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I feel like last weekend lasted a lifetime...kind of like in the Narnia books when the kids reign for years then find themselves back at their Uncle's house. A whole weekend in Middle Earth--hurray! It was more fun than I'd ever thought it'd be.
I made it through all three movies without bathroom breaks (individually, of course--took breaks in between). It wasn't easy realizing I had to go really badly when they hadn't even left the Shire yet. I can't see movies in the morning. Anyway, it's a whole new experience seeing the EEs altogether. You can really see how they're all one movie. The stuff with Boromir was especially effective seen back to back, where he falls and then you see the flashback to him with his father and brother.
Another thing that struck me hard this time is how in the EE there's that scene with Aragorn at his mother's grave. Elrond talks about who he really is and Aragorn says he doesn't want that power, he's never wanted it. He refuses the sword, basically. Then it cuts to Bilbo and Frodo. There's something so neat about how this pint-sized surrogate father and son show up the bigger versions. Frodo's far less able to carry a sword and Bilbo far less able to give him good advice about it, but Frodo still tries to do his best and Bilbo earnestly tries to send him off prepared. The Bilbo/Frodo scene would probably be considered unimportant in terms of history to people in ME, but really they were more important than anything. The juxtoposition of the two fathers and surrogate orphan sons was really moving to me.
In between the movies I first went to lunch with![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
sleeplessmarea and then hung out with oselle, ramalama, cateressea and others from KD.
The Q&A after ROTK was lovely with Elijah, Sean, Andy and Bernard Hill. Of course, these things are always vaguely irritating because the worst people tend to get picked to ask questions and waste them on Tom Bombadil and what the actors are doing next, like the first hasn't been answered a million times and was obvious to begin with, and the second is something you're going to find out anyway. Marea asked the good question of which lines were favorites of the actors and got just the right responses:
Sean: I can't carry it for you...
Elijah: We set out to save the Shire...
Andy: He seemed to have a Gollum one he claimed everyone knew, but said he thought the most important Gollum line was Gandalf's about many who live deserving death.
Bernard: I know your face. ("YESSSS!")
PJ didn't give a line but a shot of Frodo crawling up the mountain. Also another one I can't remember now...
Oh yes, and the question about what Frodo's little nod at the end meant was surprisingly heartbreaking just to hear it said. PJ said he thought Frodo was saying, "Thank you," and Elijah said he was saying, "You're going to be okay without me." WAAA!
In bed that night I realized, "Damn, my arse is killing me!" It got quite a workout.
It's nice for PJ to be able to talk about his work and career instead of patiently explaining how he's not a book author. His stories about creating movies with no money and no film industry were truly inspiring. This is what art is all about, imo. No wonder so many people want to put him down when he admits to the Garden Party sketch in Monty Python being a major influence on his life, but I love him for it.
The surprise gift was the actors coming back, especially when the satellite feed went out and they shared highlights of the gag reel. If I could choose one thing to see for myself I think it might be Sean Astin doing a commercial for Gillette: "Hobbits can't grow facial hair. But actors can. I'm Sean Astin, Sam Gamgee from LOTR. For a shave that's hobbit-close, even on the slopes of Mount Doom, I use Gillette."
Had a truly great dinner after the Q&A where I think I may have talked the ears off of everyone within twenty feet, but I couldn't help myself.
Then, the bad part. Well, it's my own fault. Never go to TORC's Movies forum if you want to avoid annoyance. There was this thread about Sean Astin not liking the take PJ used for his "I can't carry you" line which inspired a number of people to paint SA as a jerk. In response some random people decided to defend him by praising his honesty over the slick Hollywood-player fake that is Elijah Wood.
Anyway, this got me thinking about Elijah Wood (after I told them to SHUT UP! of course). I usually try really really hard to remind myself that the image of any actor I might have is not the actor himself, so I always feel hypocritical about expounding on the character of one as I see it. But I still do it, just like we all do. Even when I don't care about an actor I have a persona for him, thanks to the press. This criticism of Elijah made me think about what I associate with his persona and also what I think the negative description of him says about modern values. Yeah, I know it sounds ridiculous but it interested me!
So these guys' problems with Elijah was they felt he only spoke in publicist approved soundbites, that he was slick, a player who gave "answerless answers." Now on one level I think that's just not true, that even seeing him this weekend he seemed to genuinely try to give questions worthy answers no matter how often he'd heard them. But on another level I thought this person probably was reacting to something real that influences the way he handles publicity as opposed to how other people do. He does seem very adept at handling situations diplomatically, not letting reporters put words in his mouth but also not revealing more than he wants to reveal. People probably would have a tough time getting him to criticize someone else in print (he was totally confused when his comments about Jim Carrey were mistaken for insults at the Q&). He does seem like somebody who isn't naturally forthcoming about their deepest thoughts--I think Sean said as much in print. He seems like he naturally prefers peace and saves his passion for things like music and movies. Obviously I relate to that, I tend to be the same way. Maybe I'm projecting. But he does seem that way.
I realized that what was described by some people as "shallowness" as the result of a Hollywood upbringing, I also saw, only in a positive way. There are plenty of examples of how being a child actor can have disastrous effects on people, but I really don't think it's inherently a bad thing. Obviously any kid who acts is doing it because his parent wants it--no kid is driving themselves to agents etc. But I think kids can enjoy it and benefit from it by learning of a work ethic, a skill, a professional attitude. More than once I've thought how much easier my life would have been if I'd been a child actor whose Burger King ad paid off the student loans I struggle with now. I think we put far too much importance on the idea of a "normal childhood" as if any kid who doesn't live in the suburbs and play soccer is deprived. As I think EJW himself said, what did he miss? Being beaten up in jr. high? Cliques? Who wants that?
I remember Jodie Foster once being asked if she didn't feel cheated for "not having a childhood." She said, "I did have a childhood." I love her for that. Just because her childhood wasn't typical doesn't mean it wasn't valid. I remember a producer once telling me about a meeting with her. He said she was very professional and interested in what he had to say, but not interested in the project he was pitching. He said it was just clear within minutes that this was a woman one could not manipulate or get around. She knew what she was doing. She wasn't intimidating, but she clearly was not anybody to be messed with.
So what does this have to do with EJW? I think he may, underneath, have that same savvy learned from years in the business. His natural instinct to be diplomatic is a very real skill. It was probably there to begin with--I wouldn't be surprised if his behavior at home was much like his behavior on the LOTR set, for instance. But I don't think he's as naive as some people make him out to be because he is young and goofy. I think he's seen a lot of nastiness first-hand as a child actor and has learned how to tell people who wish him well from those who want something. I think I admire this idea in my head of a child learning clever forms of self-protection and evasion. A person I know who has worked with him a little and was specifically admiring of how he was, in her pov, genuinely sincere, yet able to handle sticky situations like a seasoned diplomat three times his age.
And what does this have to do with modern values? Well, I just thought it was weird the way Sean's "honesty" was held up as better by these people (though that honesty got him branded a jerk by others so you can't win either way). It struck me as interesting that what was drawing suspicion was essentially that Elijah seemed polite and socially sophisticated. I mean, aren't these the kinds of skills adults are supposed to have in society, the ability to give answerless answers when that's what's required? To not let everyone know what you're thinking all the time? To put others at ease? To me his instincts seem to be ones that years ago would be encouraged without a second thought. What I also think is odd is the assumption that if he isn't complaining or snarking about something he's hiding something. Like he can't just be more focused on positive things. I remember somebody once accusing me of this--that I must obviously be covering up the "real me" because I was basically easy-going. That seems like an idea I see all over the place--that the person who is overbearing, blunt or rude is somehow more genuine than the person who instinctively tries to create a peaceful atmosphere around himself. I feel that's ridiculous.
p.s. From today's post:
"Check out this item from the Post: FRODO is now the Lord of the G-strings. Elijah Wood and his "Rings" co-star, Billy Boyd, hit East 60th Street mammary mecca Scores at 2 a.m. Tuesday with two horny hobbits and, says our witness, "They didn't leave until the lights went on." Wood and company tossed back Heinekens and were surrounded by about a dozen topless dancers. When one exceptionally cute waitress named Nicole grabbed Wood's eye, he invited her to sit down with him, saying, "You're really pretty." He finally rolled out at 4:30."
Well, he is pretty.
I made it through all three movies without bathroom breaks (individually, of course--took breaks in between). It wasn't easy realizing I had to go really badly when they hadn't even left the Shire yet. I can't see movies in the morning. Anyway, it's a whole new experience seeing the EEs altogether. You can really see how they're all one movie. The stuff with Boromir was especially effective seen back to back, where he falls and then you see the flashback to him with his father and brother.
Another thing that struck me hard this time is how in the EE there's that scene with Aragorn at his mother's grave. Elrond talks about who he really is and Aragorn says he doesn't want that power, he's never wanted it. He refuses the sword, basically. Then it cuts to Bilbo and Frodo. There's something so neat about how this pint-sized surrogate father and son show up the bigger versions. Frodo's far less able to carry a sword and Bilbo far less able to give him good advice about it, but Frodo still tries to do his best and Bilbo earnestly tries to send him off prepared. The Bilbo/Frodo scene would probably be considered unimportant in terms of history to people in ME, but really they were more important than anything. The juxtoposition of the two fathers and surrogate orphan sons was really moving to me.
In between the movies I first went to lunch with
sleeplessmarea and then hung out with oselle, ramalama, cateressea and others from KD. The Q&A after ROTK was lovely with Elijah, Sean, Andy and Bernard Hill. Of course, these things are always vaguely irritating because the worst people tend to get picked to ask questions and waste them on Tom Bombadil and what the actors are doing next, like the first hasn't been answered a million times and was obvious to begin with, and the second is something you're going to find out anyway. Marea asked the good question of which lines were favorites of the actors and got just the right responses:
Sean: I can't carry it for you...
Elijah: We set out to save the Shire...
Andy: He seemed to have a Gollum one he claimed everyone knew, but said he thought the most important Gollum line was Gandalf's about many who live deserving death.
Bernard: I know your face. ("YESSSS!")
PJ didn't give a line but a shot of Frodo crawling up the mountain. Also another one I can't remember now...
Oh yes, and the question about what Frodo's little nod at the end meant was surprisingly heartbreaking just to hear it said. PJ said he thought Frodo was saying, "Thank you," and Elijah said he was saying, "You're going to be okay without me." WAAA!
In bed that night I realized, "Damn, my arse is killing me!" It got quite a workout.
It's nice for PJ to be able to talk about his work and career instead of patiently explaining how he's not a book author. His stories about creating movies with no money and no film industry were truly inspiring. This is what art is all about, imo. No wonder so many people want to put him down when he admits to the Garden Party sketch in Monty Python being a major influence on his life, but I love him for it.
The surprise gift was the actors coming back, especially when the satellite feed went out and they shared highlights of the gag reel. If I could choose one thing to see for myself I think it might be Sean Astin doing a commercial for Gillette: "Hobbits can't grow facial hair. But actors can. I'm Sean Astin, Sam Gamgee from LOTR. For a shave that's hobbit-close, even on the slopes of Mount Doom, I use Gillette."
Had a truly great dinner after the Q&A where I think I may have talked the ears off of everyone within twenty feet, but I couldn't help myself.
Then, the bad part. Well, it's my own fault. Never go to TORC's Movies forum if you want to avoid annoyance. There was this thread about Sean Astin not liking the take PJ used for his "I can't carry you" line which inspired a number of people to paint SA as a jerk. In response some random people decided to defend him by praising his honesty over the slick Hollywood-player fake that is Elijah Wood.
Anyway, this got me thinking about Elijah Wood (after I told them to SHUT UP! of course). I usually try really really hard to remind myself that the image of any actor I might have is not the actor himself, so I always feel hypocritical about expounding on the character of one as I see it. But I still do it, just like we all do. Even when I don't care about an actor I have a persona for him, thanks to the press. This criticism of Elijah made me think about what I associate with his persona and also what I think the negative description of him says about modern values. Yeah, I know it sounds ridiculous but it interested me!
So these guys' problems with Elijah was they felt he only spoke in publicist approved soundbites, that he was slick, a player who gave "answerless answers." Now on one level I think that's just not true, that even seeing him this weekend he seemed to genuinely try to give questions worthy answers no matter how often he'd heard them. But on another level I thought this person probably was reacting to something real that influences the way he handles publicity as opposed to how other people do. He does seem very adept at handling situations diplomatically, not letting reporters put words in his mouth but also not revealing more than he wants to reveal. People probably would have a tough time getting him to criticize someone else in print (he was totally confused when his comments about Jim Carrey were mistaken for insults at the Q&). He does seem like somebody who isn't naturally forthcoming about their deepest thoughts--I think Sean said as much in print. He seems like he naturally prefers peace and saves his passion for things like music and movies. Obviously I relate to that, I tend to be the same way. Maybe I'm projecting. But he does seem that way.
I realized that what was described by some people as "shallowness" as the result of a Hollywood upbringing, I also saw, only in a positive way. There are plenty of examples of how being a child actor can have disastrous effects on people, but I really don't think it's inherently a bad thing. Obviously any kid who acts is doing it because his parent wants it--no kid is driving themselves to agents etc. But I think kids can enjoy it and benefit from it by learning of a work ethic, a skill, a professional attitude. More than once I've thought how much easier my life would have been if I'd been a child actor whose Burger King ad paid off the student loans I struggle with now. I think we put far too much importance on the idea of a "normal childhood" as if any kid who doesn't live in the suburbs and play soccer is deprived. As I think EJW himself said, what did he miss? Being beaten up in jr. high? Cliques? Who wants that?
I remember Jodie Foster once being asked if she didn't feel cheated for "not having a childhood." She said, "I did have a childhood." I love her for that. Just because her childhood wasn't typical doesn't mean it wasn't valid. I remember a producer once telling me about a meeting with her. He said she was very professional and interested in what he had to say, but not interested in the project he was pitching. He said it was just clear within minutes that this was a woman one could not manipulate or get around. She knew what she was doing. She wasn't intimidating, but she clearly was not anybody to be messed with.
So what does this have to do with EJW? I think he may, underneath, have that same savvy learned from years in the business. His natural instinct to be diplomatic is a very real skill. It was probably there to begin with--I wouldn't be surprised if his behavior at home was much like his behavior on the LOTR set, for instance. But I don't think he's as naive as some people make him out to be because he is young and goofy. I think he's seen a lot of nastiness first-hand as a child actor and has learned how to tell people who wish him well from those who want something. I think I admire this idea in my head of a child learning clever forms of self-protection and evasion. A person I know who has worked with him a little and was specifically admiring of how he was, in her pov, genuinely sincere, yet able to handle sticky situations like a seasoned diplomat three times his age.
And what does this have to do with modern values? Well, I just thought it was weird the way Sean's "honesty" was held up as better by these people (though that honesty got him branded a jerk by others so you can't win either way). It struck me as interesting that what was drawing suspicion was essentially that Elijah seemed polite and socially sophisticated. I mean, aren't these the kinds of skills adults are supposed to have in society, the ability to give answerless answers when that's what's required? To not let everyone know what you're thinking all the time? To put others at ease? To me his instincts seem to be ones that years ago would be encouraged without a second thought. What I also think is odd is the assumption that if he isn't complaining or snarking about something he's hiding something. Like he can't just be more focused on positive things. I remember somebody once accusing me of this--that I must obviously be covering up the "real me" because I was basically easy-going. That seems like an idea I see all over the place--that the person who is overbearing, blunt or rude is somehow more genuine than the person who instinctively tries to create a peaceful atmosphere around himself. I feel that's ridiculous.
p.s. From today's post:
"Check out this item from the Post: FRODO is now the Lord of the G-strings. Elijah Wood and his "Rings" co-star, Billy Boyd, hit East 60th Street mammary mecca Scores at 2 a.m. Tuesday with two horny hobbits and, says our witness, "They didn't leave until the lights went on." Wood and company tossed back Heinekens and were surrounded by about a dozen topless dancers. When one exceptionally cute waitress named Nicole grabbed Wood's eye, he invited her to sit down with him, saying, "You're really pretty." He finally rolled out at 4:30."
Well, he is pretty.
