2-10-03 Latest News |
And Yet Another Howard Shore Report...
leo @ 1:08 pm EST
Well the London Festival Hall must have been filled with TORn visitors. Tracey was there on any account, and here's what she had to say!
After four hours of waiting, the music man (along with his LPO) came on stage! It was far too long to wait...and far too short to be satisfied with, but it left me with the choons in my head and the Lord of the Rings in my heart so you could say that it did its job!
I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire performance and I even found myself smiling at particular points of the score! One in particular moment which I will never ever forget was near the end, at Amon Hen, when - if you, like me, have seen the FOTR countless number of times - can picture Lurtz coming up over the hilltop, ready to fire his arrows at Boromir...the crashing, haunting sounds which the instruments on stage made were amazing!
Why was it amazing?
Because for one thing the beats of the timpani's were so strong...the clanging of hammers against the steel sheets creating that harsh armour sound...and what’s more is the clinking and clunking of chain mail, being beaten against the top of a wooden piano bringing the sound of the armour even more to life...it was a site that was rather amusing...this petit woman leaning over the lid of the piano, in order to get to the chain mail, whilst always keeping a close eye on Howard Shore's guidance for the correct beats...it was spectacular!
Many people have said to me that I’m am decidedly Lord of the Rings obsessed, and what’s the point of seeing an orchestra play when you can just listen to the soundtrack? Well, I say to these sad people, that it’s the entire atmosphere…the fact that Howard Shore, not just the conductor, but the composer, the winner of ‘countless awards’ including an Oscar, for flips sake…he was there…controlling his own music…the way he wanted it to be played. The London Philharmonic is THE orchestra, which played…and the choirs are THE voices that will forever remind us of what Lord of the Rings, and what Middle Earth sounded like.
In a few years when, sadly, it will all be over and done with, we Ringers will look back and remember that music, as the bit where the hobbits fall off the hill and find the shortcut to mushrooms; or the bit where they are being chased in Khazad Dum (my fave bit) and have to jump over the broken stairs, shortly followed by the timely fall of Gandalf the Grey. Speaking of which, the solo boy in the Oratory Choir…my friend said that he wasn’t that good, but I’d to like to praise him and say congratulations and think that it was most likely nerves. He wasn’t able to sustain the notes for as long as he could have done, but hey? Who are we to judge and criticise? That goes for all the other soloists, on the whistle, the core ingles, the soloists and, well, the whole frickin orchestra! Congratulations!
It was wonderful, terrific, superb, outstanding, dazzling, marvellous, remarkable, breathtaking,…there aren’t enough words in the English vocabulary to describe how wonderful it was to see Howard Shore live! And bless him, he seemed like a very humble man! Three times he came and bowed to a rapturous crowd with a standing ovation! And each time you get the feeling that he was more and more reluctant to accept his genius! Peter Jackson is the genius of film, but Howard Shore is surely the genius of music!
So I take my imaginary hat off to Shore, the man behind the music of Middle Earth. I long for next year when hopefully he will do the same for The Two Towers, then after that? Maybe an entire 3-hour concert encompassing the music from all three films? As a violinist and a regular orchestra player, myself, I could not think of a greater piece of music I would rather play, nor could I think of a greater conductor to conduct. Not only was the playing spot-on, not only was the music exact, but also the atmosphere was tremendous and truly magical. Yesterday evening was quite possibly the best hour of my life! That is until the next concert! As said before, do go and see it! I was on the balcony, second row, centre stage and the view was spectacular! It really annoys me whenever I am unable to see who is playing what but no matter where you are, you will definitely be touched by the pure and exquisite magic of the music being played.
Howard Shore Concert Report #2
leo @ 1:00 pm EST
This time it's elanor the fair that wrote a little bit about last night's concert:
well, this is the first chance i have had to give any kind of report on yesterday's concert. I must say i agree with the last report when they said that if you ever get the chance to see Howard Shore and the London Philharmonic perform anywhere remotely near you get tickets. Don't think about how to get there or what you might have to do for the next day just make sure you get to expereince the magic.It truly was a memorable day. Nothing on this earth could have stopped me from being there.
I remember thinking, as the musicians entered and all the crowd were eagerly waiting for them to start, how lucky i was. Yes, it was the same music, though with a few changes here and there to make sure it all ran smoothly between songs, but it sounded clearer, you could hear the trumpets clearer and the choirs were flawless. But i think i ought to take this opportunity to correct something that was previously stated: Edward Ross (who originally performed 'In Dreams' and is consequently my favourite song) did not perform it on sunday, nor was Gandalf's Lament performed by Elizabeth Fraser. They were (whoever did perform the pieces) perfect anyway and i thoroughly enjoyed their performances. At the end there was a rousing applause for Howard Shore and al the musicians and performers and a chain reaction in which we started to standup to cheer, whistle and clap, we all wanted to shout 'encore, encore!' the crowd was buzzing with excitement and gratitude for bringing Middle-earth to life for an hour.
If there is a concert for TTT next year you can be certain that i'll be there. It was something that'll remember for the rest of my life. And just a quick thank you to whoever first reported last summer that there was going to be a concert in London - if it weren't for you i (nor my very thankful friend hannah who felt very privileged as i asked her first) wouldn't have known and would never have had such an amazing experience.
Weekend Roundup
Xoanon @ 12:29 am EST
Gollum Creator to visit Perth Faramir's Character: The Debate Part. II Weekly eBay Items Howard Shore Concert Report TV Watch: Access Holywood Talks Viggo Ari Digs 'Rings' World News: Kuwait, and Bulgaria Media Watch: DVD Review Talks TTT DVD! TTT Tops Potter "Heart of the City" Aragorn Caption Contest LOTR Bobbleheads Weekly Cast Watch
2-09-03 Latest News |
Defending PJ's Faramir
Tehanu @ 9:44 pm EST
Fighting words from Teri, who sent us this email: Personally speaking, I don't understand what all the fuss over Faramir's minor changes in the film are all about. I've read Tolkien's original version and compared it to Jackson's Faramir and came to the conclusion that there were not such drastic or absurd changes made at all. The only minor differences between Tolkien's version and Jackson's was that Faramir in the book was a little more polite and courteous in his behavior, and allowed the hobbits to be released immediately. Faramir in the movie was a little more stern and moody in his attitude, and took the hobbits with him to Gondor. What's the big deal? Why is everyone freaking out about it? The changes are very minor and don't really take away from the story, so why is everyone getting all bent out of shape over it? There's absolutely nothing wrong or devasting about Faramir's portrayal in the movie...in fact, I think Jackson's version is a lot better than Tolkien's (no offense is intended!). The Faramir in the movie makes a lot more sense than the one in the book, and here's why: So what if Jackson altered it a little from the original book, big deal! I would much rather seen a more logical and serious Faramir, than a goody-goody one who doesn't show any interest at all and only wants to welcome the hobbits with food, drink, and overly-gracious hospitality. I think Jackson's version of the character behaved more reasonably due to the circumstances than Tolkien's.
Number one, in Tolkien's original portrayal of Faramir in the book, he was kind and gentle to the hobbits. He was never too suspicious to begin with, and befriended them immediately. He treated them with gracious hospitality and gave them food, drink, and rest. He was such a goody-goody from the very beginning, who was never remotely interested in the Ring and wanted absolutely nothing to do with it at all. Then he good-heartedly released the hobbits and allowed them to continue on their way. What a softie!
In the movie version, however, Faramir's attitude is moodier and he's much more serious. He's very suspicious of the strange hobbits from the start, and he's tempted by the Ring (just like Boromir) and decides to take the Ring to Gondor--taking also Frodo and Sam. But that's all there is to it. It's no big deal!
Other than Faramir being more stern in the movie and taking the hobbits and the Ring with him to Gondor, there's not much of a difference between the film and book. Everyone acts as though Jackson's Faramir was somehow mean and cruel to Frodo and Sam, and treated them terribly--but that's not the case at all! If you recall correctly, in Tolkien's book Faramir was a little suspicious of the hobbits (though not very much) and did interrogate them. He also did blindfold the hobbits when he led them to his secret hideout, plus, he also did have his soldiers aim their arrows at Gollum when he entered the Forbidden Pool. He even instructed Frodo not to try anything funny, or he would have to pay the consequences with the soldiers' arrows. He allowed Frodo to go down to Gollum--but only under strict warning. I don't understand why everyone has the wrong impression that Jackson's Faramir was such an evil jerk. He was not evil and did absolutley nothing wrong in the movie. People act as though he tortured Frodo and Sam and treated them like dirt, but that's not the case! Technically speaking, Faramir in the film actually made a lot more sense than he did in the book. No offense to the great master himself, but Tolkien's portrayal of the character was just too lenient and somewhat illogical. Why do I say this? That's easy, just analyze the situation more carefully.
Look at the grim circumstances Faramir was in. First of all, his older brother, Boromir, died and now poor unprepared Faramir was having to fill his big brother's shoes and try to figure out a way to save his dying city of Gondor. Talk about being under extreme pressure! Gondor is literally falling apart, the citizens are perishing, and the city is constantly under attack. Faramir must save his doomed city and please his father, Denethor. That's a mighty big task for the young man, and there doesn't look like much hope for Gondor. That's why when he sees the powerful Ring, he's tempted by it like Boromir was. He sees the Ring as possibly being the hope and savior of his people, just his older brother did. Faramir did not want to take the Ring for personal, greedy purposes, he saw it as a desperate last attempt to save his city. He had no wicked intentions at all, in fact, he did not realize just how evil the Ring truly was. People seem to forget that Faramir didn't know that the Ring was the greatest instrument of pure evil known to Middle-earth, he knew nothing about the Ring at all. He did not understand what was really going on. His intentions towards the powerful Ring was out of hope and desperation--not wickedness!
And as for the so-called "cruel and ghastly" treatment of Frodo and Sam, that's just totally absurd! Faramir did nothing unusual or uncalled-for whatsoever regarding the hobbits. Faramir was a captain and behaved quite normally and acted very
appropriately in his position. If you analyze the circumstances carefully, you'd realize that Faramir's behavior was very logical. Think about it, Faramir and his soldiers had just finished destroying one of Sauron's evil armies, that had invaded Gondor's territory. As soon as they eliminate the wicked army, they come across two strange hobbits. Faramir found the suspicious hobbits in the same exact spot where Sauron's army was wiped out. If that's not bizarre, what is? If I came across two weird-looking strangers in that situation, I'd be very suspicious and assume they were orc spies, too. Who wouldn't? People must keep in mind that most of the citizens of Middle-earth had never seen a hobbit before, and did not know much about them. Some people had never even heard of a hobbit. The other races of Middle-earth were not very acquainted with the hobbit society. It was quite obvious that Frodo and Sam were not citizens of Gondor, that's for sure. Faramir would have been the world's biggest idiot and worst captain had he not been suspicious of the strange-looking hobbits and assume they were possible spies! He behaved appropriately by being cautious and taking the hobbits prisoner for questioning. Plus, he never once harmed the hobbits in any way. It's not like he smacked Frodo and Sam around and tortured them on the rack, for crying out loud! He was not out of line for interrogating the hobbits and being a little stern with them. It would have been foolish for him not to be. And as for threatening Gollum at the Forbidden Pool, well, he did that also in the book. Let's face it, if you saw something creepy like Gollum lurking around your hideout, you'd want to shoot him with an arrow, too! Faramir was not cruel to the hobbits, he decided to take them and the Ring to Gondor only to help save his city--that's all! People are so worked up over the minor changes with the character in the film, and quite frankly, it's just downright stupid!
If I was Faramir, I would have acted according to the way he did in the film, not the book. Jackson's interpretation is actually more realistic for the situation; plus, it gives a much more dramatic effect to the story. It's a better way of going about it.
What a lot of so-called "Tolkien purists" just don't understand, is that some things that might work well in a book does not or cannot always work as well in a film. Reading a bunch of descriptive paragraphs in a book is not the same thing as actually seeing something visually with your own two eyes on a big screen. A movie is different from a book, it doesn't always work the same way. Some changes and alterations may be necessary. Take for instance, the changes in the expansion of Arwen's character. Now, in Tolkien's book version, you never really got to see Arwen or know anything about her until the very end when she marries Aragorn. It was only at the end when she married Aragorn, that you briefly got to know a little about her unimportant character. Now, perhaps knowing nothing about her or the fact that she had a relationship with Aragorn all along didn't matter much in the book, but that never would have worked in the movie. If Jackson had not expanded Arwen's character and given the audience more insight into her and her deep relationship with Aragorn, it would have been a total disaster! Could you imagine watching Aragorn all through the three films and sharing in his adventures, only to see him marry some unknown elven princess at the very end. Some anonymous elven woman--whom you've never seen before and you knew absolutely nothing about--yet you find out at the very end that she and Aragorn were supposedly in love and have been having a relationship the whole time (though you never once got to see any aspects of their relationship throughout the movies at all). No way! That never would have worked in a million years! You would have everyone in the audience asking, "Wait a minute, who in the world is she? Where did she come from? Why is Aragorn marrying some strange elven girl? What's going on?" A lot of people came down hard on Jackson for giving Arwen a bigger role in the films, but that was a very brilliant move on his part. It was wise to improve her character for the movies, and it worked out perfectly--much better than in Tolkien's original version.
Tom Bombadil was a wonderful and delightful character in Tolkien's book--however, considering the fact that Jackson had so much of the story to cram into the film, it's certainly understandable why he had to leave Bombadil and Goldberry out. They may have been great characters, but they also would have been a distraction in the story and would have delayed the hobbits from making it to Bree. Let's face it, the movies are three hours long enough as it is. Poor Jackson can't fit everything in. And as for the expansion of Saruman's character, that is also a very smart move on Jackson's part. You barely got to see any of Saruman in the books, and again that never would have worked for the films. It was necessary for Jackson to build up Saruman (like Arwen) in order to make the movie work properly. Saruman having a tiny, insignificant role like he did in the books wouldn't have worked well on the big screen. I wish that the "Tolkien purists" would get off Jackson's back! He's doing a spectacular job with the films, and he's a magnificent director who deserves to be acknowledged, respected, and praised for his outstanding achievements--not scorned and ridiculed by the Tolkien-purist society! Cut PJ some slack, he's a genius director and the only director who possesses the true ability to do the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy proper justice. Give credit where credit is due! Tolkien may be the master of the books--but Peter Jackson is the master of the films, and that's the truth!
Media Watch: DVD Review Talks TTT DVD!
Xoanon @ 9:13 pm EST
Irascian writes: The lastest issue of “DVD Review”, the UK’s best selling DVD review magazine, has the following “exclusive” on The Two Towers DVD….. THE TOWER OF POWER. Frodo’s incredible quest continues! We're thrilled to reveal the release date of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers on British DVD! Entertainment in Video tells us the middle chapter of Peter Jackson’s phenomenally popular epic will be provisionally available to buy on 30 June. Late June will see the 179-minute theatrical cut arrive on a two-disc set. As part of its raft of extras, which stands to include mini internet documentaries and television specials, it may even carry a preview of the third and final installment, The Return of the Kind, in UK cinemas this December. The main DVD event for The Two Towers will happen in late 2003. A stunning four-disc extended version is tipped for release in November. Anticipate more thrilling, romantic and funny scenes between the huge ensemble of heroes and villains. Prepare yourself for exclusive documentaries charting the 600 effects shots from start to finish, the amazing production designs by Weta Workshop craftspeople and spotlights on the groundbreaking, completely CGI’d characters of Treebeard and Gollum, the treacherous yet sympathetic creature who stole the show for many”
Weekly Cast Watch
Xoanon @ 8:16 pm EST
Note: These are films that are listed as being on TV THIS WEEK ONLY, this is NOT a list of all the films the cast has donePiano, The (1993)
Nate and Hayes (1983)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Aberration (1997)Dark City (1998)/td> Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
28 Days (2000)
Walk on the Moon, A (1999)
Perfect Murder, A (1998)
Thin Red Line, The (1998)
Albino Alligator (1996)
Prophecy, The (1995)
Boiling Point (1993)
Ruby Cairo (1993)
Carlito's Way (1993)
Young Guns II (1990)
Fresh Horses (1988)
Purple Rose of Cairo, The (1985)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Charlotte Gray (2001)
Gift, The (2000)
Man Who Cried, The (2000)
Talented Mr. Ripley, The (1999)
Paradise Road (1997)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
One Night at McCool's (2001)
Can't Hardly Wait (1998)
Inventing the Abbotts (1997)No listings this week Poison Ivy: The New Seduction (1997) Emperor's New Clothes, The (2001)
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
From Hell (2001)
Beautiful Joe (2000)
Bless the Child (2000)
Joe Gould's Secret (2000)
Shergar (1999)
eXistenZ (1999)
Alice Through the Looking Glass (1998) (TV)
Sweet Hereafter, The (1997)
Night Falls on Manhattan (1997)
Fifth Element, The (1997)
Big Night (1996)
Madness of King George, The (1994)
Naked Lunch (1991)
Henry V (1989)
Another Woman (1988)
Dreamchild (1985)
Brazil (1985)
Time Bandits (1981)
Alien (1979)
Young Winston (1972)
Fixer, The (1968)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
X-Men (2000)
Cold Comfort Farm (1995) (TV)
Restoration (1995)
I'll Do Anything (1994)
Shadow, The (1994)
And the Band Played On (1993) (TV)
Scandal (1989)
Keep, The (1983)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Tommyknockers, The (1993) (TV)
Nate and Hayes (1983)Don't Say a Word (2001)
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Essex Boys (2000)
Ronin (1998)
GoldenEye (1995)
Black Beauty (1994)Diamond of Jeru, The (2001) (TV) Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
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Urban Ghost Story (1998)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists (2000)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Perry Mason: The Case of the Murdered Madam (1987) (TV)
Firewalker (1986)
Sadat (1983) (TV)
Victor/Victoria (1982)
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Sky Is Falling, The (2000)
Icebreaker (1999)
Deterrence (1999)
Long Way Home, The (1997)
Harrison Bergeron (1995) (TV)
Safe Passage (1994)
Encino Man (1992)
Toy Soldiers (1991)
Memphis Belle (1990)
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Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)
Death Train (1993) (TV)
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Howling II (1985)
Safari 3000 (1982)
Goliath Awaits (1981) (TV)
Eye for an Eye, An (1981)
Three Musketeers, The (1973)
Dracula A.D. 1972 (1972)
Hannie Caulder (1971)
Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)
Curse of the Crimson Altar (1968)
City of the Dead, The (1960)
Scott of the Antarctic (1948)Vertical Limit (2000) Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Tommyknockers, The (1993) (TV)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) No listings this week No listings this week Return to Treasure Island (1996) (TV) Superfire (2002) (TV)
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Going Off Big Time (2000)
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Strange Planet (1999)
Babe (1995)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Black Hawk Down (2001)No listings this week Price of Milk, The (2000)
Heaven (1998)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) No listings this week Human Nature (2001)
What Lies Beneath (2000)
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No listings this week Shadow Hours (2000)
Prophecy 3: The Ascent, The (2000) (V)
Interceptors (1999)
Best Men (1997)
Death Machine (1995)
Color of Night (1994)
Amos & Andrew (1993)
Critters 4 (1991) (V)
Child's Play 3 (1991)
Jungle Fever (1991)
Child's Play 2 (1990)
Mississippi Burning (1988)Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course, The (2002)
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
Dark City (1998)No listings this week No listings this week Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) Panic Room (2002)
Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
Score, The (2001)
Yards, The (2000)
High Fidelity (2000)
Cell, The (2000)
eXistenZ (1999)
Dogma (1999)
Gloria (1999)
Before and After (1996)
Striptease (1996)
Crash (1996)
White Man's Burden (1995)
Ed Wood (1994)
Sliver (1993)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
Single White Female (1992)
Naked Lunch (1991)
Quick Change (1990)
Innocent Man, An (1989)
She-Devil (1989)
Signs of Life (1989)
Big (1988)
Dead Ringers (1988)
Moving (1988)
Places in the Heart (1984)
Videodrome (1983)
Scanners (1981)Kids World (2001) No listings this week Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
102 Dalmatians (2000)
Species (1995)
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Batman Returns (1992)
Ghost (1990)Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001)
North (1994)
Radio Flyer (1992)
Forever Young (1992)
Avalon (1990)
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Back to the Future Part II (1989)No listings this week Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The (2001) No listings this week