Scene-by-scene?

[The Saucepan Man]

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.

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]

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]

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]

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.

[alatar]

Originally Posted by Mister Underhill

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.

I appreciate the offer, but I really wasn't being too serious about backing out. Just hoping that it goes well. Just some pre-game jitters, that's all.

Have only one caveat: Ms. alatar and I are expecting our fourth child mid/late November, and that may set me back a day or two . Is there a possibility of having a backup in place for that time?

And watching the movies isn't that big of a deal. Practiced last night. Will send along a proposed 'grouped' scene list soon.

[mormegil]

I would be interested in discussing the movies as well. I do have one question though, are mistakes allowed to be discussed? Or only certain types of mistakes or none whatsoever. I'm fond of mistakes but I'm not sure this would be the thread to bring up such issues.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Alatar, if and when you need a break for real life reasons, just announce it and take it! I have resorted to preparing an advance thread when I knew I'd be away, but I have also postponed a new discussion for my (well-earned! ) vacation. There have also been times when my introductions were briefer than at other times. You're a human being, not a machine!

I'm sure you'll do a great job, and hope you'll find yourself enjoying preparation as much as I enjoy reading my weekly chapter!

[alatar]

Originally Posted by Estelyn Telcontar

You're a human being, not a machine!

Haa! Another one fooled!

Have noted that I experience doubt when presented with an event for which I have no data...no way to predict outcome. Think that with some criticism I'll learn what to do, then how to do that efficiently and effectively. Thanks for your support (sight unseen, I must note).

Here could be a scene grouping for FOTR:EE. Note that this grouping is tentative and may be changed as per others' suggestions and my rewatching the scenes in this way to see if they (1) have too much going on within them and (2) make some sense.

• Prologue: One Ring to Rule Them All...

• Concerning Hobbits; The Shire; Very Old Friends; A Long-expected Party; Farewell Dear Bilbo

• Keep It Secret, Keep it Safe; The Account of Isildur; At the Green Dragon; The Shadow of the Past; The Passing of the Elves

• Saruman the White

• A Short Cut to Mushrooms; Bucklebury Ferry; At the Sign of The Prancing Pony; The Nazgul; The Midgewater Marshes

• The Spoiling of Isengard

• Flight to the Ford; Rivendell; Many Meetings; The Fate of the Ring; The Sword That Was Broken; The Evenstar

• The Council of Elrond; Gilraen's Memorial; Bilbo's Gifts

• The Departure of the Fellowship; The Ring Goes South; The Pass of Caradhras

• Moria; A Journey in the Dark; Balin's Tomb;The Bridge of Khazad-dum

• Lothlorien; Caras Galadhon; The Mirror of Galadriel; The Fighting Uruk-hai; Farewell to Lorien

• The Great River; Parth Galen; The Breaking of the Fellowship; The Departure of Boromir; The Road Goes Ever On...

Should this grouping (or something like it) prove fit for purpose then I will start crafting a few of the start threads - would love to steal the Welcome! sticky for the CbC, but will write my own. Trying to make some progress, but what y'all call reality has been intruding on my time lately.

Thanks for all help in advance!