Official The Hobbit thread

[night0205]

There isn't any reason to cut ANYTHING from the Hobbit book. Period. They have two, three-hour movies to make with the material. They hardly cut anything from LORD OF THE RINGS, and that was about 1000% more detailed and slower then the hobbit.

 

[Boom]

Stephen Hunter (Bombur) discusses The Hobbit:

He’s a Tolkien fan with a talent for comedy – so what better Hobbit role could there be for Stephen Hunter than food-loving, clumsy and loveable Bombur? I recently had the good fortune of catching a few minutes of Stephen’s time to ask him about his first reactions to being cast in a major role in the upcoming, two-film adaptation of “The Hobbit.”

“The Hobbit is my first job in fantasy – in fact this is my first big-budget film,” he says. “In most of the TV commercials I’ve done I’ve been the comedic relief. I’m only assuming that with Bombur there may be some comedy. Being cast in The Hobbit is really exciting and really an honour. I auditioned for the original Lord of the Rings way back when I signed with my agent in New Zealand. When I saw the films I thought, ‘Man, I so want to do The Hobbit’. “I’m just going to throw everything I’ve got into it. If I don’t come out the other end absolutely exhausted then I haven’t done my job.”

Stephen is a Kiwi who had a career in radio on both sides of the microphone before opting for acting, where he has worked in commercials and voice-overs and on New Zealand and Australian TV shows. He first read The Hobbit as a kid, then cracked open The Lord of the Rings in his late 20s – it took him a year to read it but he fell in love with Tolkien’s world.

“I just love how real it is – it’s got its own history. I did history in New Zealand as a kid – the Manchurian wars, the US social welfare system – but we should have done Tolkien! It would have been just as relevant because there are some great themes to his writings, drawn from his life experiences and his thoughts on war. It’s amazing how he came up with his own world.”

When Stephen steps into that world he will join 12 others who will be working under Dwarven facial prosthetics which, as John Rhys Davies (Gimli) can attest, can prove difficult.

“Obviously, working through prosthetics will be a challenge but looking at some of the other guys that are cast as well, they’re looking for a bit of depth in the actors – they still want to be able to get as much out of us as possible. That’s going to be interesting. For any role, even a Dwarf and especially a character role, the way that I approach it is to work out ways of personalising it so that on camera it looks real and not acted – trying to find the truthful performance.”

“Personally I see Gimli as a really good term of reference, but I’ll have to work out my own story and what I’m doing with Bombur and the challenges he has. I want to do my own thing. Bombur’s not a small Dwarf – but I’ve never been a small man myself! – so there’s the physical challenges that come with the role. I did ask, ‘Does this mean I can start eating pies now?’ I love a good pie! I’m about to go to the gym now actually, but you’ve got to have balance.”

Stephen is particularly looking forward to working with such a large ensemble cast for a long period of time.

“I really like being part of a team; as a voice artist you’re on your own a bit whereas I can see this is very collaborative. Watching the behind the scenes stuff from the Rings DVDs, the vibe was really good. That’s what attracted me to really chase this role – I wanted to be part of that family. It’s going to be pretty surreal, working with these incredibly talented and well known actors. It’s going to be great, but daunting, stepping up there with people who are so accomplished in what they do. But, I’m really looking forward to doing what I love to do at a very high level.”

Also joining Stephen on the journey to The Lonely Mountain are fellow Kiwis Mark Hadlow (Dori), Peter Hableton (Gloin) and John Callen (Oin). “I’m excited to get to work with them,” says Stephen. “Mark Hadlow is incredible. I’m familiar with Peter Hambleton, and Kiwis would know John Callen’s voice anywhere because he’s the god of the voiceover world.”

It’s been nine years since The Fellowship of the Ring hit cinema screens around the world, kicking off a trilogy of films that earned billions of dollars, won several Oscars and Baftas (and numerous other awards), and turned actors such as Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan and Miranda Otto into household names.

Is Stephen ready for the immense attention that’s coming his way?

“I guess I’m still living in the realm of being a voice artist and TV actor, and we’re just about to have a family shortly – within a week – so there’s a lot happening which is going to be a nice grounding experience to go with all the madness,” he says. “Just stepping into that unknown, I’ll just be me and try to be humble and really enjoy the experience. I’m really excited though – I’ve been like a kid at Christmas time, and that feeling will probably continue. It’s going to be hard work but I’m totally up for it!”

 

[night0205]

Do you know where they talked about it? I'd like to see.

tell you the truth they just mentioned it on wiki... so it's "possibly" not true, but most likely true. It would be a weird thing to make up.

 

[FVD]

I'd laugh if Tennant gets cast in this as there would be 2 Dr. Who's in this.

Yeah like there may even be two Magneto's as well!

 

[Spider-Who?]

I will say this. If I were to change one thing about the movies, I'd swap Viggo and Sean Bean's roles. Viggo never really felt 'kingly' to me in the way that Bean did (and the heir of Gondor should), and Boromir as I remember him from the books was a much rougher-edged guy. I think both performances would have benefited if they'd been swapped.

But I haven't read the books since I was like 12, I might be way off base.

I would have to disagree with this. I think both Bean and Viggo were perfectly cast. I couldn't see anyone else in those roles.

In terms of Viggo not feeling "kingly" while Boromir did - that notion is entirely justified by the story, and not by any poor casting choices. Aragorn never lived a royal life. He did every thing he could NOT to be associated with his kingship. But Boromir was brought up as the son of the Steward of Gondor. Boromir was a beloved leader of Gondor's army. If it weren't for the laws that prohibit a Steward becoming king, Boromir would be the heir to the throne of Gondor, and due to his upbringing and accomplishments, would actually be "better" suited than Aragorn. And its obvious Boromir feels this way, which is shown by Boromir's initial disdain for Aragorn - he sees Aragorn and pretty much laughs in his face, thinking "THIS guy is supposed to be king?!...Gondor has no king."

But that is just my interpretation of the story and why the characters were portrayed the way they were.

In terms of Viggo's accent, yeah, it did waver (but truth be told, all the American actors' accents did so). Also, Viggo came into production mere DAYS before shooting. He didn't have the time to work with a voice coach like all the others did prior to shooting. That being said, I wonder if there is a correlation between the times where his accent wavers, and when he actually shot those scenes. I wouldn't be surprised if the poorer accent scenes were shot early on.

I'll be honest, the only casting that I've felt iffy about has been Frodo. I don't think that Elijah Wood did a bad job, but to me, something was a bit "off"; I can't quite put my finger on it though.

 

[dark_b]

There isn't any reason to cut ANYTHING from the Hobbit book. Period. They have two, three-hour movies to make with the material. They hardly cut anything from LORD OF THE RINGS, and that was about 1000% more detailed and slower then the hobbit.

there is any reason for the two Hobbit movies to be 3 hours long since the book is so short.

 

[regwec]

In terms of Viggo not feeling "kingly" while Boromir did - that notion is entirely justified by the story, and not by any poor casting choices. Aragorn never lived a royal life. He did every thing he could NOT to be associated with his kingship. But Boromir was brought up as the son of the Steward of Gondor. Boromir was a beloved leader of Gondor's army. If it weren't for the laws that prohibit a Steward becoming king, Boromir would be the heir to the throne of Gondor, and due to his upbringing and accomplishments, would actually be "better" suited than Aragorn. And its obvious Boromir feels this way, which is shown by Boromir's initial disdain for Aragorn - he sees Aragorn and pretty much laughs in his face, thinking "THIS guy is supposed to be king?!...Gondor has no king."

Does Boromir actually declare that "Gondor has no king/needs no king" in the book? I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that he actually took Aragorn's claim in good faith, without being troubled by it. Didn't Frodo refer to Boromir's acceptance of Aragorn in order to persuade Faramir to comply? Or was that Gandalf and Denethor? In either case, I'm sure something was made of Boromir's acceptance of Aragorn's feudal superiority.

As for the other point; I feel that the text and characterisation of Aragorn in the books points to a man who seems kingly despite never having led a royal life. He evidently has fine leadership qualities, and he "feels fair" despite "seeming foul". He is well summarized by Bilbo's poem, "all that is gold does not glitter". I would say that Boromir is impressive to people; he is more physically imposing than Aragorn, more richly dressed and speaks in more floral, heroic language. He is also more hot-headed and decisive, which turns out to be his downfall. I don't think it is ever suggested that he seems kingly to people, though, and if anything he is perceived to be less so than his brother, Faramir.

 

[Spider-Who?]

Does Boromir actually declare that "Gondor has no king/needs no king" in the book? I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that he actually took Aragorn's claim in good faith, without being troubled by it. Didn't Frodo refer to Boromir's acceptance of Aragorn in order to persuade Faramir to comply? Or was that Gandalf and Denethor? In either case, I'm sure something was made of Boromir's acceptance of Aragorn's feudal superiority.

its been quite some time since I've read the books, so I can't recall if Boromir accepts Aragorn's heritage right off the bat. But that is besides the point, as far as my post is concerned, as I am discussing the portrayal of the characters in the movie (and I just recently watched them, so they're clearer in my mind than the books). But in any case, Boromir eventually embraces it.

As for the other point; I feel that the text and characterisation of Aragorn in the books points to a man who seems kingly despite never having led a royal life.

Again, I was speaking of the films, but that's okay, because you and I interpret that the same. But if you by chance are insinuating that the film version of Aragorn does not seem "kingly", I would disagree, because, while his dress appearance, and Strider persona are not "fit for a king" as the saying goes, it's his personality, morality, and leadership qualities that point to something greater than a simple commoner, and I think that Viggo (and the script) handled this really well.

I would say that Boromir is impressive to people; he is more physically imposing than Aragorn, more richly dressed and speaks in more floral, heroic language.

Yes, people tend to judge others by appearance first, and if you were to line up Aragorn and Boromir together, most people (without knowing the characters) would likely pick Boromir as more kingly. But to point out something you mentioned in an earlier post, you said that Viggo was too small, despite that fact that the film versions of Boromir and Aragorn fit what you just described above.

I don't think it is ever suggested that he seems kingly to people

Within the movie? Not out right, but look at how the people of Gondor treat him when they retake Osgiliath (i'm sure i destroyed that spelling). They respond to him very much like they would a king. Its just when he opens his mouth to offer "wisdom" concerning the ring that his mentality doesn't fit his appearance and upbringing - though his intention - trying to save his people - is noble.

and if anything he is perceived to be less so than his brother, Faramir.

You think so? Faramir's entire arc is based around him trying to get out from Boromir's shadow and prove his worth.

 

[LOBO3315a]

I thought it was rather touching how Boromir seemed very sympathetic towards his younger brother when it came to how their father treated Faramir in the extended editions. It added a depth to the character that I think was sort of lacking in the original release.

 

[regwec]

But to point out something you mentioned in an earlier post, you said that Viggo was too small, despite that fact that the film versions of Boromir and Aragorn fit what you just described above.

Boromir is described as stronger and bulkier than Aragorn, but the latter is definitely supposed to be taller. This is outlined during the Pass of Caradhras scene.

Within the movie? Not out right, but look at how the people of Gondor treat him when they retake Osgiliath (i'm sure i destroyed that spelling).

I think they respond to him as a victorious war hero. Kingliness comes with another set of qualities, which Boromir rarely seems to aspire to.

You think so? Faramir's entire arc is based around him trying to get out from Boromir's shadow and prove his worth.

In the movies, yes. In the books, Gandalf seemed to regard the younger brother as the wiser, and suggested that Faramir seemed to exhibit some of his distant Numenorean heritage (I think in response to one of the Hobbits reflecting that Farmir reminded them of Gandalf?) In Middle Earth, that is synonymous with seeming royal.

 

[JAK®]

Viggo is 5"11"? I thought he was at least six foot. Maybe it was because of the Hobbit actors being shorter, but he looked around the same size as Mckellen, Bloom, and Bean.

That's because McKellen is 5'11 and both Bloom and Bean are 5'10

 

[Spider-Who?]

Boromir is described as stronger and bulkier than Aragorn, but the latter is definitely supposed to be taller. This is outlined during the Pass of Caradhras scene.

Eh, their heights didn't bother me one bit. Only way it would was if Aragorn was much shorter than Boromir. But if they're of similar height, thats fine with me.

I think they respond to him as a victorious war hero. Kingliness comes with another set of qualities, which Boromir rarely seems to aspire to.

Having the ability to lead an army and defend a country is an integral part of being a king; and taking BACK lost territory is even better. I think that Boromir is content with his stature, but I wouldn't say that he doesn't aspire to do better, to be better - otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to claim the ring to help his people.

In the movies, yes. In the books, Gandalf seemed to regard the younger brother as the wiser, and suggested that Faramir seemed to exhibit some of his distant Numenorean heritage (I think in response to one of the Hobbits reflecting that Farmir reminded them of Gandalf?)

Ah, you're right about that. I remember this. But that doesn't change the father's outlook of the two brothers. And outside that immediate family, there is still a hierarchy - one that the first born son is always considered first. Because of that, most of Gondor would be more taken with Boromir, the first born, the leader, the next in line as Steward, than they would Faramir, irregardless of his wisdom and personal quality. That's what makes Faramir's plight interesting - he is just as great a man as Boromir, and even better in some respects; but hardly anyone - least of all his father - pays it any mind. Boromir would have to be a bumbling moron before a "thinker" like Faramir was placed on a pedestal above his older brother.

 

[Doctor Jones]

That's because McKellen is 5'11 and both Bloom and Bean are 5'10

Oh, freaking well. Doesn't do anything to the characters one bit.

 

[Boom]

I just realized something.

If they're filming this in 3D, how are they going to do forced perspective?

 

[Octoberist]

Can't you do it still?

 

[Boom]

I don't know.

For example, supposed FoTR had been in 3D. Take the scene with Frodo and Gandalf in the cart. Wouldn't Gandalf be brought to the foreground, with Frodo clearly a few feet behind?

 

[regwec]

You're right, you know.

 

[Whiskey Tango]

I would have to disagree with this. I think both Bean and Viggo were perfectly cast. I couldn't see anyone else in those roles.

It was just an idea based on how I half-remember the books from long ago. I didn't mean to infer that someone dropped the ball when they cast roles. It does mean I'll have to put the novels in my to-read stack again because until the movies came out I thought of Boromir as an overbearing, loudmouth jerkstore and Bean really messed with that perception.

Darn, now I have to watch the dvd's again!

 

[dark_b]

I just realized something.

If they're filming this in 3D, how are they going to do forced perspective?

maybe all the scenes with forced perspetive will be filmed in 2D and then converted to 3D. this would not take a lot of time.

 

[Boom]

This is good.

Apparently actor Bill Bailey (who had auditioned for Gloin) had an interview with The One Show. He said that auditions were taken from the neck up, because, according to Bailey, the dwarves are going to have CG bodies.



I'm waiting for a transcript of the interview, because only people in the UK can watch it. For those who do live in the UK, you can listen to it on BBC iPlayer later on.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00vr5vb/The_One_Show_01_11_2010/

Really hoping Bailey was joking, or that his information is incorrect.

 

[Octoberist]

Or maybe he's misinterpreting the CGI.

 

[RoboAmish]

Knowing Bill Bailey he was more than likely just taking the piss.

 

[Whiskey Tango]

Perhaps it's easier for the casting peeps to suspend disbelief and judge the auditions if they aren't looking at 6' tall people wearing clothing from the Gap. Filming their heads only would help with that.

For even more speculation fun, maybe they all have little paper cutouts of dwarf beards they hold in front of the actor's faces on the audition videos.

 

[Jackasscoley15]

I just realized something.

If they're filming this in 3D, how are they going to do forced perspective?

 

[Octoberist]

wah