Silmarillion movie

[Oricon Ancalime]

I just was curious to know that if they made the Silmarillion (or parts of it, i.e. the tale of Luthien and Beren) into a movie, who would you cast in the main roles?

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I'm not quite sure of who I would cast, but I certainly hope that they never do make it into a movie, as it would ruin it terribly... <P>~Menelien

[Oricon Ancalime]

I hope they leave it as-is, too, but I've found that when reading difficult books it makes it easier to picture someone you're familiar with (an actor, a friend, etc.) as one of the characters. Kinda to make it stick. I guess that's more along the lines of what I'm asking... could you/who could you see as some of the main characters.

[Meela]

I've already set the Silmarillion aside as my debut for when I direct my own films <P>I would cast myself as Luthien. I read the Lay Of Leithian and fell in love with her after she grew her hair then hacked it all off. I once cut my hair really short after I had it grown down to my knees or something (biiig mistake) so I can relate to this.<P>Or I would love to play one of the Valar.<P>I keep on imagining Orlando Bloom as Beren.<P>(Oh, and I don't know what is in the Silmarillion. The characters I'm mentioning always spring to mind when I think of the Sil. because its all that history-related content. So I'm just randomly picking here.)<P>Richard Harris would have been great as Ulmo.

[Frodo 007]

Im waiting for The Hobbit to be made into a movie first Then hopefully someone else will do The Silmarillion

[Oricon Ancalime]

Hey, Meela, save a part for me in your movie version, okay? Can I be Aredhel? <P>I always kind of thought that Daniel Day Lewis as Hawkeye and Madeline Stowe as Cora from Last of the Mohicans as Luthien and Beren. Plus that movie is very L/B-ish... Cora's dad doesn't like his daughter's relationship with Hawkeye, and they die, and C&H go off into the wilderness and that's the last we hear of them...

[Meela]

Yeh, you can have a part I'll give you all parts! I know, I'm lovely... you can pay me later...

[drigel]

Mabye a 3 movie deal would give the Silm justice. I am thinking in about 20 years we could have the technology to the point of actually making something onto film that could represent fully all the abstract things going on in that book.

[HCIsland]

I couldn't even imagine a movie version of the Silmarilion. Maybe one chapter, like Beren and Luthien or Turin, but that's it.<P>It's way, way, way too much to convert to any kind of comprehensible movie.<P>H.C.

[Everdawn]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I keep on imagining Orlando Bloom as Beren. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I wonder why???<P>Oh man, i tried to read the sil, i really did... but i skipped a few pages here and there... well acctually the whole book. I diddnt meanto! itsa just too complicated to read!!!!!<P>But hmm... who can we see here... Nicole Kidman!... yay, i live nicole! i bet she could do it!... Which reminds me of a spin off i want to make.. out of MOulin Rouge... the Argentinian when him and caroline o'connoe (velma kelly on broadway Chicago) start to do the tango..<P>And he says, We have a dance in brothels of Bouenos Aries, of prostitution, and the man who falls in love with her... I want to do one like that but in 18th century Argentina or Columbia.. well that was a bit off topic.. but, <P>Yeah i was wondering if they were oging to make the hobbit into a movie myself... It could be on eof two tings.. really good or really terrible... think of it form both angles..

[Tinuviel of Denton]

I think it would take more than three movies. More like ten. <P>Meela, you stole my role. I want to be Luthien (You spelled that wrong, by the way. ) Oh, well, if I can't be Luthien, can I be Melian? Or Miriel? Or maybe Finwe's second wife. I look more like her anyway. No, wait! I want to be Nienor/Niniel because her story is so <I>sad</I>. I love sad stories. <P>They'd have to get the same actors/actresses as in the current movies so that people wouldn't get confused (i.e. Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, etc.)<p>[ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[HCIsland]

The other issue that I would have with Silmarilion movies is that most of the chapters are incredible downers. Although LotR is bittersweet, there still is a message of hope and sacrafice to build a better world.<P>The message that comes to me from most of the Silmarilion is life's a *****, you better get used to it. For me, the joy of the Silmarilion is in the details and once they are removed (as they would have to be) all you have left is a mish-mosh of really depressing stories.<P>I truly think this book is unfilmable without major changes, changes that would in fact not make it the Silmarilion anymore.<P>H.C.

[Meela]

I spelled Luthien wrong? You talking about Leithian? Its written as the Lay of Leithian in the Lays Of Beleriand. And its heck of a lot of fun to parody

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I truly think this book is unfilmable without major changes, changes that would in fact not make it the Silmarilion anymore.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Yeah, I seriously doubt that the Silmarillion could be made into a movie, and I honestly hope it doesn't. A live-action version of The Hobbit would be fun to see on the big screen, but I'd rather film people just stayed away from The Sil. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but wasn't it Tolkien's favorite work? I just think it would be better left as is.<P>If it was made into a movie, the best way I can think of to acomplish that would be some kind of miniseries (a fairly long one, mind you), with each part of the series showing different chapters, or maybe several chapters that fit together. But I doubt that would work - it'd have to have a <I>very</I> big budget.<P>But back to the topic at hand - casting? Hmm... I've thought about this a bit, and I simply couldn't figure out who would make a good Luthien. I mean, the most beautiful woman in the world? That's tough to cast. I think that of all the actresses I'm familiar with (and this is off the top of my head), Natalie Portman would probably be the most beautiful. But I don't think she's old enough to make a good Luthien. It would have to be someone who you could see possessing great wisdom and yet is still fairly youthful and lovely (like Cate Blanchett). So, yeah, a tough role to cast. <P>But there is one role that I'm fairly certain of - this is just me, but I think that David Boreanez would make a good Túrin Turambar. If you've seen him as the vampire Angel, you'll know that he does an amazing job with tragic characters, and he can be menacing as well. And he's pretty well-built, so I think he could play a warrior.<P>One of my friends and I were discussing this, and she said that she thought Joaquin Phoenix would make a good pre-mutilation Sauron, and from what I saw of him in Gladiator, I agree with her.

[Aragost]

It would take twenty-three-hour movies to make the movie interesting for the normal people aren't big Tolkien fans. They would find it very dry if extra dialog was not added. I think it should be left as a book. Orlando Bloom would make a lousy Beren.

[The Saucepan Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Mabye a 3 movie deal would give the Silm justice. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I think it would take more than three movies. More like ten. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> It would take twenty-three-hour movies <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Any increase on 20?

[Finwe]

I don't think that you could do justice to a complex story like the Silmarillion by making it into a movie. I think that it would fit a lot better as a TV series. The individual chapters could easily make a half-hour or an hour-script, and for long, convoluted stories like the Lay of Leithien or the Narn i Chin Hurin, we could split those up into several episodes. <P>As for casting, I've already given it a thought, and I've started working on a script for the pilot episode (The Creation). Even though it might confuse a few people, I think that Viggo Mortensen would make an excellent Beren. There is no one else in the world who can act the way he can. He is the only person I would trust to pull something like that off. I've actually looked up pictures of a few male models that could make good Elves, and all I need to do is find out if they can act. <P>Any other helpful ideas people?

[Duncariel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Any increase on 20? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>How 'bout I add an increase on your increase?<BR>It would make a great SCI/Fi channel series, or someting to that extent. I'd watch a 20 hour movie anyway.

[Mattius]

The costs on producing a picture like the Silm. would be so monumentous that no studio would get their money back and ask for making a profit- very unlikey. They could have a low budget but it never do the book justice. Therefore there are two possibilities- no film or a poor film<P>I would really love to see it as a series on TV, that would be great. A 45-60 mins show each one incorporating a chapter of the book.<P>Another idea what I thought of would be to make it into an anime film with great actor's voices. Ah thats just me being the lover of Japanese animation that I am...<P>Ask for cast for a live film, Phoenix would make an excellent young Sauron. That kid looks pure evil when he wants to, his scars would be right in place. The cast would have to be so large that many of the actors/actresses would be relatively unknown. Although I would have to cast Ewan McGregor as Aule. I don't know why but I see him as a good smith. <P>Other than live actors, who would you cast as voices such as dragons like Glaurung? <P>Oh oh and who for Feanor, Finglofin and Finarfin the three brothers and there father Finwe?<p>[ June 12, 2003: Message edited by: Mattius ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Oops, sorry Meela.<P>What about doing the Luthien/Beren story as a shadow play? Hang the scrim down in front of the stage, and have the actors/actresses behind it. The giant wolf (I can't recall his name at the moment) could be done by moving him closer to the back than the actors. Same with the Hound (whose name also momentarily escapes me). And that would solve the problem of Luthien being the most beautiful woman in the world because the audience would be able to use their imaginations.<P>BTW, Natalie Portman as Luthien!? Perish the thought! I would forever curse the director for choosing <I>Padme Amidala</I> as my favorite character in all of Tolkien's work. (I am not a huge fan of the new Star Wars movies if you can't tell)

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>BTW, Natalie Portman as Luthien!? Perish the thought! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>B- but I only said that she was the most beautiful actress I could think of off the top of my head! Don't hurt me! Like I said, I think that Luthien would have to be a bit older, seem a bit wiser. Unfortunately, I can't think of any actresses who fit that description... Truth be told, I don't really like the idea of putting an actual face on Luthien. Borderline blasphemy, almost. But if anyone thinks they have a good person in mind, I'd be interested to hear about it. <P>Ewan McGregor as Aulë? Yeah, I suppose I could see him as a smith... it would probably work better if he had facial hair, to make him look older, methinks.<P>As for Finwë and his sons, I really don't know, but I'd be interested to see who everyone else might have in mind for Fëanor, as he always fascinated me.

[Beren87]

If anybody should play Beren, it should be me.<P>And since I'm not available to play Beren, the movie better not be made.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The giant wolf (I can't recall his name at the moment) could be done by moving him closer to the back than the actors. Same with the Hound (whose name also momentarily escapes me).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>That would be <B>Carcharoth</B>, the Wolf of Angband; and <B>Huan</B>, the Hound of Valinor.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Only Beren could play Beren!

[The_Hand]

You could never make a movie Silm it would be ten hours long or more! Not that I would mind! but I don't think many would care to sit for that long. I think they should make a movie about Turin!!! That is one of my favorite Silm stories! And Beren duh, but I really think I like Turin more... anyone agree?

[Duncariel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Only Beren could play Beren <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Wow.... that was most definitely the most profound sentence that I have heard in the last 6 months...<BR>*scratching head*

[Oricon Ancalime]

Yes, but what if the camera didn't flatter him? Hmmm? What then? O_o

[Gorisil]

I read the Silmarillion and I must say it was just the best. My eyes were glued to the pages and my hands could not leave the book. Not even the best director in the world could make Silmarillion a movie or make it a good movie where it captures the scenes perfectly! It would just destroy the book!

[Oricon Ancalime]

Age etc. aside, I think that Sean Connery would make a good Finwe, or an older Elros.

[Finwe]

Actually, there are quite a few male models/actors out there who are definitely handsome enough to play any of those three. Unfortunately, I don't know if they can really act or not. <P>As for Beren and Luthien, I know most of you are going to kill me, but I think Viggo Mortensen and Liv Tyler would be perfect. I know that would confuse a lot of people, but they're great actors. *dodges flying objects* Liv is kind of iffy, but I personally believe that Viggo would make a great Beren. As for Luthien, please NOT Natalie Portman! She doesn't have that level of acting. She's good, I admit, but not that good. <BR>I think that to play Curufin or Celegorm, the guy who was the villain in Shanghai Knights is perfect, Aidan something or other. He has that sinister look about him that is just perfect. Or, he would be good for Morgoth's disguise or Maeglin or Eol. Does anyone know who I'm talking about?

[Brinniel]

I think they should make a movie about Turin!!! That is one of my favorite Silm stories!
I really do believe the tragedy of Turin is one of the best stories out there. I don't want to see the entire Silmarillion as a movie, but I would like to see Turin on the big screen. The story is interesting enough to capture an audience and probably could be well enough separated from The Silmarillion as a single story.

As for casting, I have trouble thinking up actors for each role, for I think I would need to see them in costume first. Costumes and makeup can really change looks. Still, I have to admit I keep imagining Heath Ledger in the role of Turin. I don't know why.

[Finwe]

Oh please, not Heath Ledger! Anyone but Heath Ledger! We need someone who can brood well. Johnny Depp? *runs off to avoid flying sharp objects*

[Mattius]

What was the name of the guy who was going to play Aragorn before Viggo did it? Someone Townsend I think. I saw a picture of him in my girlfriend's magazine and think he would make a good elf, darked haired of course. Was any of Finwe's sons black haired? If not then as a casting director I would fit him in somewhere.<P>Also Mr Depp would make an excellent Turin in my mind. ALso Collin Farrel, either of those guys could play Turin well, they both have something about them that a character of that magnitude and difficulty requires.<P>Hey, no-one has given any people to play the voices of the Dragons and Balrogs. I think it would be really hard to decide what sort of accent a dragon would have.

[Meela]

Stuart Townsend. Yeh, he's quite suitable.<P>For dragons and balrogs I think you need someone to put on a voice much like the Nazgul had. A rather deep, husky, shadowy, mysterious, etc. voice. Almost a whisper, emerging from a deep, dark, cave. I think I'm thinking of Aragog from Harry Potter 2. Something a bit like that. It makes you shiver.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Well, the story of Turin and the Lay of Leithien are my favorite parts of the Silm. Both of those should somehow be made into movies. But the whole thing would be impossible. Drat.<P>(As to Turin, <I><B>I</B></I> want to play Nienor/Niniel. I do sad characters. Always.)

[Brinniel]

Oh please, not Heath Ledger! Anyone but Heath Ledger!
I didn't say I wanted him in that role, I just happened to imagine him in it while reading.

Johnny Depp?
Hmm. He's kind of weird, but I really liked him in Sleepy Hollow. Perhaps he'd work, though I'm not sure.

[Mattius]

How about who to play Morgoth in his humanoid form, after his first release? Personally I would like Andy Serkis to play him. First of all because I think he could do the job of a (very) dark & evil character and secondly because I feel sorry for him not getting his face on screen (well a little in RotK) in the LotR.

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>As for Luthien, please NOT Natalie Portman! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>*sobs hysterically* For the last time, I didn't mean I wanted Natalie Portman to play Luthien! I simply said that she was the most beautiful actress I could think of off the top of my head, but that she didn't have the experience to play the role! *sniffle*<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I think I'm thinking of Aragog from Harry Potter 2. Something a bit like that. It makes you shiver.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>The voice of Julian Glover, the guy who played General Veers in ESB (don't ask how I know that ). Yes, he definitely did a good job at making Aragog creepy, and he'd probably do well with a dragon or a balrog if he kept that same creepy voice.<P>And I don't know what's going on in my head, but I suddenly thought of Christian Bale as Maeglin... don't know if he'd make a good elf, though.

[Froda]

that wouls be cool if they did!!

[Finwe]

Actually, for Maeglin, I was thinking about the villain from Shanghai Knights. I forgot his name, I think it's Aidan Something-or-other. Does anyone know who I'm talking about?

[Meela]

Aidan Gillen.

[Meneltarmacil]

The whole "Silmarillion" wouldn't work as one movie there'd be too many seperate storylines. It would work pretty well if they'd split it up into a lot of shorter movies (one about Beren and Luthien, one about Earendil, etc.)

[Burzdol]

How many movies do you think it would have to be?<P>Burzdol

[Finwe]

Does it have to be a movie at all? It would make a far better TV show/series.

[Orominuialwen]

I think turning it into a TV show/series would totally ruin the Silmarillion, but it's a good idea to split it into several movies. All I know is that I'm gonna round up some of my Tolkien-loving friends and we'll make our own movie. Coming to a theater near you...

[Neferchoirwen]

How about a miniseries?<BR>It's way too much of an epic to be put on film.<P>I think it'll be cool if the different Valar would be cast from different races. Just an idea...

[Beren87]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Only Beren could play Beren<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Of course.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Yes, but what if the camera didn't flatter him? Hmmm? What then?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Pish..

[Everdawn]

I think they should make Feanor's story as a movie though. I reckon that would be great, no i really really want them to make a movie about Feanor.

[Oddwen]

The only actor I know of named Aidan would be Aidan Quinn.<P>Joaquin Phoenix as Sauron? Wow, I'd have to agree with you there. In fact, I'd have to say whenever I read the Sil I'll be thinking of him in that role.<P>Anyone else think that Craig Parker (Haldir) seemed more of a Feanor? He didn't set right in FotR or TTT to me. Too much inner fire, if that's the way to describe it.<P>Sean Connery strikes me as a king of Numenor. Maybe Tar Palantir?<P>I'd put forth Stuart Townsend as maybe Maedhros or Maglor.<P>Charlie Sheen as Ar Pharazon. (Wierd choice?)<P>Nicolas Cage as Elros.<P>Heather Graham as Tar Miriel? <P>But no, the Sil will never be made into a movie. Too much information, and if anyone tried, it'd be too novelized.<P>However, I lay claim to Elbereth (ha ha!) if anyone's casting. <P>Hey, I was wondering, isn't Haleth a girl's name? As in Haleth [i]son[/] of Hama? It was a name of a girl in the Sil.

[Gwaihir the Windlord]

She wasn't particularly feminine, , but you're right, Haleth was a woman.<P>Nah, the sil could never be a movie. Movies have to be simplified when they're taken from books -- look at LoTR, which didn't just get simplified but warped as well -- and the Sil is in its very essence complicated.<BR>Anyway, you can't cast mere humans to play Valar and non-Istari Maiar, and the Calaquendi. Think how <I>bad</I> it would all look. No, I don't think it should be attempted, although it may well be as they seem to be making movies of everything these days. Too many movies...

[StarJewel]

The only real problem with making the Silm into movies/TV series is that its not as well known as LotR. Complex storylines aside, fewer people would go to see it simply cuz they dont know what the heck it is. And I would hate to see a book as great as the Silm messed up. <BR>As for the characters, Beren should <B>should</B> play Beren. Just cuz it would be right.<BR>Maedhros could be whoever played Elladan in FotR.<BR>Maybe Claire Danes for Luthien?<BR>And for some truly strange reason, I picture Beleg Cuthalion looking like Legolas. I dont know why, or where that mental image came from. So, Orlando Bloom all the way.

[Everdawn]

I have to say this... But Nicole Kidman has both the poise and beauty to become a Valar.

[Noldorin King]

I would like to see Christian Bale as Fingolfin and Nicole Kidman as Elbereth. But we will have difficulty finding actors fit for the roles of the princes of the house of Finarfin cause they're too fair for real people.

[Noldorin King]

I want Christian Bale to play Fingolfin and Nicole Kidman as Elbereth but i think we will difficulty in finding actors fit for the role of the sons of Finarfin because these princes are too fair to be portrayed by mortal men.hehehe.anyway, Liv got Arwen's role, ryt? That would make it easier

[Noldorin King]

Silmarillion would be a big project, we would need many extras. i think filmmakers should focus on Nirnaeth and the last battle led by Earendil. And also Feanor because he started all these but they should REALLY follow the plot this time and cut off the sloppy love plot among characters.hehehe.but i did like the piece on Finduilas andf Turin

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>No, I don't think it should be attempted, although it may well be as they seem to be making movies of everything these days. Too many movies...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I agree. I really, <I>really</I> don't want to see the Silmarillion as a movie, show, or miniseries. I wouldn't trust anyone short of Tolkien himself in doing something like that. Maybe (and I stress maybe), if Christopher Tolkien had a major voice in the production, it would be a good miniseries, but it seems highly unlikely that he would want to do that (and I certainly don't blame him).<P>Of course, that doesn't mean it's not fun to talk about possible castings. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Sean Connery strikes me as a king of Numenor. Maybe Tar Palantir?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Ooh, I didn't think about that... yes, he definitely has the presence to be a Númenorian king.<p>[ July 11, 2003: Message edited by: Estella Brandybuck ]

[Meela]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Sean Connery strikes me as a king of Numenor. Maybe Tar Palantir? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I don't have a clear image of what an actual Numenorean king is like, but Sean Connery could certainly pass as a king. He does an excellent turn as King Arthur in First Knight.<P>And speaking of First Knight: Julia Ormond who plays Guinevere has too much spirit in that movie, but otherwise is the perfect Finduilas of Dol Amroth.

[Noldorin King]

Er, let's give it a rest, guys. Tolkien had much greater world than the extent of Rowling's Wizarding world but i do think she's a very humorous writer that's why i love her works, as for the 'stolen plot', well spotted. i reckon she borrowed some of Tolkien's ideas but hers are of course somewhat altered in a way that tolkien-Rowling readers won't take much notice. that's why she had house-elves instead of High elves, Gnomes instead of Noldorin elves and soul sucking dementors instead of Ringwraiths.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

I think that post is on the wrong thread.<P>Who would voice the dragons? Especially Glaurung? He would have to have this evil voice, the kind that makes you shiver in your bed and have nightmares...

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Who would voice the dragons? Especially Glaurung? He would have to have this evil voice, the kind that makes you shiver in your bed and have nightmares...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Easy! Joan Rivers.<P> <P>But actually, I think Christopher Lee would be good for a dragon's voice. He's just got one of those voices that can really blow you away. Or perhaps James Earl Jones - he's also got one of those powerful voices.<P>Maybe someone who voiced some of the more creepy Disney villians would do well in that area... Jeremy Irons (Scar from the Lion King), or whoever did the voice of Frollo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame...

[the phantom]

Check out this thread- <A HREF="http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001728" TARGET=_blank>http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001728</A> <BR>It's pretty much the same subject.<P>I also mentioned Joquin Phoenix in that thread, but I nominated him to play Feanor, not Sauron. That's always what I imagined Feanor looking like.<P>And don't feel bad Estella, I remember posting on a thread one time and nominating Natalie Portman to play Luthien. Just like you said, she was the prettiest actress I could think of off the top of my head.<P>And I think it would be best if they would just make a movie out of one story, like one centered on Feanor beginning with his birth and ending with his death.<P>The story that would work the best, I think, would be the story of the children of Hurin. It could start off with a bang at the Battle of Unumbered Tears, and end with Turin's death. Here's a quote from one of my buddies, Lord of Dor-Lomin, (it's on the thread I gave a link to) about turning Turin's story into a movie.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Right on, Tealdude3, Turin's story seems to be the one with the most groundwork provided. Not only that, but I think it's the best, most dramatic story. If it was well written and directed, people would be crying through the whole movie. Can you get any more action and emotion anywhere else?<BR>to illustrate, here's the basic movie outline:<P>(little sis dies, daddy captured, has to leave mommy, kills some bad guys, wrongfully accused, kills some bad guys, does bad things and feels bad, kills some more bad guys, mistakenly kills best friend, kills a bunch more bad guys, goes back home and mom is gone, kills a few more bad guys, loses Finduilas, kills some bad guys, marries sister, kills big dragon, siter/wife kills herself, he kills himself)<P>The whole story is either extreme action or extreme emotion! With the right director, I honestly believe it would be a huge hit.<P>Unfortunately, I have no clue who should play Turin. He would have to have a young pretty face, and also be tall, because it said that most people looking at Turin figured he was an elf from one of the great houses. And obviously, he'd have to be strong and athletic to make him believable as a great warrior.<P>I have a couple friends who could play a couple parts. My friend Angela is tall (6'2"), blonde, and really hot, and she'd make a great Nienor (and she's done acting before, as well as advertising). And I have a buddy, he's known round here as the phantom, that would make a great Hurin (and, of course, you'd want to show Hurin's last stand even though the movie's primarily about Turin). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I think I'd make an excellent Hurin. I'm a bit shorter than average, I have blonde hair, I joke a lot, I'm very loyal, I never say die, and I have an endless store of energy (now that I'm running again anyway).<P>And yeah, James Earl Jones's voice would be great, no matter what part he would be playing.<p>[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

[PushtakhTheSneak]

I would have to agree with Estella Brandybuck that the only way The Silmarillion could be made into a film is in a mini-series. It would have to be on a cable channel though because of the commercials on the major networks. It could later be released in a box set (ie. Band of Brothers)<BR>As for who should be in the series, I would want newer up and coming actors not Hollywood movie stars. I'm sure I'm not the only one who didn't think Liv Tyler as Arwen was a good choice. <BR>Most of the attention in the mini-series would have to be placed on the stories of the House of Hador which would include Turin and his cousin Tuor. This could problably be done in one two hour episode because their stories intertwine even though they were not aware of it. It would set up the story of Numenor also because of Elros Tar-Minyatur (first King) being the grand-son of Tuor.<BR>This could follow an episode of The Lay of Leithian to show how the Dunedain are descended from both of these houses. Elwing daughter of Doriath who was the son of Beren and Luthien was the mother of Elros.<BR>The later parts would have to show how Middle-Earth after the drowning of Beleriand was settled and eventually the creation of the Rings of Power in full.<BR>I think a mini-series based on The Silmarillion could be done today and not twenty years from now. We have the technology as was shown in Peter Jackson's films. I hope someone out undertakes this epic project in the near future.

[Elen Ilúvitauri]

Joaquin Phoenix as Feanor? Talk about eye candy! no i think you are quite right, he has the evil demenor that could be used successfully to create Feanor.

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>And don't feel bad Estella, I remember posting on a thread one time and nominating Natalie Portman to play Luthien. Just like you said, she was the prettiest actress I could think of off the top of my head.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Thanks, it's nice to know I'm not alone in the world. <P>And I agree with what your friend said here:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The whole story is either extreme action or extreme emotion! With the right director, I honestly believe it would be a huge hit.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Though I would still prefer the Silmarillion to remain unfilmed, I suppose if the right director could be found, then the story of Húrin and his family would make for fantastic cinema.<P>Quick question... did Túrin have blond hair? <B>phantom</B>, you mentioned being able to play Húrin, and that you have blond hair... I don't know, maybe I missed something in the Sil (which is very likely - I read waaaay too fast), but I'd always pictured Túrin as having dark hair.<P>Well, if Túrin's a blond, I really don't know who (out of Hollywood, that is) would be fit to play him. If he was dark haired, however, then I still think that David Boreanez would be perfect for the role, and anyone who's seen him play the vampire Angel knows why. He's just got that dark, almost foreboding aura, and yet he's not someone who you can see as being truly <I>evil</I>.<P>Joaquin Phoenix as Fëanor? Never considered that one... but yes, I can see it. At first I wasn't sure about him playing an elf, but he does seem to have a sort of regal air about him.<p>[ July 14, 2003: Message edited by: Estella Brandybuck ]

[Meneltarmacil]

I really don't know, but if it was a miniseries, there should be one movie for each "Of so-and-so" story.<P>James Earl Jones should do the voice of Glaurung or Morgoth. Who could forget him as the voice of Darth Vader?

[Brinniel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Quick question... did Túrin have blond hair? phantom, you mentioned being able to play Húrin, and that you have blond hair... I don't know, maybe I missed something in the Sil (which is very likely - I read waaaay too fast), but I'd always pictured Túrin as having dark hair.<BR><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>He did have dark hair, as proved in the following quote from The Silmarillion:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>...and he was in truth the son of Morwen Eledhwen to look upon: dark-haired and pale-skinned, with grey eyes, and his face more beautiful than any other among mortal Men, in the Elder Days. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>When I first read The Silmarillion, I remember thinking that Turin had blonde hair until I came across that passage. It was then my mental image of him completely changed. <P>As for actors, how about....Johnny Depp? Somehow I can see him playing that role, though perhaps his looks are a little too weathered for Turin.

[Finwe]

He is a bit too weathered to play Turin. I know I'm going to get yelled at, but what about Orlando Bloom as Tuor? He looks great as a brunet and as a blond, and he also has a sort of Elvish demeanor.

[the phantom]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Quick question... did Túrin have blond hair? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Nope. His father, Hurin, was blonde. Everyone in the house of Hador was blonde for the most part. Turin on the other hand got his hair and eyes from his mother, Morwen, of the house of Beor.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I still think that David Boreanez would be perfect for the role, and anyone who's seen him play the vampire Angel knows why <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I'm still having a terrible time putting a face on Turin, but I think Mr Boreanez would work as well as anybody I can think of. Good call. (Angel is a great show, eh?)<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I know I'm going to get yelled at, but what about Orlando Bloom as Tuor? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>(Yells at Finwe)<P>Just kidding. Maybe it'd work, I don't know. Tuor is one character that I've never really connected with or drawn a bead on his personality and appearance.<P>What I mean is, I'm pretty indifferent to Tuor, therefore I'm pretty indifferent to the choice of actor.

[Neferchoirwen]

Hey I also voted for the miniseries! <P>Nicole Kidman as a Valar? I really find her beautiful, but I think she has features too strong. How about Asian Valar? Try to make them multi-racial.

[Lyta_Underhill]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>He (Depp)is a bit too weathered to play Turin. I know I'm going to get yelled at, but what about Orlando Bloom as Tuor? He looks great as a brunet and as a blond, and he also has a sort of Elvish demeanor.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I must be smitten, because I never think of Johnny Depp as too weathered for anything! :P I've been in love with him since Edward Scissorhands, long ago! And, as for Orlando Bloom, for some reason, I seem to visualize him as Glorfindel! I'm not sure who would make the best Turin, but I wouldn't rule Depp out of it because of weathering! Also, how about Kate Winslet as Melian the Maia? Joaquin Phoenix as Fëanor is interesting, and perhaps apt; I cannot seem to think of anyone else at all right now to challenge that one with!<P>As for me, I'd have to be Nerdanel (the only red-haired female elf I know of), but what a home life she must have had with Fëanor and 7 kids! Aaaaagh! I'd like to see someone parody that! Life with Fëanor! Fred MacMurray as Fëanor...My Seven Sons...OK, I'm getting REALLY silly now, so I'll end now!<P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta<P>P.S. <BR>Fëanor: Honey, I'm home!<BR>Nerdanel: How was your day?<BR>Fëanor: Awful! Morgoth killed my father and stole the Silmarils! <BR>Nerdanel: Oh, that's awful, dear! Want some dinner?<BR>Fëanor: No, honey. I'm taking the boys on a trip to Middle Earth!<BR>[insert sound of sons yelling for joy]<BR>Nerdanel: But how will we afford it?<BR>Fëanor: I'm quitting my job and taking early retirement. Oh, and I've got my eye on some nice Telerian ships.<BR>Nerdanel: Oooh! I don't think we can do that on our tight budget! We've got 7 kids to feed, you know!<BR>Fëanor: You leave that to me. I'm leaving in two weeks.<BR>Nerdanel: But honey, Amrod and Amras are still in school! Can they take their homework with them and do it on the boat?<BR>Fëanor (sly grin): But of course!<P>Forgive my utter silliness! Fëanor tickles my funnybone sometimes!

[Brinniel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I'm not sure who would make the best Turin, but I wouldn't rule Depp out of it because of weathering! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Indeed. Johnny is actually quite good looking for being forty. I suggested him not because of his looks, but because I know he has the personality for the role of Turin. As for his weathered look that I mentioned, that can be covered with makeup.<P>Also, I know I mentioned this somewhere before, but how about Heath Ledger as a possibility for Turin? At first I was unsure about him in that role, but now I think he might not be so bad.

[the phantom]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> but how about Heath Ledger as a possibility for Turin? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Isn't Heath a blonde? I think I've only seen him as a blonde, so I'm having trouble seeing him as Turin.<P>John Depp as Turin? Too old (for me anyway). So much of his story takes place while he's in his upper teens and early twenties. Turin needs to have a young, handsome face.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> And, as for Orlando Bloom, for some reason, I seem to visualize him as Glorfindel! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Well, Glorfindel is a blonde elf, so your visualization probably isn't too bad. (I imagine Glorfindel as being a shade bigger and stronger though)<P>I don't really want to see the Valar. The beautiful way they're described would be impossible to duplicate. I would hate putting a face on the Valar. It would be just as difficult as putting a face on Luthien. That's another good thing about Turin's story, the Valar wouldn't have to be shown.

[Linteamarthwen]

I think it would be cool to have a Silm. movie! Even if it was correct to all of tolkeins words. The story of Luthien and Beren should be in it and some other important events. I would love to be Luthien...that would be soooo much fun!!

[Beren87]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>As for the characters, Beren should should play Beren. Just cuz it would be righ<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Good girl.

[Elen Ilúvitauri]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> How about Asian Valar? Try to make them multi-racial.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Im not trying to sound racist, (and believe me i am certainly not!!!) Tolkien created his mythology as a substitute Anglo-Saxon mythology, somehow i dont think one of them would do.

[Lyta_Underhill]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>How about Asian Valar? Try to make them multi-racial.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Im not trying to sound racist, (and believe me i am certainly not!!!) Tolkien created his mythology as a substitute Anglo-Saxon mythology, somehow i dont think one of them would do.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Actually, making the Valar Asian would add a more otherworldly quality to them and suggest their otherness from the Children of Iluvatar in a concrete way (much like I think they chose Elijah Wood for his "elvish" look to suggest Frodo's slight difference from the other Hobbits.). It actually sounds like an interesting idea! I've seen also some artwork that portrays Elves with very upswept eyes, almost Asian, but not quite, but not Western either. That suggests otherness to me too, although they cannot be pegged as Asian or Western. (The artist I speak of is Ezpeleta and can be found on the Rolozo Tolkien page at The One Ring's site, other places too, I think) I think the variation of race to suggest the Valar/Eldar split would be neat, but I would add something that would separate them from true Asian looks as well, maybe like a bluish skin tone, like some Hindu deity depictions. Of course, this would cancel out the "taking the form of the Children of Iluvatar" parts of the story perhaps, but for a movie, it would be a good visual index. Neat idea, <B>Neferchoirwen</B><P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta

[The Saucepan Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Im not trying to sound racist, (and believe me i am certainly not!!!) Tolkien created his mythology as a substitute Anglo-Saxon mythology, somehow i dont think one of them would do. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Well, I'm not so sure about this. In writing LotR, I believe that Tolkien wanted to create a modern myth for England. And north-west Middle-earth, where the action in LotR takes place, certainly has a very Anglo-Saxon (and Norse) feel to it. But the Valar created the entirety of Arda, including the lands to the East (Khand and beyond) and to the south (Harad and Far Harad). And those areas would have a very different feel to them. So, I personally don't see objection to a multi-racial mix of Valar, so as to be representative of all the peoples of Arda.