December 24, 2003

Re: Fell Flat, and Other Stuff
Danny

If your grievances with ROTK are that it deviated from the books than how can you honestly say that Two Towers is the best film in the trilogy or even Fellowship? The number of deviations from the book are far fewer in ROTK than in the two previous films. Didn't we practically spend the last year debating the major changes in Two Towers (such as Faramir, Denethor's portrayal, Aragorn's 'death', etc etc?) I accept those changes in the film, but some would say that I am probably one who has been more willing to forgive changes than most. Anyway I respect your opinion, but I also wholeheartedly disagree.

Ok on to other stuff. I saw ROTK again last night and loved it yet again. Next week I will see it again with my family when I am visiting for Christmas, and I anxiously await another viewing. Something that I was wondering while watching is who should get Oscar Nominations?

The question to me wasn't a matter of if for the actors, but who. For supporting actor: Sean Astin, Ian Mckellen, and Andy Serkis all deserve nominations. You could make decent cases for other characters too. Pippin, Merry, Theoden, Denether, and Eowyn were all superbly acted. Would Vigo Mortenson be supporting actor or would he be a lead actor? I thought Frodo's portrayal was perfect in ROTK and think Elija Wood deserves a nomination for his acting. So my question is who will get nominated? I don't think there has ever been precedence for one film getting two nominations for the same acting category.

So to me the nominations should be:
Best Director

Best Film

Best Special Effects (The fell beasts, shelob and the oliphants were all incredible on a second viewing)

Best Costume Design

Best Score, the soundtrack was great as well

Best Lead Actor: Elija Wood

Viggo Mortenson for whatever he fits in on their categories.

Best Supporting Actor: Sean Astin

Best Supporting Actor: Andy Serkis

Best Supporting Actor: Ian Mckellin

And there are likely to be other nominations to come that I am not all too aware of. Most likely, only one supporting actor will get nominated which I think will be unfortunate for all the others who deserve it for their wonderful performance. Anyway, If you ask me ROTK should clean house on nominations, and quite possibly on actual oscars received.