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I saw it last night. I feel many posts coming on. I did a long babbling one about my basic impressions which may just be too much for anybody to read through, but I might post it here anyway. Usually I prefer to focus on different aspects in different posts. I'll probably have to do one at least for all the hobbit stories. So I'll start with this little thing I posted on TORC today and throw it out to everybody in case they have opinions.
I've noticed that not only is Gollum one of the most popular characters with audiences, but also with critics. It seems more than once I've seen him referred to as the most interesting, complex or sophisticated in the Trilogy. The impression I get is that many critics are saying he's the "real" character, the one who seems like a true human being, more than the others. These are mostly critics who don't like the style of movie in general, I'd say, though.
It made me wonder if the reason Gollum seems so much more sophisticated is simply because he is more modern in that he is the only completely selfish character? Gollum is at all times governed by self-interest alone. He wants the ring, he wants a friend. He feels badly about wanting the ring. He's angry at having to choose. He feels sorry for himself. He's angry at being cast out of his society. Gollum's life is purely about his own survival.
By design other characters act out of a sense of what is right before what they want. The movie gives them more personal motivations that I think you can see acted everywhere, but it remains true to the text in that these personal motivations are background. It's interesting to think of Pippin trying to make good on being responsible for Gandalf's death, for Eowyn to get out of her cage, for Merry to prove himself, for Frodo and Sam to overcome their personal vulnerabilities that the ring preys on, but ultimately everyone's goal is the same. Their personal problems come second to destroying the ring for the good of all. Even Arwen, who was handled pretty well over all, ultimately becomes a non-issue. Aragorn's closest to Legolas and Gimli until the ring is destroyed. Arwen respects this, Aragorn knows this.
Does this sound on-track to anyone? I just find it interesting that Gollum's selfishness and complete disregard of the greater good seems associated with reality or sophistication, while the other characters' priorities are somehow associated with simplicity and perhaps even childishness. To me it seems the other way around. An adult knows his place in things, can recognize right from wrong and can overcome his personal desires for the greater reward.
Oh, and I loved it. Was too overwhelmed to be coherent afterwards, but yeah, I loved it. There were a couple of things I didn't love I can throw out quickly right away:
1. Gandalf bopping Denethor. It was like Bugs Bunny sneaking up and bopping Hitler. Gandalf could have found a more dignified way to take control. Ditto on Denethor's amazing final flaming sprint to the sea.
2. The endless shot of Frodo wobbling after being stung. It reminded me of my most hated shot in FOTR, the endless Frodo wobbling after being skewered. Hated it then, hated it now. The two moments on either side of this, however, were incredible.
3. Bilbo's old age make-up was too much. He looked like a gnome wearing age make-up and it distracted me from that wonderful conversation in the cart.
I've noticed that not only is Gollum one of the most popular characters with audiences, but also with critics. It seems more than once I've seen him referred to as the most interesting, complex or sophisticated in the Trilogy. The impression I get is that many critics are saying he's the "real" character, the one who seems like a true human being, more than the others. These are mostly critics who don't like the style of movie in general, I'd say, though.
It made me wonder if the reason Gollum seems so much more sophisticated is simply because he is more modern in that he is the only completely selfish character? Gollum is at all times governed by self-interest alone. He wants the ring, he wants a friend. He feels badly about wanting the ring. He's angry at having to choose. He feels sorry for himself. He's angry at being cast out of his society. Gollum's life is purely about his own survival.
By design other characters act out of a sense of what is right before what they want. The movie gives them more personal motivations that I think you can see acted everywhere, but it remains true to the text in that these personal motivations are background. It's interesting to think of Pippin trying to make good on being responsible for Gandalf's death, for Eowyn to get out of her cage, for Merry to prove himself, for Frodo and Sam to overcome their personal vulnerabilities that the ring preys on, but ultimately everyone's goal is the same. Their personal problems come second to destroying the ring for the good of all. Even Arwen, who was handled pretty well over all, ultimately becomes a non-issue. Aragorn's closest to Legolas and Gimli until the ring is destroyed. Arwen respects this, Aragorn knows this.
Does this sound on-track to anyone? I just find it interesting that Gollum's selfishness and complete disregard of the greater good seems associated with reality or sophistication, while the other characters' priorities are somehow associated with simplicity and perhaps even childishness. To me it seems the other way around. An adult knows his place in things, can recognize right from wrong and can overcome his personal desires for the greater reward.
Oh, and I loved it. Was too overwhelmed to be coherent afterwards, but yeah, I loved it. There were a couple of things I didn't love I can throw out quickly right away:
1. Gandalf bopping Denethor. It was like Bugs Bunny sneaking up and bopping Hitler. Gandalf could have found a more dignified way to take control. Ditto on Denethor's amazing final flaming sprint to the sea.
2. The endless shot of Frodo wobbling after being stung. It reminded me of my most hated shot in FOTR, the endless Frodo wobbling after being skewered. Hated it then, hated it now. The two moments on either side of this, however, were incredible.
3. Bilbo's old age make-up was too much. He looked like a gnome wearing age make-up and it distracted me from that wonderful conversation in the cart.
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