LotR2-TTT-Seq01

[doug*platypus]

TTT has two of my favourite things in almost any movie. Number one is Gandalf's fight with the Balrog. Intense, man. I love the way he catches up to and clutches Glamdring. Physics be d@mned! Very original way to start the movie as well, with a flashback to FOTR which turns out to be a dream of Frodo's. Nice nod to his prophetic night visions of Gandalf in Bombadil's house.

Gollum's introduction is excellent; almost exactly how I pictured it from reading the book (which is quite a compliment, IMHO). "The thieves, the thieves, the filthy little thieves!" Oh man, so good!

Although this will anger many a Gollum fanboy, I have to say that I'm not convinced the filmmakers got his look exactly right. For me, the definitive Gollum is the one represented in the Alan Lee illustrated centenary version of LOTR. Although not quite monstrous, he is quite an odd looking creature, with bulging yellow eyes, lank hair and sharp teeth. Gollum in the movies (well, in TTT and ROTK at least) looked a bit too much like an old man, and was not really scary to look at.

Is this the sequence where Sam pulls Gollum via the rope around his throat off some rocks? Too violent for me; I never would have imagined Sam capable of such action (although in the book he was frequently tempted to slay Gollum).

[alatar]

Originally Posted by doug*platypus

Although this will anger many a Gollum fanboy, I have to say that I'm not convinced the filmmakers got his look exactly right. For me, the definitive Gollum is the one represented in the Alan Lee illustrated centenary version of LOTR. Although not quite monstrous, he is quite an odd looking creature, with bulging yellow eyes, lank hair and sharp teeth. Gollum in the movies (well, in TTT and ROTK at least) looked a bit too much like an old man, and was not really scary to look at.

Considering that Smeagol is hobbit-stock, just how far from the norm can we expect him to go? I think that PJ made him more hobbit-like, not only for simplicity, but also so that later Frodo can see himself in the fallen soul. "There but for the love of Sam go I..."

Is this the sequence where Sam pulls Gollum via the rope around his throat off some rocks? Too violent for me; I never would have imagined Sam capable of such action (although in the book he was frequently tempted to slay Gollum).

Now that you mention it, it seems that Sam with the rope is not only violent but much stronger than one would think. Even having Gollum being emaciated (not that, by this time, Sam would be well-fed), still, one would think that the creature could resist Sam somewhat, and not be like a doll on a leash.

[doug*platypus]

Considering that Smeagol is hobbit-stock, just how far from the norm can we expect him to go?

Yes, you're probably right there. PJ it seems went for a more "realistic" and anthropomorphic Gollum. But I have always pictured him of something as a monster, and looking the part.

Even having Gollum being emaciated (not that, by this time, Sam would be well-fed), still, one would think that the creature could resist Sam somewhat, and not be like a doll on a leash.

Maybe the whole rope jerking thing was done to engender sympathy for "poor Sméagol". Works for me.

BTW, alatar, your avatar is really spooky! It freaks me out!!

[alatar]

Originally Posted by doug*platypus

Yes, you're probably right there. PJ it seems went for a more "realistic" and anthropomorphic Gollum. But I have always pictured him of something as a monster, and looking the part.

Maybe the whole rope jerking thing was done to engender sympathy for "poor Sméagol". Works for me.

The eyes of Gollum had to have some 'humanity' for the plot to work - how else are we to feel for the creature, and so get set up for the betrayal? And Gollum's beating at the hands of Faramir, to me, also garnered a lot of sympathy for the wretch.

BTW, alatar, your avatar is really spooky! It freaks me out!!

Touché! Monotremes always give me the heebee geebees.

[sassyfriend]

Loved Andy as Gollum. He makes us care about Gollum even though for the life of us we rather hate him!