September 16, 2002

Gandalf In Moria
Lady of Rohan

Bob the Builder, what you said about Gandalf falling into the pit with the Balrog was absolutely true.

The fact that Ian McKellan's Gandalf had such a good grip on the bridge, and the fact that the others had plenty of time to run and help him-and didn't-really irks me whenever I see the film.

In the book, as I recall, that whole scene happens in something like a fraction of a second. I remember the first time I read FOTR I was so taken aback that I thought I'd read a line incorrectly.

In the movie, Gandalf's "death" scene is way too hammed up. It seemed like PJ was trying to prepare the audience for what was about to happen, but all it did was make Gandalf look weak and the others look foolish.

I believe this is yet another little item we can add to the "movie blunder" catagory.