Official 'The Hobbit' Thread - - - - Part 13

[regwec]

That was brilliantly adapted in the BBC radio play.

 

[jonathancrane]

I have not heard it----I will definitely check it out.

 

[Drz]

One thing it did seem to confirm was that Gandalf was not [BLACKOUT]in possession of his FotR staff[/BLACKOUT]. And damn was it awesome to see Gandalf using magic in that way. A real wizard's battle. IT is like they watched Harry Potter and realized that those pieces of wood these wizards and witches carry around can be used for something other then walking.

I dunno, i thought it went visually too DBZ/Fantasy, i liked how in Fellowship of the Ring they simply had this flashy light effect when Gandalf fought the Balrog.

 

[CGHulk]

The only criticism I have with these films is the over the top stunt work that can only be accomplished by a CG double. Other than that I'm enjoying these films.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I dunno, i thought it went visually too DBZ/Fantasy, i liked how in Fellowship of the Ring they simply had this flashy light effect when Gandalf fought the Balrog.

This is fantasy.

 

[redhawk23]

DoS opened to $73 million here in the States. 13% less than the first film, in case anyoen was wondering.

Still nothing to scoff at, and there are a few other successful releases still in theaters. I can't really remember what competition the first film had.

 

[Tacit Ronin]

One thing it did seem to confirm was that Gandalf was not [BLACKOUT]in possession of his FotR staff[/BLACKOUT]. And damn was it awesome to see Gandalf using magic in that way. A real wizard's battle. IT is like they watched Harry Potter and realized that those pieces of wood these wizards and witches carry around can be used for something other then walking.

I thought it was hilarious. The white orb of Gandalf's righteousness being overtaken by the black, evil tentacles of Sauron.

 

[regwec]

I can see Drz's point, though. Tolkien was generally careful to ensure that Gandalf's pyrotechnics happened "off-screen", as with the dual with Saruman, the showdown with the Balrog and the "locking spell", the siege of Dol Guldur, the fight with the Nazgul on Weathertop that Strider and the Hobbits see as flashes of light miles away etc. The magic is only really preserved by remaining hidden. Where it is seen, it is an emanation of the natural world, hence the fire at Caradras, the counselling of Theoden etc.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

On Gandalf's magic.

Spoiler

My favorite bit wasn't the duel with Sauron, though I did like that, especially Sauron's bit. It was all the little things Gandalf did with the aid of his staff. Lighting his crystal, bringing down the doorway, disappearing in a flash of light, halting Azog and his men, and especially his use of the spell to bring down the magical cloaking. Dude is a wizard and it is nice to see that in full force imo.

Many hints in the past, which is one of my absolute favorite things in AUJ, but it is taken to another level here. Also when it comes to the flashes as opposed to the white shield, I think it is two different techniques. What Gandalf used to bring down the doorway, reveal the sun and destroy bridge against the Balrog is one thing. What Gandalf uses against Sauron was something different, even from his shield against the Balrog.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

I can see Drz's point, though. Tolkien was generally careful to ensure that Gandalf's pyrotechnics happened "off-screen", as with the dual with Saruman, the showdown with the Balrog and the "locking spell", the siege of Dol Guldur, the fight with the Nazgul on Weathertop that Strider and the Hobbits see as flashes of light miles away etc. The magic is only really preserved by remaining hidden. Where it is seen, it is an emanation of the natural world, hence the fire at Caradras, the counselling of Theoden etc.

Not true. Gandalf's rescue in the Goblin tunnels is pure fireworks up close and personal.

Also considering what Christopher Lee said, there isn't going to be any "Seeing that from afar" in TABA. We are going to see Galadriel, Saruman, Radagast and Gandalf in all their magical glory.

 

[Tacit Ronin]

there isn't going to be any "Seeing that from afar" in TABA

There will be.
















Because Regwec won't be near a theater to see it! Prolly.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

There will be.
















Because Regwec won't be near a theater to see it! Prolly.

Well done sir, well done.

 

[regwec]

Not true. Gandalf's rescue in the Goblin tunnels is pure fireworks up close and personal.

Not true, as the narrative perception of it is one of bewilderment, before the Elven blades do the talking.

Also considering what Christopher Lee said, there isn't going to be any "Seeing that from afar" in TABA. We are going to see Galadriel, Saruman, Radagast and Gandalf in all their magical glory.

Not sure what point you are making there, as you seem to be talking about the movies which, from your account, have all the Dungeons and Dragons stuff anyway.

I really don't care what is in PJ's movies anymore.

 

[regwec]

There will be.
















Because Regwec won't be near a theater to see it! Prolly.

Heh. You got me there.

 

[CGHulk]

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Not true, as the narrative perception of it is one of bewilderment, before the Elven blades do the talking.

Which is a clear sign magic has been used.

Not sure what point you are making there, as you seem to be talking about the movies which, from your account, have all the Dungeons and Dragons stuff anyway.

I really don't care what is in PJ's movies anymore.

If you are going to show these beings going at it, then you aren't going to play hide and seek. Not when they are alone, doing battle with one another.

 

[Victarion]

You have a good point, Darth. If I was going up against a threat like Sauron, I'd use everything at my disposal. Make it as loud and flashy as possible; any chance of disorienting my enemy gives me the advantage.

 

[SonOfMim]

One thing it did seem to confirm was that Gandalf was not [BLACKOUT]in possession of his FotR staff[/BLACKOUT]. And damn was it awesome to see Gandalf using magic in that way. A real wizard's battle. IT is like they watched Harry Potter and realized that those pieces of wood these wizards and witches carry around can be used for something other then walking.

Well you can see where it goes from there. In the Hobbit films,

Spoiler

Radagast's staff is identical to the first staff that Gandalf has in Fellowship. It's absolutely the same staff (minus the flanged branches at the top)... so my guess is that Radagast will return to Dol Guldur in the 3rd film to free Gandalf, and will lose in battle to the Necromancer. Gandalf will then pick up Radagast's staff and win the day.

 

[ares834]

Not true. Gandalf's rescue in the Goblin tunnels is pure fireworks up close and personal.

Also considering what Christopher Lee said, there isn't going to be any "Seeing that from afar" in TABA. We are going to see Galadriel, Saruman, Radagast and Gandalf in all their magical glory.

Hmm, interesting. I hope they don't make Galadriel greater than the Istari though. One of the most irritating things about the White Council sequence in the first film was that it implied Galadriel was Gandalf's superior.

Spoiler

Also, I wasn't a fan of the Gandalf/Sauron battle. It was too Harry Potter-esque for my liking. But, other than that, it was nice seeing Gandalf actually use his magic.

 

[Drizzle]

I will say, the reveal of [BLACKOUT]Sauron[/BLACKOUT] looked really trippy in 3D.

 

[SonOfMim]

Hmm, interesting. I hope they don't make Galadriel greater than the Istari though. One of the most irritating things about the White Council sequence in the first film was that it implied Galadriel was Gandalf's superior.

I believe Galadriel is the oldest Elf in the world at that point... so she's quite powerful in her own right. Gandalf (as a spirit being) is much more powerful than her, but remember, he gave up much of his might when he came to Middle Earth. Also I think the way Tolkien portrayed Gandalf was that of an advisor, someone who never sought to dominate others. He never sought power or praise and therein lies his true strength... his wisdom.

 

[Boom]

Boyens proved once and for all that she has no idea what she is talking about when she called Galadriel the most powerful being in Middle-earth.

Our screenwriter, ladies and gentlemen .

 

[SonOfMim]

^Most powerful? hmm. Debatable. Clearly not more powerful than Sauron... probably not mightier than Gandalf and Saruman... and I would guess she's possibly no match for the Lord of the Nazgul.

 

[ares834]

I believe Galadriel is the oldest Elf in the world at that point... so she's quite powerful in her own right. Gandalf (as a spirit being) is much more powerful than her, but remember, he gave up much of his might when he came to Middle Earth. Also I think the way Tolkien portrayed Gandalf was that of an advisor, someone who never sought to dominate others. He never sought power or praise and therein lies his true strength... his wisdom.

Mostly true. Gandalf isn't necessarily more powerful simply because he is a Maiar; after all, elves have slain maiar such as Balrogs before. But, Galadriel did want Gandalf to lead the White Council.

Also, Cirdan the shipwright is older than Galadriel IIRC.

Otherwise, a very good point.

Boyens proved once and for all that she has no idea what she is talking about when she called Galadriel the most powerful being in Middle-earth.

Our screenwriter, ladies and gentlemen .

Where did she say this if I may ask?

Edit: Ah, she said it here...

 

[SonOfMim]

Mostly true. Gandalf isn't necessarily more powerful simply because he is a Maiar; after all, elves have slain maiar such as Balrogs before. But, Galadriel did want Gandalf to lead the White Council.

Also, Cirdan the shipwright is older than Galadriel IIRC.

Otherwise, a very good point.

Excellent point, but I should've made it clearer that I meant Gandalf in his "Olorin" form was undoubtedly more powerful than Galadriel. As Gandalf the Grey, perhaps not.