June 25, 2003

Elves, Gollum's Speech, and Other Stuff
Lilly

Can you believe that I was actually teasing people for lining up outside bookstores at midnight the day the fifth HP book came out? Me? Me, as in, the person who has just pre-ordered the Two Towers Extended DVD FIVE MONTHS IN ADVANCE? Whew.

PJ's elves were really different than I had expected. The solemn, grave-faced elves created a huge contrast to the jovial, cheerful Elves that in the Hobbits teased and sang 'Tra-la-la-lally!' (here: is this stuff looking familiar? I'm basically just repeating what others have said, but it's my oppinion too).

But the change didn't really irk me that much. Although it is clear from Tolkien's writings that they can be carefree and songful, it is also clear that they are wise people and fierce warriors. In the LOTR, danger is ever-present, so it seems ok to me that they would be more somber. However, if PJ really does do the Hobbit, I think the happy, kidding side of the Elves will become more visible.

Also, a VERY delayed response. Someone complained about Gollum's exceptance speech some time ago. I've seen it, and to be quite honest I found it hilarious. I mean, it would have been just as good (if not better) without the swearing, but there is something kind of amusing about this creepy little animated guy cussing out Peter Jackson and Weta Digital. What I found most amusing, though, was Smeagol's few lines ("Dobby likes me!") and Serkis's reactions. I do rather wish Gollum hadn't sworn so much, though, but no one in the production team or animation department must have had a problem with it (hence it being there), nor did Andy Serkis (hence his playing the part), and if you happened to notice Elija Wood in the audience when it was over, he turned to his neighboor and said (my lip-reading skills are less than wonderful, but this is what I saw) "That was [ahem...something] awesom!" I'm not going to let any of that interfere with my enjoyment of the movie.

Oh, and By the way, Pip: I wouldn't go berzerk: I'm already there. And again, and again, I hold no grudge! I overreacted majorly! I APOLOGIZE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, PLEASE, forgive me and pretend nothing happened. I'm embarrassed over that whole ordeal and wish we could MOOOOOOOVe on. you're cool. i'm cool. no issues. I promise.

yours.

~Lilly