Sir Ian as Gandalf - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Mithalwen · 04-25-2008, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Sixth Wizard

Wouldn't be the same without the only character in both books...

Mores the pity... I really thought McKellen was mediocre. I adore Hugo Weaving though so for me he would be about the only reason to go and see what is clearly going to be a somewhat formulaic production

So wish they were going to have a completely fresh start and not enforce what will be a decade old set of parameters on the production .. really will be same old, same old....

NB Hugo Weaving is currently fliming The Wolfman with Del Toro which probably means that he is a shoo-in for Elrond if he wants to do it.

Aganzir · 04-25-2008, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

So wish they were going to have a completely fresh start and not enforce what will be a decade old set of parameters on the production .. really will be same old, same old....

I actually quite agree with you... I have nothing in particular against Sir Ian, but I don't think he's too gandalfish. They could surely have found someone better.

The only actor, though, I'd want to be the same as in Lotr is Christopher Lee - in case they're going to have some White Council stuff there, which I don't doubt.

Mithalwen · 04-25-2008, 06:49 AM

I think that he is a bit too "stagey" - there is a difference between acting on stage and acting for a giant screen where every gesture is magnified. I think he needed to be more subtle. For me, he never made that transition to being Gandalf from being "Ian McKellen playing Gandalf". I suppose you notice it more when the characters are as well known as the actors - if not more so!!!

Azaelia of Willowbottom · 04-25-2008, 06:57 AM

Oooh, this totally made my morning. I love Sir Ian as Gandalf (particularly as Gandalf the Grey), and I really don't think the movie would be the same without him. I can't think of anyone I'd like to see in the role more.

Here's hoping Andy Serkis gets back on board, too. He owns the part of Gollum.

For those of you who are already becoming disappointed and disillusioned, don't lose heart yet! 2010 is a long way off, and we hardly know anything about the movie, yet. There is plenty of room for growth and change.

Edit: I see Del Toro is directing, so if nothing else, we know the movie will at least look pretty.

ArathornJax · 04-25-2008, 07:31 AM

Over at the TheOneRing.net they also have an interview posted with del Toro. He confirms that both Sir Ian and Andy S. are on board as are John Howe, Alan Lee, Howard Shore and others.

What will be interesting is when they start casting the other roles such as Bilbo, the dwarves, Beorn, Bard, Thranduil, etc.

Eönwë · 04-25-2008, 08:51 AM

I am happy that Ian McKellen is staying. It just wouldn't be the same. And even more so with Andy Serkis as Gollum.

But now Gloin has to look similar to Gimli.

Sauron the White · 04-25-2008, 09:26 AM

I love the idea of McKellen coming back as Gandalf and felt he was perfect in the first films. I do badly want to see someone else as Elrond. Weaving was by far the weakest of all the major roles in the films. His style of acting is seventy years out of date and is borrowed from silent Cecil B. Demille movies. He is stiff, wooden, pompous and delivers his lines as if some extra material had been inserted into his spinal area.

But I imagine, for purposes of continuity, he will repirse his role.

davem · 04-25-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sauron the White

I do badly want to see someone else as Elrond. Weaving was by far the weakest of all the major roles in the films. His style of acting is seventy years out of date and is borrowed from silent Cecil B. Demille movies. He is stiff, wooden, pompous and delivers his lines as if some extra material had been inserted into his spinal area.
.

It was probably down to his inability to mask his contempt for the dialogue he'd been given - "Our list of allies grows thin"

Don't know if anyone can confirm the rumour that Philipa Boyens was taught by the late Professor Stanley Unwin? I found this pic http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertain...io/1759706.stm of him auditioning for Gandalf & here's a clip of him at a lecture on English Boyens is supposed to have attended in the early 90's http://www.stanleyunwin.com/audio/language%201.mp3

04-25-2008, 06:49 AM	#3
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	I think that he is a bit too "stagey" - there is a difference between acting on stage and acting for a giant screen where every gesture is magnified. I think he needed to be more subtle. For me, he never made that transition to being Gandalf from being "Ian McKellen playing Gandalf". I suppose you notice it more when the characters are as well known as the actors - if not more so!!! __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

04-25-2008, 06:57 AM	#4
Azaelia of Willowbottom Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: By the Sea Posts: 446	Oooh, this totally made my morning. I love Sir Ian as Gandalf (particularly as Gandalf the Grey), and I really don't think the movie would be the same without him. I can't think of anyone I'd like to see in the role more. Here's hoping Andy Serkis gets back on board, too. He owns the part of Gollum. For those of you who are already becoming disappointed and disillusioned, don't lose heart yet! 2010 is a long way off, and we hardly know anything about the movie, yet. There is plenty of room for growth and change. Edit: I see Del Toro is directing, so if nothing else, we know the movie will at least look pretty. __________________ "Wherever I have been, I am back." Last edited by Azaelia of Willowbottom; 04-25-2008 at 07:01 AM.

04-25-2008, 07:31 AM	#5
ArathornJax Haunting Spirit Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Out West near a Big Salty Lake Posts: 76	del Toro confirms Andy S Over at the TheOneRing.net they also have an interview posted with del Toro. He confirms that both Sir Ian and Andy S. are on board as are John Howe, Alan Lee, Howard Shore and others. What will be interesting is when they start casting the other roles such as Bilbo, the dwarves, Beorn, Bard, Thranduil, etc. __________________ "At any minute it is what we are and are doing, not what we plan to be and do that counts." JRR Tolkien in 6 October 1940 letter to Michael Tolkien

04-25-2008, 08:51 AM	#6
Eönwë Flame Imperishable Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Right here Posts: 3,928	I am happy that Ian McKellen is staying. It just wouldn't be the same. And even more so with Andy Serkis as Gollum. But now Gloin has to look similar to Gimli. __________________ Welcome to the Barrow Do-owns Forum / Such a lovely place Last edited by Eönwë; 04-25-2008 at 09:35 AM.

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04-25-2008, 09:26 AM	#7
Sauron the White Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 903	I love the idea of McKellen coming back as Gandalf and felt he was perfect in the first films. I do badly want to see someone else as Elrond. Weaving was by far the weakest of all the major roles in the films. His style of acting is seventy years out of date and is borrowed from silent Cecil B. Demille movies. He is stiff, wooden, pompous and delivers his lines as if some extra material had been inserted into his spinal area. But I imagine, for purposes of continuity, he will repirse his role.