amazing.... by MrCere	Dec 21st, 2000 05:50:23 PM
So, in all seriousness, I decided many months ago that I would sell all my earthly possessions to go to New Zeland, if only I could get inside the set and be a part of this 'miracle of rare device'. Since I couldn't get in, I didn't do it. Further, my wife of four months - who gave me a golden replica of 'The One Ring' as my wedding band - would have taken quite a loooonnng time to get over me leaving the country. Plus, she is hot and I like living with her. The Harrinater is living a once-in-a-lifetime for all of us and DAMN it, I almost can't stand it. I also can't stand NOT to read it. Being a geek sucks. Is there a genuinely good tatoo geek-artist out there? I think I have dreamed up a brand spanking new money making scheme...
Thanks to all! by Brangwen	Dec 21st, 2000 07:03:46 PM
Hey Harry! Thanks for your fantastic reports! I have looked forward to your posts each day! It's a shame they didn't have you covering the filming from day one! And, incase the cast/crew, read this: thanks for all your hard work (looking forward to seeing the results in 2001). Cheers!
Elijah by Elifan	Dec 21st, 2000 07:58:19 PM
I am big Elijah fan. I am looking foward to hearing more about him. Keep up the good work Harry.
this is great by Elian Ranel	Dec 21st, 2000 08:54:31 PM
the best christmas present i'll get this year, no doubt. and i can't wait for next year...but at least it is only one more year, rather than two or three...oh wait, it is until the end...crap! i'm doomed to waiting...as for Harry being positive, he's always positive, even on the rare occasion when he says he doesn't like something. any fan who got to be on the set would be incredibly positive, i'm sure. so harry is the luckiest guy in the world and we're all very very envious. lucky harry.
Vroom Socko Is Right About BORED OF THE RINGS. by Buzz Maverik	Dec 21st, 2000 08:54:46 PM
I love LORD OF THE RINGS, but I've only read it one time, while I've worn out three copies of BORED by The Havard Lampoon. The thing is, the guys that wrote the satire are real Tolkien fans themselves so nobody's laughing AT anything. I am particuarily fond of Goodgulf's encounter with the Ballhog.
Synopsis by critical_theory	Dec 21st, 2000 09:33:46 PM
The Two Towers and Return of the King each start with a brief synopsis of the past events. Kind of cool, if a little archaic in lit. terms. I wonder if Jackson is going to keep those in? With the movies hitting every year there shouldn't be a need to reintroduce characters, even minor ones. (SW hit every three years and those characters weren't forgoten by Joe Public) But if New Line's wise the video of the preceding film needs to be released before the next hits theaters. Good job Harry. Nice reports.
LOTR Radio dramatization by i-train	Dec 21st, 2000 11:49:44 PM
Has anyone heard the 12-hour, 13-part radio dramatization of LOTR done by the BBC (i think)? It is AMAZING. Of course, it is nothing compared to reading the books themselves, but it is definitely worth checking out for a change of pace. I know that they can be purchased off of one of the main LOTR sites (or downloaded off of napster).

Talkbacks

THERE AND BACK AGAIN: A Geek's Adventures In Middle-Earth!!! CHAPTER SEVEN!!!

User login

Quick Talkback

Talkbacks