June 2, 2002

Moria and Lorien
Brett C.

A few thoughts on the depictions of Moria and Lorien in the movie. I know I originally raised the issue of how Gimli could not know about the fate of Balin and the Dwarves, but of course in the book this is also the case, since the fate of the colony is unknown at the Council of Elrond, though there is a great deal more concern than Gimli shows in the movie. Perhaps the explanation is that movie Gimli knew of the colony but beleived it had been successful in repopulating the mines. Clearly in the book Balin and his followers thought the Balrog had left, or perished, or was able to be handled by enough force. Gandalf, of course, would be wise enough to know better.

And as for Lorien being dark; the simple explanation is to be found in PJ's adherence to the book. The trip from the north border near Moria to Caras Galadhorn were Celeborn and Galadriel are waiting takes several hours, and the Felloswhip arrives at night. Frodo also gazes in the mirror at night, because he sees Earendil's star shining in the sky. Naturally when the Fellowship leaves we see the sun again, because, as in the book, they leave during the day. All perfectly simple.