Scene-by-scene? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

alatar · 09-29-2005, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

Alatar, would you be prepared to take on the day-to-day running of the discussion (starting new threads, posting links to the script etc)? If so, how do you propose structuring it? Do you envisage having a new thread for each new scene? If so, then I'll have to think about whether a sub-forum in the Movies Forum might be a sensible option.

Yes. It's gonna take a bit of thought to get it started, and to collate all of the great thoughts posted here, but I hope to get something up soon. I want to look over the CbC and see how that's constructed.

Not sure what to do in regards to everyone having the DVDs and having the same versions. As I have the EE versions, those obviously are the ones that I would prefer to use. And taking Mr. Underhill's suggestion, I would group the scenes accordingly.

Anyway, actually am busy at work this week, but will post here when I'm about ready to launch.

Thanks for all of the advice, input and help, present and future.

**The Saucepan Man** · 09-29-2005, 05:18 PM

Thanks alatar.

I'm running the idea past BW, just to check that he's OK with it. In the meantime, would you be able to do some research on the likely breakdown of scenes per thread - for FotR at least - and give some thought as to how long will be alloted for each scene grouping before moving onto the next group, so as to get an idea of how long the project will last?

I'll look into opening a sub-forum in the Movies Forum to accomodate the project.

Tuor in Gondolin · 09-30-2005, 08:47 AM

This is an interesting idea. But which would be the reference dvd used, the
movie version or extended dvd?

**The Saucepan Man** · 09-30-2005, 09:42 AM

OK, BW's given the thumbs-up, so it can go ahead.

Mister Underhill will make the necessary arrangements for a sub-forum in the Movies forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuor in (formerly of) Gondolin

But which would be the reference dvd used, the movie version or extended dvd?

I see no reason why the process should not include the additional scenes. If people are not familiar with them, then it's up to them whether they contribute with regard to those particular scenes. The discussion could then cover the impact on the films of the addition of the extra scenes, ie comparing the films with and without them.

Essex · 09-30-2005, 09:59 AM

so why not group them roughly into book chapter sizes (where possible) - for example (discounting the prologue which could be done as one 'chapter'), maybe we could cover from the first scene proper with Bilbo talking about Hobbits, up until the 'keep it secret, keep it safe' words of Gandalf to Frodo. - this would fit in loosely with A Long Expected Party...............

alatar · 10-04-2005, 08:32 AM

More thoughts about the SbS:

As some have suggested, I would group scenes so that we're not spending the rest of our mortal lives in FOTR:EE. Grouping the scenes by chapter or content could be done, yet in this media typically one experiences it as it is presented. For example, there's a reason that PJ cuts away from the Shire to Orthanc (scenes 11 and 12 respectively). If we skip over 12 (to come back to it later), are we missing something that the media was trying to present to us? Should we group scenes yet still attempt to maintain the "DVDlogical" ordering?

To start each group of scenes off, I envision that I would present some sort of overview of the scene(s). Would this be descriptive or more of a synopsis (if I'm using those words correctly)? For example, for the prologue, would I start by saying that "some woman is speaking such and such words," or "Galadriel narrates the prologue." Is the difference apparent? How much do I 'bias' the discussion by saying what could be to some not obvious?

I would then, after doing something to get the thread started, would either immediately post my thoughts on the scenes, asking questions, pointing out specific issues etc or wait to see how the posting progresses before adding my 2 cents. Or do I shorten the 'start' thread and add more of my thoughts there?

We could review a new set of scenes each week, Sunday to Sunday possibly, yet still be flexible for those threads that really take off, extending the time as needed (sorry, having a sudden delusion of grandeur) or cutting short those that tank.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Never did this kind of thing before, and so welcome any helpful hints, suggestions or time travel technology so that I can go back and stop myself from starting this thread...

***Mister Underhill*** · 10-04-2005, 09:49 AM

If you want to back out, now's the time -- before sub-barrows have been excavated and the appetites of the Movie ghouls have been properly whetted. It is a big commitment -- at the very least we're talking watching scenes and starting up a thread once a week for a year or more.

If you do decide to undertake this quest (though you do not know the way... or, you sort of know... okay, you know the way, it's just a frokking long way), here are my two bits:

1. I don't think you need to knock yourself out with a synopsis -- participants have theoretically just watched the scenes, right? We don't need a recap. I think you can pretty much jump right in and get the discussion going. Esty has done a fabulous job of this in CbC; check out some first posts there to study her technique, but of course also feel free to make SbS your own.

2. Since SbS won't be as intuitive as CbC (i.e., "What do we watch this week?"), it will be important to have a breakdown handy for participants (perhaps as a sticky thread?) so that everyone knows well ahead of time what the next week's block of scenes will be. We'll also have to come up with a thread-naming convention to keep the forum semi-organized.

3. I think without question that we need to respect the medium and watch the scenes in order, without attempting some sort of Tolkien's Cut version by reordering scenes for the discussion.

4. If indeed the project forges ahead, we'll want to spend a little time building awareness via a forum-wide Announcement and any other such means as seem advisable (signature links spring to mind).

But, let me repeat, alatar, that if you find yourself wondering how you got yourself into this mess and how you can now gracefully get yourself out, now is the time to speak up.

09-29-2005, 05:18 PM	#2
The Saucepan Man Corpus Cacophonous Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A green and pleasant land Posts: 8,390	Thanks alatar. I'm running the idea past BW, just to check that he's OK with it. In the meantime, would you be able to do some research on the likely breakdown of scenes per thread - for FotR at least - and give some thought as to how long will be alloted for each scene grouping before moving onto the next group, so as to get an idea of how long the project will last? I'll look into opening a sub-forum in the Movies Forum to accomodate the project. __________________ Do you mind? I'm busy doing the fishstick. It's a very delicate state of mind!

09-30-2005, 08:47 AM	#3
Tuor in Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 3,651	This is an interesting idea. But which would be the reference dvd used, the movie version or extended dvd? __________________ The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.'

10-04-2005, 08:32 AM	#6
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	More thoughts about the SbS: As some have suggested, I would group scenes so that we're not spending the rest of our mortal lives in FOTR:EE. Grouping the scenes by chapter or content could be done, yet in this media typically one experiences it as it is presented. For example, there's a reason that PJ cuts away from the Shire to Orthanc (scenes 11 and 12 respectively). If we skip over 12 (to come back to it later), are we missing something that the media was trying to present to us? Should we group scenes yet still attempt to maintain the "DVDlogical" ordering? To start each group of scenes off, I envision that I would present some sort of overview of the scene(s). Would this be descriptive or more of a synopsis (if I'm using those words correctly)? For example, for the prologue, would I start by saying that "some woman is speaking such and such words," or "Galadriel narrates the prologue." Is the difference apparent? How much do I 'bias' the discussion by saying what could be to some not obvious? I would then, after doing something to get the thread started, would either immediately post my thoughts on the scenes, asking questions, pointing out specific issues etc or wait to see how the posting progresses before adding my 2 cents. Or do I shorten the 'start' thread and add more of my thoughts there? We could review a new set of scenes each week, Sunday to Sunday possibly, yet still be flexible for those threads that really take off, extending the time as needed (sorry, having a sudden delusion of grandeur) or cutting short those that tank. Any thoughts or suggestions? Never did this kind of thing before, and so welcome any helpful hints, suggestions or time travel technology so that I can go back and stop myself from starting this thread... __________________ There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it.

09-30-2005, 09:59 AM	#5
Essex Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Essex, England Posts: 886	so why not group them roughly into book chapter sizes (where possible) - for example (discounting the prologue which could be done as one 'chapter'), maybe we could cover from the first scene proper with Bilbo talking about Hobbits, up until the 'keep it secret, keep it safe' words of Gandalf to Frodo. - this would fit in loosely with A Long Expected Party...............

10-04-2005, 09:49 AM	#7
*Mister Underhill* Dread Horseman Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Behind you! Posts: 2,744	If you want to back out, now's the time -- before sub-barrows have been excavated and the appetites of the Movie ghouls have been properly whetted. It is a big commitment -- at the very least we're talking watching scenes and starting up a thread once a week for a year or more. If you do decide to undertake this quest (though you do not know the way... or, you sort of know... okay, you know the way, it's just a frokking long way), here are my two bits: 1. I don't think you need to knock yourself out with a synopsis -- participants have theoretically just watched the scenes, right? We don't need a recap. I think you can pretty much jump right in and get the discussion going. Esty has done a fabulous job of this in CbC; check out some first posts there to study her technique, but of course also feel free to make SbS your own. 2. Since SbS won't be as intuitive as CbC (i.e., "What do we watch this week?"), it will be important to have a breakdown handy for participants (perhaps as a sticky thread?) so that everyone knows well ahead of time what the next week's block of scenes will be. We'll also have to come up with a thread-naming convention to keep the forum semi-organized. 3. I think without question that we need to respect the medium and watch the scenes in order, without attempting some sort of Tolkien's Cut version by reordering scenes for the discussion. 4. If indeed the project forges ahead, we'll want to spend a little time building awareness via a forum-wide Announcement and any other such means as seem advisable (signature links spring to mind). But, let me repeat, alatar, that if you find yourself wondering how you got yourself into this mess and how you can now gracefully get yourself out, now is the time to speak up.