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Lord of the Rings: The Film
Hosted by Michael Regina
Editor in Chief of theonering.net
Thursday,
Dec. 20, 2001; 1 p.m. EST
On Dec. 19th the first of three highly anticipated Lord of the Rings films opened nationwide. Adapted from J.R.R. Tolkien's best selling books, the film is expected to break box office records around the world.
Can the movie live up to the hype? Will the film be faithful to the text? How did they make Elijah Wood so small?
Michael Regina, Editor in Chief and Segment Producer for the popular Lord of the Rings Web site TheOneRing.net, was online the day after the movie's release to take questions and comments on all aspects of the film.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Centreville, Va.:
I've never read Tolkien's books, but I went to see the film last night with my husband (who has read the cycle so many times he can practically recite it) and both of us absolutely LOVED it and are planning on seeing it again next week! I remember reading somewhere that all of the scenes with the hobbits and with the "normal" sized characters weren't CGI, it was just camera tricks to make the hobbits look smaller. Can you tell us how they did that, or point us to a Web site that can explain?
Michael Regina: Hello,
Glad you liked the film :) The use of CGI to shrink the hobbits was not as evident because they also used some old fashioned forced perspective tricks, placing the Hobbit character closer to the camera than the tall folks.
They also used 2 different sized sets at times. A large set, with oversized chairs and props to make the Hobbit actors look small, and a regular set for the human actors.
They did use some CGI and blue screen effects when it was needed.
Alot of the time the actors were shot on their knees as well, now that is very old-school :)
Alexandria, Va.:
What is the status of the next installments? Have they finished all the shooting for the next two films? If so, why do they need a years time between them?
Michael Regina: The status of the other two films are what they call 'in the can', all the pricipal photography is complete. For both the two towers and return of the king. There will be a few sessions of pick up shots and voice overs needed in the next few years, but all the main set pieces and shots are done.
They are currently working, albeit only starting to work on, The Two Towers at the moment. PJ has completetd some 80% of the light and color fixes for The Two Towers, and has a very rough cut available.
Why wait a year for the next film? Anticipation! What better way to whet the appetite of the movie going public than make them wait a year. Plus...it makes them more money :)
Arlington, Va.:
I just re-read the first book of the trilogy (Fellowship of the Ring). Does the movie end at the same point? That seems like an awkward place to leave a movie audience.
Michael Regina: The movie does end very similar to the first book. It is quite frankly the perfect 'to be continued' ending I've ever seen. With Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli heading off to hunt Orcs, and Frodo with Sam heading to Mordor...
I saw the film again last night and the most popular comment I heard was 'we have to wait another year for the next one?! I can't wait!'
You will find that Peter Jackson has followed the main themes of the books very carefully
Falls Church, Va.:
Is it too early to talk about Academy Awards? Although I will be flamed for this, except for Director I do not see it winning any of the "major" awards -- acting, best film, etc. I do, however, see it sweeping the art direction field and screen adaptation awards. I just don't see how anyone can NOT vote for it in those categories. Thoughts?
A brilliant film.
Michael Regina: Well, we all hope it can win some oscars don't we :) The Golden Globe nominations were announced this morning, and LOTR took in 4, Best Drama, Best Director, Best Score and Best Original Song...
Many people call the Golden Globes the pre-Oscars, so let's hope it can translate and get some of those well deserving people some golden guys!
But generally the academy doesn't choose the BIG blockbuster nominees for best actor, or supporting actor, but I think Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are in pretty good chances to at least get nominated.
Detroit, Mich.:
Michael,
I almost feel as though spending so much time on your Web site and all of the pre-release hype and spy reports took away from some of the surprizes there could have been in a movie based on a book that I've read numerous times.
How do you feel? Did knowing what you knew about the movie take some of the fun out of actually seeing it?
Michael Regina: Well, I thought that would happen the first time I was going to see the movie as well. Having spent time with the production since day 1, knowing alot of the cast and crew, being 'there' every day during the casting, shooting, special effects, trailers and whatnot, you'd think I'd be bored and know the entire film through and through.
But I was pleasantly surrised to find that many of the things I saw on the film were knew to me, or at least shown to me in a different way than what I thought they would be.
Of course I can never view this film from the point of view of a regular fan or even the non-fan who knew nothing about Tolkien, I think that is why they are my most favorite people to talk to, I love to hear their impressions of the film.
My parents went to see it last night, I couldn't wait to hear what they had to say, them being total non-tolkien fans.
Toronto, Ontario:
How disappointed were you that Tom Bombadil and his lovely wife were omitted from the movie?
Michael Regina: Well, I knew that they weren't going to be in the film for over 2 years now, so it wasn't a major stress point for me.
I'm on the side of the fence that feels that Tom takes away from the main story arc anyway. Film is a fast moving visual medium, you need to make sure people know what is going on and they can follow the storyline.
In a 3 hour film with MANY names, places and dates, Tom would just muddle the casual film goer.
Washington, D.C.:
Saw something somewhere about a National Geographic special on the movie. Do you know anything about this?
Michael Regina: We posted the airdates for this show on the site 2 days ago, they are around the 23,24,25,26...at different times, you should check tvguide online for more info about that. Or check our archives.
I think the special will involve the nature and location filming in New Zealand. Being national georgraphic and all. I know quite a few film crews went down to film a 'behind-the-scenes' style special, those are popping up on TV screens everywhere. Keep an eye out for our 'TV Watch' headlines on the site's front page..we always mention them.
Atlanta, Ga.:
I just read Roger Ebert's review and his criticisms boil down to two issues. The movie is not his personal vision of Middle-earth, and the Hobbits are only supporting characters. I have not seen the movie yet, can you please address these two critiques?
Michael Regina: Well, I'm no fan of Ebert, but if he wanted to see his vision of LOTR, he should get up out of that movie theatre chair and make his own film. I think he adresses that comment as well, saying the fact that it bothered him shouldn't bother anyone else...so then why mention it Roger?
The idea of the Hobbits as supporting characters is quite silly. They're in the entire film, and Frodo carries every scene he is in. The entire film is about the journey of these Hobbits!
The real supporting characters in this first piece is Legolas and Gimli, they do plenty in this film but are not fully fleshed out yet, expect more from them in The Two Towers.
Vallejo, Calif.:
Michael,
Thanks for TheOneRing.net -- it was my daily LotR fix! Have you been able to nail down a favorite scene, yet?
Michael Regina: Thanks for your kind comments....
My favorite scene...hrm..
I love all of Moria, that's a given. I also liked Boromir's death scene. I love Sean Bean, I think he's an amazing actor.
I'd have to say the Bridge in Moria and the wizard battle with Saruman and Gandalf were my favorite.
But I love the whole thing through and through.
Cambridge, England:
Is there any possibility of an early release for the next two movies -- i.e., August instead of December?
Also, what kind of extra stuff will be included on the DVD?
Michael Regina: I think the FOTR DVD will be coming out in August, if I can recall correctly, quite honestly I'm so tired from hosting a giant party last night, I cannot think straight this afternoon.
I do hope they have a special directors edition DVD as well, with tons of scenes they filmed but were unable to get them on the final cut.
I know the DVD will have all sorts of delux features. So be sure to watch out for that!
One thing I want to pitch is the 'Fan DVD' where some of the top fans from around the world are allowed to add their commentary audio track as well, now THAT would be really fun to participate in.
Purcellville, Va.:
My wife and I saw the movie last night and loved it.
I know that a lot of the "Tolkien purists" had concerns about Liv Tyler/Arwen's expanded role. Have you heard any feedback on this? Because I thought it was an excellent change.
Michael Regina: I think many of these 'purists' are eating a bit of crow this morning regarding the Arwen 'problem'. I think she was used to absolute perfection in this film. Her role was subtle, charming and genuine.
Her love for Aragorn, and how she tries to help him comate his fears is truly amazing, you really get a great chance to see his inner struggle, even MORE than you do in the books...really quite extraordinary...
Cleveland Park, D.C.:
Can you explain why exactly Isidur's heirs stopped being kings of Gondor? I gather that they were lost to history and that "stewards" came to rule Gondor in their place, but why?
Michael Regina: Ok, here's a bit of my Tolkien geekiness coming through :)
Elendil and his son Isildur joined the Last Alliance of Elves and Men to fight Mordor and they did defeat him. But Elendil was lost..Isildur then became the heir of Gondor..but after taking the ring he was killed in an orc raid on the road home and was lost.
Meanwhile in Gondor the stewards rule the city until the king returns...the king never did return...
So the stewards ruled Gondor for thousands of years..until Denethor.
nerdy enough for you? :)
Los Angeles, Calif.:
I just read Michael Martinez's "Purist" review of the movie in which he takes the movie to task for deviating from the books, but then spends the last 3 paragraphs complaining about the inclusion of "Tobacco products."
Would it have been humanly possible to make a film which pleased the hardcore Purists and still was accessible to the masses?
Michael Regina: One rule is you cannot please everyone. The simple notion that because Michael Martinez is a tolkien 'scholar' and does not like the film does not mean the film is bad.
I guess you can say vice versa, but the general public seems to be enjoying the film as well...so the general concensus rules :)
I see no problem with pipes and tobacco being used in these films. Political correctness doesn't seem to effect Peter Jackson down there in New Zealand, and good for it :)
Fairfax, Va.:
Best surprise of the film: Ian Holm's portrayal of Bilbo!
Thoughts?
Michael Regina: Wasn't Ian Holm amazing? I really thought he stood out and was really great in every scene he was in.
I first saw Ian Holm in the great sci-fi film 'The 5th Element', I saw is amazing acting ability in 'The Sweet Hereafter' an amazing film. Ian is wonderful in this film. He's got this wonderful charm and easygoing aura..simply marvelous. He IS Bilbo in my opinion.
Leesburg, Va.:
We took the kids out of school yesterday afternoon to see the movie and the entire family loved it! Everything worked beautifully. We think it may not generate as much as Harry Potter on the opening weekend, but will overtake it as more people return to see it multiple times and as word of mouth gets out. What do you think? And what is Peter Jackson's next project likely to be now that he has shown what he is capable of?
Michael Regina: Wow, I wish my parents were as cool as you guys are when I was a kid :)
The film will most certainly overtake Potter..but I'm not sure if it can beat Potter's weekend record sales. This film will most certainly have multiple viewings, unlike Potter that has dropped off the radar very quickly, you can tell the parents were forced to take their kids ASAP, and now that the fix is done, and the parents will not thake their kids a second time...the sales are dropping off.
PJ's next project is the Two Towers, but if you mean anything after this film, I'm not too sure he has seen that far ahead. He did say he doesn't want to be a huge hollywood director, he'd like to make small movies as well. I hope he can do that.
Washington, D.C.:
With many fantasy/sci-fi movies, fans go wild spreading rumors about what's going on. (Star Trek fans are notorious for this.)
What is the strangest rumor you ever heard regarding this project?
Michael Regina: Hrm...the stranges rumor...well, there was the one where they were going to make Sam a girl...
Sean Connery as Gandalf/Theoden/Saruman or someone else...
Peter Jackson playing Barliman Butterbur or Tom Bombadil was another one..
Basically you hear all the strange ones...but it's all part of the fun!
Harrisburg, Pa.:
I saw the movie last night and loved it!
I've been reading the posts on sites like theonering.net, etc, and you seemed to have won over the "geek" crowd (of which I am proudly a member). What has the feedback been from the regular folks.
Michael Regina: The 'Geek' crowd...they pay all our bills :)
Well..I went to a large screening last night, it was mixed with personal friends, family and people I've met through the site. All seemed to like it, even the non-Tolkien readers.
I really do think we can manage to please both crowds, which is great because that is exactly what New Line wants to do.
Reston, Va.:
The Moria scene was incredible. Between that, and the Battle of Dagorlad (sp?) scenes in the beginning, I really am looking forward to the Battle of Helm's Deep. And Ents.
Michael Regina: Yes, I remeber the amazing scene where Saruman orders the destruction of all the trees and forests around Orthanc, and I said to myself 'those are Ents he's killing!', so yes, I'm really looking foreward to seeing them come to life and take their revenge.
The major battle scenes will really be amazing to witness in the next two films. It will be even more exciting than FOTR.
Burbank, Calif.:
I read somewhere that the second and third films might also have prologues in the beginning.
Do you think in the Two Towers the Smeagol/Deagol story will finally be told?
Michael Regina: I'm not too sure about prologues for the other films. I do know that they did indeed film scenes with Smeagol and Deagol in the boat, and finding the ring. They could go back to it, much the same way they re-visited Isildur and the Ring 3 or 4 times, I found that very interesting. A good way to keep people attached to the back story yet not get lost in it.
I hope we get to see Smeagol all those years ago, I'd love to see Andy Serkis' take on the character.
Maryland:
I saw it yesterday! Very, very good. It was quite true to the book. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is one of my favorite series of all time -- I even coded on a Tolkien-based MUD for a time. I was quite pleased with Jackson's work -- it really lived up to the spirit of the story.
Michael Regina: I'm very glad you liked it, Jackson and WETA, the folks at New Line and all the LOTR websites worked extremely hard to get everything going just right, and make it the best we all possibly could (my roll is extremely small, but I feel part of the 'family' of people who worked on it). PJ et all will be happy when I tell him all of your reactions.
Manassas, Va.:
Went to the midnight release with my 12-yo daughter, and we both loved it. I'm a longtime Tolkien fan, raising up my daughter well, I think!
Favorite scenes: Moria and Lothlorien -- breathtaking, both of them.
My one beef with the film had nothing to do with deviations from story or characters. By the end of film, I was ready to scream at yet another soulful-tearful-distant-gazing by Frodo (contemplating his awful task), and the meaningful zoom-ins to his palm holding the Ring (contemplating its awful power). I just thought a healthy handful of those could've been cut, with no great loss.
Your thoughts?
Michael Regina: 3 hours is alot to take in, and by the very end even the most hardcore-tolkien lover is looking at his watch and dying to standup and walk around. But I do like the ending. I try to imagine myself watching it on my couch and enjoying it :)
Newport, R.I.:
Dear Xoanon,
What did you think about the divergence from the Tolkien dialogue? For instance, when Aragorn says 'Let's hunt orc.'? The only two 'complaints' I would have, if I could call them that, would be the dialogue and the pacing. I completely understand why Peter Jackson needed to try to speed up the pace/ urgency of the journey in Fellowship of the Ring though.
My hat is off to PJ and all involved with this wonderful film. I can't wait to see The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
Michael Regina: I thought the pacing was a little fast as well the first time I saw the film. The problem stems from the fact that in our minds we are saying to ourselves 'ok this is chapter 3...and now is part 2..and now..) you need to step away from that and enjoy the film as a stand-alone piece of work.
When I watched it the second time last night that is exaclty what I did, and I found that the films pace moves along at a very good speed. For a 3 hour film :)
Michael Regina: Thanks alot for submiting your questions guys! As you know you can always reach me at xoanon@theonering.net, or just log on to http://theonering.net, we have a great chatroom and mesage board as well. I want to thank the washingtonpost.com for having me, I'll gladly do another one of these soon! Take care!
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Michael Regina (Xoanon) Editor in Chief/Segment Producer
xoanon@theonering.net http://www.TheOneRing.net
PH: 514.947.5221
ICQ: 32063161
AOL: MVCR718
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