tim’s thought property

To relate Saturday’s ambitious event, the oft talked about Lord-of-the-Rings-a-thon; I will talk about it in three installments, not unlike the books and films themselves. I had intended to take notes and blog it like the Election post, but this was a much more involved situation, and lets face it - I lost the energy to take notes. So, from the notes I do have, I will relate some interesting points and observations from the day.

The Fellowship of the Ring
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When Marc picked me up, we had to get Adam from the dentist, and then get Rhea. We had some groceries to buy before stepping in to Chars’ place, and then we had began to discuss the subtleties of Nerds vs. Geeks. Now to me, I view a Nerd as someone who excels in areas of Math, Physics, Computer Engineering and the like. A Geek is one who has keen interest in the un-real, such as comic books, novels, and may be passionate about movies. Now, neither quality is not bad, it is just a focused energy into a particular area. Now, whereas I deem myself a Geek, or someone who has “Geeky tendencies” others may consider nerdy. I have an interest in the Star Wars films (original trilogy, at least), and the LOTR series (books over film) and other movies, too. I love Lego (the Pirates and Castle sets being my favourites) and can quote more Simpson’s episodes than is normal. I have no like for Math or Physics outside of where they cross my path in day to day life. But I digress.
Just after noon, 12:06pm, we put in the first disc.
Early on, we establish that wizards are cool, especially Gandalf; what with his smoke tricks, knowing gazes and gentle discipline and all. It’s a small excitement to see these characters again, for the first time in a long time. Seeing the four hobbits in the Shire, all young and innocent, it’s remarkable at the journey they take, that transforms them. “It’s a dangerous business…Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
Due to the crowd watching the movies, we had many moments of tomfoolery and detraction. After seeing Saruman reveal his true colours, I threw out the phrase “Quitters never win and Winners never quit.” That one came up over and over again, with various scenes it fit like a sports training slogan. Marc made the comment that “Eating eggs and watching Orcs [Uruk-Hai being born] is disgusting.”
At our peak, attendance was nine, with different people coming and going. We noticed Peter Jackson appear in the scene in the town of Bree, he had a cameo as a drunk townsman, just passing in front of the camera. It was mildly exciting, and we found him in the other two films as well. During the Council of Elrond (of whom many Agent Smith references were made), we noticed that Aragorn’s accent was strange. I wondered if Viggo tried an English accent a la Kevin Costner in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
At 2:03, we put in the second disc. There are some interesting thoughts of Boromir at this time. His intent for the ring, and how his character is portrayed makes him appear all the sinister. The tragedy is in that from his view, the view of Minas Tirith, Men have had no advantage over Mordor for so long. He has fought and his people died at the front lines of evil, and the potential to put an end to Sauron by his own means is such an enticing thought. And therein lies the tragedy: The road to Hell is paved with Good Intentions. Boromir was short-sighted to the corruptible nature of the Ring, even though he’d ever touched it firsthand.
Gandalf, too, is shown in a different light. Through his own shortcomings, we see him portrayed as an old man, more than a wizard. His inability to get over the mountain pass; forgetfulness of direction in the mines of Moria; to a lesser extent, his lack of initial ability to flee Moria. Yet it was key (as is revealed later) that Gandalf had to battle the Balrog, and overcome those shortcomings.
Frodo: It’s a pity Bilbo didn’t kill him when he had the chance!
Gandalf: Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo’s hand. Many that live deserve death, and some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo?
Some of the best lines were exchanged at this scene, where Gandalf is stuck, pondering the way to go in the Mines.
Gandalf: Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise can not see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of many.
Frodo: I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, in which case you also were meant to have it. And that is an encouraging thought.
It was such an involved moment when Pippin knocked the skeleton down the well, alerting the Goblins and Orcs to the Fellowship. Chars remarked that every time she sees that part, she hopes that Pippin won’t knock it over. And everyone cringed along with Pippin as it happened again.
Another point of growth is marked with Gimli on the stairs. He states “Nobody tosses a Dwarf.” in his dwarfly defiance. By the time the Fellowship reaches the bridge, with the Balrog behind them, Gandalf has to take the stand for the sake of their goal. And it is tragic. I have been lost in that scene many times, even tearing up, as the hobbits are shown crying for Gandalf.
Later in the film, when Boromir is later confronted with Frodo and the Ring, he lets its power take hold of him, and he tries to take the Ring forcibly. As Frodo flees, sense returns to Boromir, and you see in his humility and fear that he realized his twisted action. And when all madness ensues, and the Fellowship is attacked Boromir’s last stand is in some ways reflecting that of Gandalf. The nobility of Boromir killing the Orcs to defend Merry and Pippin was not lost, and even thought it did not prevent his death or their capture, it was a redemption. Right before Aragorn comes in to the scene, a long shot shows all the corpses of the Uruk-Hai, slain by Boromir. In his own right, and in his own land, he was a triumphant and valiant warrior, and just before he dies, it is proven to those in the Fellowship that his heart was not lost.
Finally, there is the devoted friendship of Sam and Frodo. Right from the beginning, there is a noted stubbornness to Sam, he takes his charge very seriously. And as it manifests itself in the near-drowning of himself, one sees the heart of his character, too. Nothing will stop Sam from keeping Frodo as safe as he can.
The story written by Tolkien has become one of the greatest tales of Good and Evil. And Jackson’s films will no doubt be untouched as the most involved re-tellings. Although part of what was written has been lost in translation, and parts of it embellished and re-worked by the creative nature of a director, there is something wonderful about seeing such powerful archetypes on the screen. When so many examples of Good and Evil are contrived, [and admittedly, many of these characters have been literary pioneers for those following] there is something satisfying to see that nobility, duty, trust, loyalty and love are regarded and portrayed in such a way. Regardless of what the films reveal to subsequent generations, the books will always be the strongest of foundations for a modern legend.