A New Elrond - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Peri · 02-10-2003, 02:47 PM

Hi all. I know people have mentioned it before, but I thought I'd come right out and ask:I'm sure most of you have heard that David Bowie wanted to play the part of Elrond, but PJ wouldn't let him because he felt that Bowie would be too recognizable. I do agree with PJ on that point, but I also think that Bowie would have made an excellent Elrond, even better than Hugo. What do you all think?

HCIsland · 02-10-2003, 02:52 PM

Haven't seen any pictures of Bowie recently, but how old is he? That is a factor. You certainly wouldn't want too many wrinkles.As for acting, I think he would have been good, though I can understand not wanting such a recognizable personality in the role. Then again, I like Hugo as well.H.C.

Horse-Maiden of the Shire · 02-10-2003, 04:53 PM

Hm...last time i saw david bowie in a movie he was in Labyrinth wearing spandex....*shudder* He would have made a good Elrond, thinking of it, and if they can make people look older they can make people look younger, so the wrinkles may not be a factor as much as they would be...

Pukel-Man · 02-11-2003, 01:19 AM

David was in that stupid movie "Zoolander" he looked pretty "middle aged". But hey, if Michael Jackson can almost look human, then David Bowie could play an elf.

Naldoriathil · 02-11-2003, 05:47 AM

I think Bowie being Elrond would be crap. For a start he can't act and second Hugo Weaving, I think, has done an excellent job playing Elrond.

Selmo · 02-11-2003, 07:45 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I'm sure most of you have heard that David Bowie wanted to play the part of Elrond, but PJ wouldn't let him because he felt that Bowie would be too recognizable. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I have to agree with PJ. David Bowie would not come across to a cinema audience as Elrond. He would appear as David Bowie playing Elrond.The whole "suspension of disbelief" effect would be lost and the film would fail to convince.

HCIsland · 02-11-2003, 11:20 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I think Bowie being Elrond would be crap. For a start he can't act <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Go find Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence some time and then get back to me.Can't act. H.C.

Davin · 02-11-2003, 11:30 AM

Michael Jackson almost human...hahahaha... I couldn't stand Hugo at first, but now I really like him as Elrond, he kinda grew on me. But having someone as recognizable as David Bowie would be a big mistake, and I think PJ made the right decision.

eleanor_niphredil · 02-11-2003, 12:36 PM

Stop being mean to Michael Jackson. that documentry was full of crap.David Bowie, in my opinion, would kill Elrond. However, you never know, he may do him justice. Everyone should be given a chance. As for cant act, I think he was wonderful in Labirynth.

Purple Monkey · 02-12-2003, 04:19 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Hm...last time i saw david bowie in a movie he was in Labyrinth wearing spandex....*shudder* <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> He's on the Moulin Rouge DVD, too. Not too wrinkly.

Laialthriel · 02-12-2003, 04:52 PM

I've never seen Bowie act, so I can't make a judgement on that, but I have seen him, period. My apologies to any of his fans, but that's more than enough for me. The guy creeps me out...I'm very glad PJ decided against him. I think Hugo Weaving was the best choice for the part. He had the elegance, the wizened yet possibly dangerous appearance that portrayed Elrond just right. Laialthriel

DaughterofVana · 02-13-2003, 04:03 PM

If we're going on the assumption that the best actors for LOTR are ones that aren't that recognizeable, how do you explain Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood?I hold with Laialthriel. That guy creeps me out. But, then again, I never really liked him anyway, except as one of those figures in music that you have to at least respect on the grounds that they're so well known. Which brings me back to the above. -'Vana[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ]

mollecon · 02-13-2003, 06:02 PM

I usually agree with HCI - but I rather liked Bowie in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". But as Elrond? FAR from sure...

Frwek · 02-15-2003, 03:45 AM

hi, i think hugo is more suitable for the role =)

HCIsland · 02-15-2003, 07:21 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I usually agree with HCI - but I rather liked Bowie in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I loved Bowie in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". I was being sarcastic but I guess it didn't come across.H.C.

the mortal elf · 02-15-2003, 04:17 PM

I, too, think that Hugo was the best choice for the role. I only saw Bowie once, and that was in the Labyrinth, so my reckonings on his abilities to portray Elrond well are limited. I'm actually leaning towards Mr. Weaving because he's now one of my favorite actors, even though I absolutely hated him at first. Hmm…I have issues.

Peri · 02-15-2003, 04:32 PM

Wow, I'm surprised so many people posted to my question! Yes, I've seen the Labyrinth too, and I know that his role in that wouldn't leave a very good impression on you.He is a decent actor though, and if he wasn't so recognizeable, I think PJ would have let him be Elrond. I don't know why, but I've just got this problem with Hugo's appearance. I think it's the long hair. It makes his forehead look huge! He just seems like he would be more suitable for a human role than an elf role. He also seemed angry to me.

Lobelia · 02-15-2003, 10:56 PM

Hi,I've seen David Bowie in LABYRINTH, he made a lovely goblin king, but Elrond he isn't - and he's too old. Radio, maybe - he does speak well. Not film. Too many people think of him as a singer. Hugo Weaving had the right dignity and gravity for the part and I think I will always imagine Elrond as him from now on. of course, I'm slightly biased, being an Aussie. : - ). I've seen Hugo Weaving as Petruchio and Benedick on stage. Lovely actor!

dunadan_aragorn · 02-16-2003, 05:35 PM

Umm.......... I don't think I would have liked Bowie as Elrond, I would rather think of the matrix when I see this movie rather than Labyrinth. That was just AWFUL

02-16-2003, 11:16 PM

I think if we were doing a version of Lord of the Rings where suspension of disbelief didn't matter (where, say, we could get away with songs like "Where there's a whip there's a way"), Bowie would have been just fine as Elrond.

Meela · 02-17-2003, 02:28 PM

*shudders*id have nightmares. hugo is so much more down to earth and realistic. david bowie would probably just sing on everything

Elanor · 02-17-2003, 02:42 PM

Nobody can replace Hugo.

02-10-2003, 02:47 PM	#1
Peri Wight Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Rivendell Posts: 124	A New Elrond Hi all. I know people have mentioned it before, but I thought I'd come right out and ask:<P>I'm sure most of you have heard that David Bowie wanted to play the part of Elrond, but PJ wouldn't let him because he felt that Bowie would be too recognizable. I do agree with PJ on that point, but I also think that Bowie would have made an excellent Elrond, even better than Hugo. What do you all think? __________________ "Ah, but I'll begowk ye there!" cried the gentleman. "Play me false, and I'll play you cunning."

02-10-2003, 02:52 PM	#2
HCIsland Zombie Cannibal Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	Haven't seen any pictures of Bowie recently, but how old is he? That is a factor. You certainly wouldn't want too many wrinkles.<P>As for acting, I think he would have been good, though I can understand not wanting such a recognizable personality in the role. Then again, I like Hugo as well.<P>H.C. __________________ "Stir not the bitterness in the cup that I mixed myself. Have I not tasted it now many nights upon my tongue, foreboding that worse yet lay in the dregs." -Denethor

02-10-2003, 04:53 PM	#3
Horse-Maiden of the Shire Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Chillaxin' with Glorfindel-441 miles on the RtR Posts: 1,198	Hm...last time i saw david bowie in a movie he was in Labyrinth wearing spandex....shudder <BR>He would have made a good Elrond, thinking of it, and if they can make people look older they can make people look younger, so the wrinkles may not be a factor as much as they would be... __________________ "There's a big...machine in the sky...some kind of electric snake...coming straight at us." "Shoot it," said my attorney. "Not yet...I want to study its habits."

02-11-2003, 01:19 AM	#4
Pukel-Man Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Arizona, -East of Dunharrow Posts: 54	David was in that stupid movie "Zoolander" he looked pretty "middle aged". But hey, if Michael Jackson can almost look human, then David Bowie could play an elf. __________________ This is not the time or the place to perform some kind of a half-assed autopsy on a fish... And I'm not going to stand here and see that thing cut open and see that little Kintner boy spill out all over the dock!-Mayor Vaughn

02-11-2003, 05:47 AM	#5
Naldoriathil Haunting Spirit Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: London Posts: 71	I think Bowie being Elrond would be crap. For a start he can't act and second Hugo Weaving, I think, has done an excellent job playing Elrond. __________________ "He is Aragorn, Son of Arathorn, Heir to the Throne of Gondor!"

02-11-2003, 07:45 AM	#6
Selmo Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: The Shire (Staffordshire), United Kingdom Posts: 273	<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I'm sure most of you have heard that David Bowie wanted to play the part of Elrond, but PJ wouldn't let him because he felt that Bowie would be too recognizable. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I have to agree with PJ.<BR>David Bowie would not come across to a cinema audience as Elrond. He would appear as David Bowie playing Elrond.<P>The whole "suspension of disbelief" effect would be lost and the film would fail to convince.

02-11-2003, 11:20 AM	#7
HCIsland Zombie Cannibal Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I think Bowie being Elrond would be crap. For a start he can't act <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Go find Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence some time and then get back to me.<P>Can't act. <P>H.C. __________________ "Stir not the bitterness in the cup that I mixed myself. Have I not tasted it now many nights upon my tongue, foreboding that worse yet lay in the dregs." -Denethor

02-11-2003, 11:30 AM	#8
Davin Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 166	Michael Jackson almost human...hahahaha...<BR>I couldn't stand Hugo at first, but now I really like him as Elrond, he kinda grew on me. But having someone as recognizable as David Bowie would be a big mistake, and I think PJ made the right decision. __________________ So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. »»The Telmena««

02-11-2003, 12:36 PM	#9
eleanor_niphredil Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: england Posts: 808	Stop being mean to Michael Jackson. that documentry was full of crap.<P>David Bowie, in my opinion, would kill Elrond. However, you never know, he may do him justice. Everyone should be given a chance. As for cant act, I think he was wonderful in Labirynth. __________________ Here I am, brain the size of a planet, and they ask me to spend my time on this forum. And by the way, for any of you turning into a penguin, stop it. ~* I am Pippin took in the Female Fellowship*~

02-12-2003, 04:19 PM	#10
Purple Monkey Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Monkey Island, of course! Posts: 30	<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Hm...last time i saw david bowie in a movie he was in Labyrinth wearing spandex....shudder <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR><p><BR>He's on the Moulin Rouge DVD, too. Not too wrinkly. __________________ "Nothing that actually occurs is of the slightest importance."

02-12-2003, 04:52 PM	#11
Laialthriel Animated Skeleton Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wherever my mind has currently taken me Posts: 48	I've never seen Bowie act, so I can't make a judgement on that, but I have seen him, period. My apologies to any of his fans, but that's more than enough for me. The guy creeps me out...<P>I'm very glad PJ decided against him. I think Hugo Weaving was the best choice for the part. He had the elegance, the wizened yet possibly dangerous appearance that portrayed Elrond just right. <P>Laialthriel __________________ "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." --Phil 3:14 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." --Gandalf the Gray

02-13-2003, 04:03 PM	#12
DaughterofVana Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: twirling contentedly in a flower-filled field Posts: 134	If we're going on the assumption that the best actors for LOTR are ones that aren't that recognizeable, how do you explain Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchett and Elijah Wood?<P>I hold with Laialthriel. That guy creeps me out. But, then again, I never really liked him anyway, except as one of those figures in music that you have to at least respect on the grounds that they're so well known. Which brings me back to the above. <P>-'Vana<p>[ February 13, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ] __________________ "There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious. It is too good to waste on jokes." Hi! Did you miss me?

02-13-2003, 06:02 PM	#13
mollecon Wight Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Denmark Posts: 188	I usually agree with HCI - but I rather liked Bowie in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". But as Elrond? FAR from sure...

02-15-2003, 03:45 AM	#14
Frwek Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ~MirkWood~ Posts: 11	hi,<BR> i think hugo is more suitable for the role =)

02-15-2003, 07:21 AM	#15
HCIsland Zombie Cannibal Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I usually agree with HCI - but I rather liked Bowie in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I loved Bowie in "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence". I was being sarcastic but I guess it didn't come across.<P>H.C. __________________ "Stir not the bitterness in the cup that I mixed myself. Have I not tasted it now many nights upon my tongue, foreboding that worse yet lay in the dregs." -Denethor

02-15-2003, 04:17 PM	#16
the mortal elf Wight Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... Posts: 201	I, too, think that Hugo was the best choice for the role. I only saw Bowie once, and that was in the Labyrinth, so my reckonings on his abilities to portray Elrond well are limited. I'm actually leaning towards Mr. Weaving because he's now one of my favorite actors, even though I absolutely hated him at first. Hmm…I have issues. __________________ My imaginary friend says you have problems.

02-15-2003, 04:32 PM	#17
Peri Wight Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Rivendell Posts: 124	Wow, I'm surprised so many people posted to my question! Yes, I've seen the Labyrinth too, and I know that his role in that wouldn't leave a very good impression on you.He is a decent actor though, and if he wasn't so recognizeable, I think PJ would have let him be Elrond. I don't know why, but I've just got this problem with Hugo's appearance. I think it's the long hair. It makes his forehead look huge! He just seems like he would be more suitable for a human role than an elf role. He also seemed angry to me. __________________ "Ah, but I'll begowk ye there!" cried the gentleman. "Play me false, and I'll play you cunning."

02-15-2003, 10:56 PM	#18
Lobelia Wight Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 150	Hi,<P>I've seen David Bowie in LABYRINTH, he made a lovely goblin king, but Elrond he isn't - and he's too old. Radio, maybe - he does speak well. Not film. Too many people think of him as a singer. Hugo Weaving had the right dignity and gravity for the part and I think I will always imagine Elrond as him from now on. of course, I'm slightly biased, being an Aussie. : - ). I've seen Hugo Weaving as Petruchio and Benedick on stage. Lovely actor!

02-16-2003, 05:35 PM	#19
dunadan_aragorn Wight Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: the bowels of Moria Posts: 105	Umm.......... I don't think I would have liked Bowie as Elrond, I would rather think of the matrix when I see this movie rather than Labyrinth. That was just AWFUL __________________ Allia Octa Est, The Die is Cast -Julius Ceaser

02-16-2003, 11:16 PM	#20
Fergo Baggins Guest Posts: n/a	I think if we were doing a version of Lord of the Rings where suspension of disbelief didn't matter (where, say, we could get away with songs like "Where there's a whip there's a way"), Bowie would have been just fine as Elrond.

02-17-2003, 02:28 PM	#21
Meela Denethor's True Love Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mirkwood. With Thranduil... swoon Posts: 2,070	shudders<P>id have nightmares. hugo is so much more down to earth and realistic. david bowie would probably just sing on everything __________________ 'The Hobbit' 1st impressions: 1. Thorin is hot... Oh god, I fancy a dwarf. 2. Thranduil is hotter. 3. Is that... Figwit! 4. Does Elijah Wood never age? 2nd: It's all about Fili & Kili, really. 3rd: BARD! OMG, Bard.

02-17-2003, 02:42 PM	#22
Elanor Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: my own corner of the Shire Posts: 321	Nobody can replace Hugo. __________________ "When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." Henny Youngman (1906 - )