November 20, 2002

Response to Rune's 'Pause'
Mithril Miner

I've been wondering that too, and this is what I have come up with:

One: the orcs might have just spotted that Gandalf was a wizard, and that made them pause (it would make me think twice, too :)

Two: Organization. The orcs might be getting ready and organizing (this I highly doubt, but it is a possibility)!

Three: For effect. It was an intense part of the movie, and creating that pause hightened it. Plus, if the orcs were howling and attacking, then the Balrog's roar/groan/command could not be heard very well. It also gives more of a creepy feel to the scene: utter chaos, fear, and panic--complete, unbreakable silence--and the Balrog's unmistakable command: "Their mine."

Hope I have been of some help!