An Unexpected Journey Final Review

Overall my impression of An Unexpected Journey is a very favorable one. In reviews I read (it had very mixed reviews indeed as all The Hobbit movies did), generally, it seemed to be the least favorite of the three movies by many.

But for me I think I would say AUJ was my favorite of PJ's Hobbit trilogy. To me it seemed to have the most direct ties to the book and that's what I wanted to see. Now of course no book to screen is ever going to be fully portrayed and certainly not such a beloved book that people of read for years with strong personal images associated with it. So while I favor book scenes and quotes over anything else I do understand some liberties must be taken.

Peter Jackson himself seems to warn us of this early in the movie. And I try to remember that as I watch these films. Overall AUJ had far more hits than misses and only one truly over the top scene (Goblin Town escape) which PJ seems to enjoy.

My biggest disappointment when I first saw it centered on Azog. Truth be told there are far bigger issues to come that make Azog seem just fine. I cannot get Thorin's line out of my head when he saw Azog for the first time: It cannot be! That's exactly what I was thinking.

Chronologically (which is my thing if you've read this blog) Azog was dead for several hundred years. He should not be in this movie. Of course you need an antagonist; but for the life of me I cannot comprehend why the decision was made to forgo Tolkien's version: Bolg, Azog's son. I could have easily lived with Bolg chasing Thorin's company around Middle-earth with the totally plausible motivation of revenge. Of course, as we'll see in future movies, we will have many heroes introduced and, in the end, I suppose they all need someone to fight.

I will say this the longer I've lived with Azog in the film the more comfortable I am with him (even if he's a bit over the top). And I noticed for the first time when rewatching the movie for this blog that during Thorin and Azog's showdown the Ringwraith motif was being played. That makes sense to me. What are Ringwraiths? Neither the living nor the dead; souls enslaved to Sauron. And in his current state Sauron is a Necromancer who by definition is one who uses black magic to communicate with the dead. So; in my mind I could see Sauron raising Azog from the dead, almost in Ringwraith fashion, to lead his legions. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Finishing An Unexpected Journey

I've been sitting on this post for a while. I was able to finish disc two of An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition and here are some of my final takeaways:

• Gandalf's entrance to save the Dwarves was sweet
• However, the race out of Goblin Town was a wee bit over the top I felt
• The "pity of Bilbo" was played perfectly by Martin Freeman and his decision not to kill Gollum would have major impact on events to come. 
• Interesting how when Bilbo reunites with the company the Dwarves are most interested in the why he can back; not the how as in the book. Thorin is still suspicious of the Hobbit and Gandalf suspicions are aroused.
• The butterfly/moth sequence was used again as a why for Gandalf to call the Eagles for help. It's a bit odd but it does, in my opinion, have some roots in Tolkien. Manwë is the King of the Valar and the ruler of the winds and airs; in fact it was he that created the giant eagles. So it's not out of the realm of possibility that Gandalf is simply using a communication system set up by Manwë.
• Thorin finely meets Azog; he utters the words it cannot be and I wholeheartedly agreed with that sentiment. 
• The Eagles take the Company to the Carrock; and if you look you can see it's bear shaped! Subtle, but it's there. 
• I liked the emotional climax as Thorin finally; three hours later, embraces Bilbo as a member of the Company; useful in his own way and his usefulness will only continue to grow.
• There were some nice book lines scattered throughout (Out of frying pan and into the fire; I'm not a Hero or a Warrior).
• I enjoyed the glimpse of the Lonely Mountain at the end and of course it was a very nice touch to see Smaug (or his eye at least) lazily laying among the gold.

Riddles in the Dark

Is there such a thing as cinematic perfection? I'm sure directors or actors would say they could always do better, more, another take. But in terms of the viewer; beauty is in the eye of the beholder - right? And what I witnessed last night was, in my eyes, cinematic perfection. The Riddles in the Dark chapter from The Hobbit is an iconic chapter. We are introduced to the slimy, slightly unhinged, and scary Gollum. We see Bilbo lost, confused, and hopeless and yet needing every ounce of cognitive acumen he can muster to avoid becoming Gollum's next snack. It's a scene that sticks with many readers who read the book when they were young. I, for one, was very curious to see it played out on screen.

I was not disappointed. It's nearly 15 minutes long, uncut, two marvelous actors (Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman) creating a tense environment with several lighthearted moments - like when Gollum waits for Bilbo's first riddle - did Gollum just become adorable? Both actors were outstanding with their little facial contortions and movements that really pinpoint the highs and lows felt by Gollum and Bilbo during the Riddles game. I could watch this scene again and again. It was so well done (and according to the bonus footage Martin Freeman's first filmed scene of Bilbo no less!).

For those keeping score at home (that's me) for times sake not all the riddles could be used. Looking back at the book I give a thumbs up for the selections Peter Jackson and writers decided to include:

• Gollum's "mountain" riddle
• Bilbo's "teeth" riddle
• Gollum's "wind" riddle
• Bilbo's "eggses" riddle
• Gollum's "time" riddle
• And of course, the titular riddle regarding "what have I got in my pocket?"

Riddles that did not make the cut:

• Bilbo's "sun on the daisies" riddle
• Gollum's "dark" riddle
• Gollum's "fish" riddle
• Bilbo's "no legs to four legs" riddle

From Rivendell to Goblin Town

I finally had a few moments to watch the first 30 minutes of An Unexpected Journey disc two of the extended edition. It's been that kind of month.

The disc begins with no introduction as we find Bilbo Baggins roaming and loving Rivendell. There's a nice connection to Jackson's LOTR films as Bilbo passes the shards of Narsil and looks, transfixed it seems, on the painting of Sauron and his Ring. There's also a nice exchange between Elrond and Bilbo where we see the invitation to the diminutive Hobbit to stay with the Elves; plus a great line from The Fellowship of the Ring book about the counsel of Elves is thrown in.

We see more Dwarven mischief (skinny dipping in a fountain; did we really need that?) The poor Elven kitchen help are all in a twitter due to the veracious Dwarven appetites. But things get notched up rather quickly as we (and by that I mean the audience, Bilbo, and Thorin) overhear Elrond and Gandalf discussing the quest and Elrond's fear of a sickness that runs in Thorin's family.

From there we see our first glimpse of the White Council. I won't go too much into book lore here but suffice it to say, although paired down a bit, seeing the Council on screen was a treat. Especially with the venerable Christopher Lee and Cate Blanchett reprising there roles as Saruman and Galadriel respectively.

We get to see the real reason for Gandalf helping the Dwarves: concern that Smaug might join with the Enemy. We see Saruman pridefully dismissing any notion of Sauron's return and even his fellow "foolish" wizards (Radagast). Galadriel can sense Gandalf's fear and asks him to reveal the Morgul blade. Lots of stuff to get into when the time is right. For now I'll simply say it's a big book departure. Elrond cannot believe his eyes for the blade of the Witch King of Angmar was buried long ago in an impenetrable tomb.  But alas, Saruman will have none of it dismissing it all has minor disturbances that Gandalf if looking for trouble in.

This is exactly how Saruman should have been played. He's not altogether on the side of evil yet. However, you can sense his pride that will lead to his downfall. He is the fount of knowledge. He knows the Ring lore. As Gandalf departs, determined to still help the Dwarves, Galadriel asks him about Bilbo--why choose him? It's not a "straight from Tolkien response" but it resonated with me and I could imagine the professor, in some shape or fashion, coming to a similar conclusion: "It's the everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay...acts of love and kindness". I like it and I think there's a lot of truth in it.

Some final bullets that I noted while watching:

• Peter Jackson certainly takes his liberties with Tolkien's throw away lines: see the Stone Giants battle, about 3 minutes of visually stimulating entertainment for a quick never referenced again Tolkien line.
• We see Thorin's continued disdain at the presence of Bilbo: He shouldn't have come. He has no place among us.
• Gloin wants to start a fire!
• A quick scene to remind us Azog is still hunting.
• Bilbo and Bofur share a nice moment together; Bofur seems like the joyful loving kind of guy you'd just want to hang out with.
• Oh Goblin Town; what a song by the Goblin King. He's gross. 
• Funny little line about the Elvish "keepsakes" the goblins discover on Nori: "Made in Rivendell. Second Age. Couldn't give it away!"

We are still going strong with some slight disappointment regarding the Witch King of Angmar but seeing the White Council trumps that one.

Elements of An Unexpected Journey (pt 1) I would have changed

If you've followed my January posts you'll get the idea I am pretty favorable toward disc one of the Extended Edition of An Unexpected Journey. Truly I did not find much to criticize or complain about. I use those words cautiously because I am no filmmaker and therefore do not really know the difficulties of bringing something life onscreen; particularly a beloved book which many guard jealously. So I suppose this is more of a dream instead of a critique. One thing working against me, having read Tolkien chronologically, is wanting to see elements in the film that Peter Jackson would never have the rights too. I will point that out when necessary. Here are some points I would have liked to see incorporated:

• Azog is called the Defiler; but other than beheading Thror in battle there is no real reason. Check this out. I wish Peter Jackson had and I would have followed this scene pretty closely. It gives another reason for the Dwarven attack on Moria--revenge. And can you imagine seeing AZOG scrolled across Thror's head? Intense!
• During the Dwarf-Orc Wars we see not only Thorin rise as a warrior-leader but also Dain son of Nain: "Up the steps after him leaped a Dwarf with a  red axe. It was Dain Ironfoot, Nain's son. Right before the doors he caught Azog, and there he slew him, and hewed off his head. That was a great feat, for Dain was then only a stripling in the reckoning of Dwarves" (p. 356, The Return of the King). Plus it's revealed that Dain peers into Moria and spies Dúrin's Bane - a glimpse of a Balrog is no bad thing. 
• I would have preferred the movie followed Tolkien here as well. I get why the Dwarves needed to be chased, to create some tension, but why couldn't have Bolg been leading the chase? That makes more sense to me; he's looking for Thorin to avenge his father (Azog). Truth be told: the extended appearance of Azog was very disconcerting to me. He should be dead! I suppose, and this is how I've had to justify it, it could be contrived that the Necromancer raised Azog from the dead since that's what Necromancer's do and Radagast hints at that power in the movie. Plus, we have no context for Dain when he finally appears.
• I love how Gandalf's idea to pair Bilbo with Thorin came to be--this would have been awesome but no rights to it for Peter Jackson, alas you can read here.

So all in all not too many issues so far. Several places I wish the book had been followed more closely (and given Jackon's movie making history I'm still sort of surprised the first bullet point wasn't followed) and one missed opportunity (due to book rights and all that jazz) that I think could have been, in someway, added in to fill in some gaps. 

Elements of An Unexpected Journey Done Well

I want to take a moment to reflect on some elements I thought were done extremely well by Peter Jackson and crew through the first disc of An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition.

• The look and feel of Middle-earth is spot on. This is true of all 6 of PJ's Middle-earth movies. It's a testament to the hard work and great vision of all associated with the movie. 
• Howard Shore's score is exceptional as well; much of this first track sounds similar to what we heard in LOTR but the journey's are similar.
• There were lots of great moments that referenced LOTR movies (perhaps too many for some?):
• Returning cast: Ian Mckellan, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, and Ian Holm
• Same Shire set
• Weathertop
• The Troll Shaws
• Gandalf lighting fireworks at a hobbit party
• The list goes on...
• There were lots of great book moments or nods to Tolkien's writing:
• The unexpected party was done very well
• Loved seeing Dol Guldur
• References to Gondolin, the Blue Wizards, Ungoliant, etc
• Overall I give PJ tons of credit for this first stage of Bilbo's journey is essentially the same as Frodo's to the point of Rivendell. That is a huge challenge and the movies have a different feel even though they are essentially covering the same ground. 
• The tone of the movie was pretty good. The Hobbit is certainly lighter fair than LOTR and there is a silly, light-hearted, feel thus far as there should be.
• A lot of feedback concerning AUJ is that is was too slow, I've heard some of may own friends say it, but there was a ton of context that needed to laid as foundation for the rest of the journey:
• Who the Dwarves are--are they characters we can care about?
• Motivation for retaking the Mountain
• Dwarven/Elvish hostilities
• Smaug taking Erebor
• Dwarven/Orc Wars (including Azog)
• Into to Dol Guldur and the Necromancer element

My overall impression is very favorable. There was not a lot that gave me issue during this first disc. It was nearly as I would have imagined it to be. There are a few areas I imagined differently, would have liked explained more, or left me scratching my head and I'll address those in my next post. 

The end of disc one

Well, I finally made it through disc one. You'd think find approximately 90 minutes over the course of the month would be easy to do but apparently not. Of course, I was jotting down some notes as I watched so it took a bit longer than the movie run time. But alas, here I am half way through The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Radagast bursts upon Thorin's traveling company after they emerge from the Troll Hoards. Not sure why but he's shouting: "Thieves, Fire, Murder!" which reminded me of the call of the Shire when the Ringwraiths attacked Crickhollow. Alas, Radagast fills Gandalf in on the happenings at Mirkwood, which are not good. I loved the reference to the "spawn of Ungoliant". Little comments like this that prove that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Phillipa Boyens understand what makes Tolkien's writing so good. There's a deeper, living history, as it seems, behind everything. Evil ebbs and flows through the history of Middle-earth and whether you know who Ungoliant the idea is planted that this was another evil from another time. Good stuff.

As Radagast explains what's going on to Gandald we get our first glimpse of Dol Guldur. When I first heard that the Dol Guldur element would be included in The Hobbit movies I was extremely excited. Bringing in extra elements would supplement the story in many ways and I couldn't wait to see what this arc would contain. And the first glimpse was good: a dangerous looking place with visions of the Nazgul and Necromancer. Radagast clearly referenced the Necromancer's ability to control/call/raise the spirits of the dead. As proof he gives Gandalf a Morgul blade.

Before long the company is overtaken by Wargs (which look exponentially better now then they did in the LOTR movies). Gandalf seems convinced that Thorin told others of his secret journey which Thorin denies. I do not remember, but I'll be curious to see, if an explanation is ever given as to how/why the Orcs are hunting Thorin. With the help of Radagast and knowledge of Gandalf the Dwarves make the Hidden Pass (a throwback to Gondolin of the First Age) to Imladris otherwise known as Rivendell otherwise known as The Last Homely House (and I'm glad Gandalf said that!).

Clearly there is tension between the Dwarves and Elves but Elrond proves to be a gracious host. There is a fun cameo of Lindir and some funny scenes of the Dwarves balking at Elvish food (too green) and Kili making eyes at the Elvish maidens (or not). A foreshadow of what's to come.

Gandalf and Thorin's Troll Hoard swords are named: Orcrist (Goblin Cleaver) and Glamdring (Foe Hammer). Interesting, Elrond states Glamdring was the sword of the King of Gondolin (Turgon). I don't remember that Tolkien ever named Turgon's sword; a bit of an embellishment but one I can live with. Reluctantly Thorin accepts Elrond's help in reading the moon runes on the map giving him key information on how to gain entrance into Erebor. Elrond does not deem that course of action wise but does not move to stop Thorin either. Disc one closes with another familiar place, Weathertop, where the Orc hunters gather to inform their leader of the failed chase. We see the big reveal of a main antagonist, Azog, clearly not dead, one armed, and angry.

Journey through the Troll Hoard

As I continue to watch An Unexpected Journey I am finding lots of delightful little moments which endear me to the movie. Here are some highlights:

• More contextual clues as Balin tells Bilbo and the company about the terrible Dwarf-Orc Wars.
• Thror is killed by Azog the Defiler - beheaded to be exact and Thrain is lost. In this moment of despair Thorin took up his ancestor's lineage and led the Dwarves to victory; but Moria could not be reclaimed. 
• Here we saw some book departures: no Dain Ironfoot at the battle and no look at Durin's Bane. 
• Interestingly, when Bilbo asks about Azog and Thorin declares he died Balin and Gandalf share a quick knowing glance - how could they know more of Azog than Thorin?
• There is a great bit about the 5 Istari where Gandalf names them, except of course the Two Blue Wizards whom Gandalf had "quite forgotten their names" (and Peter Jackson did not have the rights to Unfinished Tales where they are named).
• This segued us to Radagast the Brown who appears very briefly in The Lord of the Rings and not at all in The Hobbit books. It's hinted in the book that Radagast has lost his mission caring more for the animals the Middle-earth at large. This is certainly played in Peter Jackson's movie as Radagast is quite an eccentric animal lover.
• There's a quick line as the company sets up camp where Thorin asks Oin and Gloin to start a fire (this is a fun little nod to the book)
• Gandalf and Thorin have a sharp disagreement about seeking help from Elrond and the Elves which sends Gandalf away and segues us to the Trolls. 
• The Trolls are one of the iconic book scenes but left me apprehensive about a film scene. After all they are very childish complete with talking purses that gave Bilbo away. Overall the scene worked with Bilbo being the quickest thinker of the group by engaging the Trolls in a conversation about cooking Dwarves - I am not sure if Gandalf throwing his voice would have worked better. If nothing else this begins to show Thorin that perhaps Bilbo is not so bad after all. And while I dreaded a talking purse it may have been better than Bilbo accidentally being covered by Troll snot. 
• The exploration of the Troll Hoard was a great scene complete with the burying of some gold - that I don't think we ever quite get back around too. 
• But the finding of Orcrist, Glamdring, and Sting were very rewarding. I love hearing Gandalf say they were "forged in Gondolin by the High Elves of the First Age".

Overall many rewarding scenes with some of the embellishments starting to show up. 

All Good Stories Deserve Some Embellishment

I've been sitting on this post for a while. I had a chance to sneak in 10 more minutes of disc one of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Adventure and watched some great scenes and some foreshadowing that I wonder how intentional it was (caveat I've not watched the Director's commentaries so perhaps my thoughts are moot).

I picked up with Bilbo recovering from his shock of the dangers inherent in Thorin's quest. He's reclining in his chair nursing a cup of tea (presumedly). Gandalf is none too happy with his hand-picked hobbit. In an attempt to sway Bilbo Gandalf tells a tale of his ancestor: tall enough to ride a horse and who led a magnificent charge in the Battle of the Greenfields knocking the head off the chief goblin winning the battle and simultaneously inventing the game off.

It's a nice moment of levity for the scared hobbit and one of the many whimsical charms found in The Hobbit which give it a much different feel from The Lord of the Rings. I must admit it was scenes like these from the book that I wanted to be present but had no idea if they could even work. But this scene came off very well (credit Ian McKellan and Martin Freeman).

Of course what struck out to me is when Bilbo says "I do believe you made that up." To which Gandalf replies: "All good stories deserve some embellishment." I have made up my mind this was a good bit of foreshadowing dropped by Peter Jackson and crew. Particularly for the book lovers like myself. There was never going to be a strict adaptation particularly when trying to make the movie universe flow consistently. I can remember sitting in theatre hearing the line and thinking: ok, be ready. Of course, some of the embellishments were much harder for me to digest than I would have imagined.

Moving on there were some nice bits with Balin and Thorin. I am not familiar with Ken Stott, the actor who plays Balin, but he did well with the character. Minus Thorin he's the most developed dwarf in the company and the most friendly with Bilbo so it was important for him to come across as likable and in the early goings of the movie that's happening.

I will end this blog post talking about a couple of home runs. While reviews for The Hobbit trilogy were mixed (if not bordering on negative) in general I have a positive vibe toward Peter Jackson's work. I think, in large part, because when he hits a home run he crushes it. We are talking a 500+ foot shot not barely clearing the fences. My few minutes of viewing ended with back to back home runs.

Thorin leading the dwarves in song: Far over the Misty Mountains cold... It is powerful, it is beautiful, it is visceral. The sorrow, the power, the hope, the resolve. These 13 dwarves are ready to risk everything to gain back their home (and that's key--for it's all about the home in the early goings). I could not have imagined the scene better.

Nearly right after these powerful images are scenes of Bilbo wandering around his empty house. His Baggins' roots relieved to see the Dwarves gone while his Took roots lamented that fact. Indeed, the Tookish side wins. And the scene of Bilbo bounding out of Bag End racing through the Shire with a  look of pure joy and shouting out: "I'm going on an adventure!" - is played perfectly to how I might have imagined it. Well done.

An Unexpected Journey: Beginning to the contract

I've never really written movie reviews before so I'm not sure where to begin: there's the overall feel and pacing, the acting, the music, special effects, sets, and likely so much more my untrained eye does not see. I suppose to start I will mention some of the memorable scenes for me and by the end of the month my thoughts on how true to Tolkien do I perceive the movie to be.

• The music - the dark screen and Howard Shore's score begins. There's only been one movie in my life where the soundtrack stayed with me (Glory) before Howard Shore's collaboration with Peter Jackson. The LOTR soundtrack was epic and inspiring and to hear the familiar strings playing at the beginning of An Unexpected Journey (AUJ) brought smiles, and feels, and tears t me.
• I loved the beginning with old Bilbo and Frodo; and how cool is it that Ian Holm and Elijah Wood reprised their roles?
• It's safe to say that AUJ was my favorite of the Hobbit movies; in many ways it felt most true to the book. Plus, it's a big contextual film (and I LOVE context) with much to set up for the remainder of the story. It begins with Bilbo's prologue (and I love how it's framed as if it's his memoirs written in the Red Book!)
• We are introduced to Thror - Thrain - Thorin and the kingdom of Erebor. The Arkenstone, which will prove to be very important to the later films and Thror's gold-sickness. 
• Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, Father of Legolas makes an appearance. He clearly wants some of Erebor's jewels and is shown a white necklace that he covets. But it's snapped away as he reaches out. 
• Bilbo then tells Frodo how a division arose between Elves and Dwarves: How the Elves say the Dwarves stole their treasure and the Dwarves say the Elves did not pay. This animosity will prove important as well.
• Then comes Smaug. His power is immense but he's barely viewed as he ransacks Dale and Erebor. We get a fleeting glimpse of Girion Lord of Dale fighting Smaug with the flamed black arrow. In fact one of the arrows hits the underside of the dragon before falling to the ground. 
• Unexpectedly we cut to the Shire; a midsummer night, perhaps the Old Took's birthday. Fireworks amaze all by the master himself: Gandalf. And a spirited young hobbit named Bilbo who challenges the wizard with a toy sword (that looks suspiciously like Sting!). I loved this scene! 
• And then old Bilbo/Ian Holm gives the line: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit" (p. 9, The Hobbit). Followed by a good rift on the opening paragraph of the book. These are the moments I really geek out about. 
• We get some moments between Frodo and Bilbo before the elder hobbit goes back to reminiscing (and the transition from old to younger Bilbo is excellent).
• Gandalf meeting Bilbo outside of Bag End was perfect. Spot on. I could watch this seen over and over. And Gandalf's response the Bilbo's good morning was straight out of the book. 
• The dwarves arrival is cut way shorter and while I hate to see anything from the book go this was a reasonable adaptation. How many awkward door answers could Peter Jackson had filmed?
• The Blunt the Knives sequence, while not verbatim, was done very well. And Martin Freeman's Bilbo running to and fro in protest while the Dwarves tortured him was very good.
• There are tons of little moments so far Gandalf lighting his pipe with his finger that satisfy the book lover. No, Gandalf never did this in text but the Wizard possessed the Ring of Fire and this is a subtle way the filmmaker's let the book lovers know they know there stuff. 
• I ended my viewing tonight to the point where Bilbo is finally issued a burglar contract much to the chagrin of Thorin who wrote the hobbit off from the moment they met. Bifur's commentary, egging on the overwhelmed hobbit, makes the scene.

It's clear in the first 40 minutes or so of the movie that Peter Jackson's crew has lost no love for Middle-earth. The attention to detail is astounding. New Zealand once again embodies Middle-earth. There are so many little moments straight from the beloved text. The visuals and sounds are inspiring. It's a movie to get lost in.

But the ensemble acting group is the Arkenstone of this movie. Martin Freeman's Bilbo delights from the moment you meet him. He was perfect for the role. Richard Armitage plays a commanding Thorin. Ian McKellan is established as Gandalf and it's as if 12+ years had never passed in his playing of the role. Jimmy Nesbitt stole any scene he was in from the other Dwarves as Bifur. These are characters you believe in; that you care for. 

Where to begin?

After much deliberation about whether to begin chronologically by Tolkien or Jackson I decided to go with Tolkien. That means I will start by reviewing The Hobbit trilogy before The Lord of the Rings.

When news broke that The Hobbit would actually become a movie I was thrilled. I had read through Middle-earth chronologically and was enamored with the ideas of what could be included in these movies. I also had great faith in Peter Jackson as I felt, by and large, he handled LOTR very well in his film adaptations. I was in the camp of great excitement when it was announced the Hobbit would be three films--fully convinced there was enough material to justify a third film.

Of course the LOTR movies introduced me to Tolkien and I had not read as much of the Professor's work when the movies came out - so perhaps I was a bit skewed in my perspective. I was convinced that any Tolkien on screen was better than no Tolkien on screen. Of course something happened between the two Peter Jackson trilogies that I did not expect: I fell in love with Tolkien's writings.

And while I am a firm believer that books must be adapted in order to be filmed and films will never include the detail a book holds I found myself, at least initially, viewing the Hobbit with a much more critical eye. Whereas with the LOTR the adaptations felt true to the spirit of the Tolkien I could not say the same for the Hobbit. However, I believe that Peter Jackson and his amazing team dove head first into the project (with its many complications) and really swung for the fences. And I give tremendous credit to that.

Now being a little removed (they came out 2012-2014) and having viewed all of the extended editions (I would highly recommend to anyone) I feel less critical. There are still moments I could do with out but the extended editions really filled in some gaps.

So let's begin with An Unexpected Journey...

Happy New Year! A toast! A goal!

Happy New Year everyone!

Perhaps a little late; but better than never! I have my sundry lists of goals, resolutions, and hopes for 2016 (particularly after a very difficult 2015) but as I was reading excerpts from the first Book of Lost Tales the last couple of days one quote caught my eye. I wish this for myself, my family, and you in this coming year: "In one thing only were they all alike, that a look of great happiness lit with a merry expectation of further mirth and joy lay on every face."

I'm reminded of my children, now that they are of the age where they really understand presents and gifts. This past weekend we saw my wife's family (long story short we have a lot of rounds to make at the holidays). When it was present time the look of happiness on my children's face was only topped by their merry expectation of further mirth and joy. Wouldn't it be something to approach life like this? The next meal, the next conversation, the next task, the next day. I've sometimes wondered what it would look like to possess a child like faith--I think this gets near to the point. May you and yours have great happiness in 2016 that is lit with the expectation of further mirth and joy!

Being January 3rd it is, of course, Professor Tolkien's birthday. I hope you all raised a glass and toasted him--the world is a richer place because of him. I am thankful.

And now (drum roll) my goal for this blog in 2016. Honestly, I'm hoping I can be consistent--2013 is the crown jewel of this blog (if anything read that!), 2014 a complete disaster, and 2015 started strong and ended poorly (December a particular fiasco).

I'm in the throes of my "life work" creating a complete and chronological Middle-earth text but it's a long way off before blogging about it. So, in the meantime, my plan is to watch Peter Jackson's adaptations of Tolkien's work and blog my thoughts on those. As of last November I am the proud owner of all 6 extended edition movies. My plan is to spend 2 months per movie (as each EE is divided onto 2 discs it makes a convenient 12 for monthly blogging purposes).

I'd welcome any reader thoughts along the way. Jackson's movie adaptations certainly elicit strong emotional responses. I'll try to give my overall impression of each movie when I finish it up--but to tip my hand a little: it was through Peter Jackson that I was introduced to Tolkien and I am very grateful for that.

Second Thoughts

Well, I finished my first "script" for the first episode. My respect for screenwriters has grown exponentially. It's a difficult process particularly taking a book with a rather abstract beginning and making it film-able.

Trying to create something with visual appeal without much dialogue is a big challenge. I'd rather like to limit the amount of filling in my own dialogue where there is none but much of The Silmarillion is written as a historical document. I've always defended the notion that books and movies are different mediums and therefore are rather like comparing apples and oranges. This process reinforces that.

Yet, adapting doesn't necessarily mean wholesale change. Understanding that I would need to potentially build in material sets my mind to thinking how could any such "extra" material fall in line with the themes and ideas of Professor Tolkien.

It's an altogether interesting exercise. And right now I'm wondering if 3-5 movies would serve my purposes better than 8 seasons of television.

How Many Seasons For The Silmarillion?

I spent some time leafing through The Silmarillion dreaming about how many seasons it would take to do justice to the book. And by doing justice, being a lover of the book, I mean a pretty accurate portrayal of the book (not very realistic, right?)

After thinking through what I thought would be good starting and endpoints for various "season" I decided that 8 total would be sufficient. Of course, after making this decision I found out the number of pages in the book vary greatly with the later season containing much much more material as the stories of the First Age become more detailed (Beren & Lúthien, Children of Húrin, etc). So I'm sure when I dive in I'll realize just how wrong my initial synopsis was.

But for the time being here are my first attempts at a Silmarillion series. For whatever reason the theme of "days" stuck in my head and so each season has it's own working title. I wonder if you might guess where each season begins and ends?

1. The Beginning of Days
2. The Blessed Days
3. The Dark Days
4. New Days Ahead
5. Days of Love and Tears
6. Desperate Days
7. Days of Ruin
8. The End of Days

Thus begins my great dreaming.

The Silmarillion Onscreen?

Greetings.

It's been entirely too long. I've been under much stress at work lately. One of my preferred avenues of self-care is reading Tolkien and blogging. My goal for 2015 was blog through The History of Middle-earth series by Christopher Tolkien. I started strong but faded as of late. I may have to save the second half of that series for another year.

I am still debating what 2016's topic will be but in the mean time I wanted to pause a bit and think about The Silmarillion and it's adaptation to the screen. I'll admit I am inspired by Peter Jackson's recent Facebook post where he teases (trolls?) Tolkien fans with a rather obvious copy of The Silmarillion on his table (in fact the same edition I own--my heart skipped a beat!) with mysterious page indicators in it.

The Silmarillion has long been my favorite Tolkien work. I did not read it until several years after The Lord of the Rings. Oddly enough I found it more accessible than The Hobbit. It's not light and childlike as The Hobbit. While epic like The Lord of the Rings it is infinitely harder to read. There's no main character to follow rather many vignettes involving many different characters. Because it is mostly an Elvish history the Elvish names are everywhere. It's a challenge. But I love every drop of it.

Seeing Peter Jackson's tease has once again set me to thinking could The Silmarillion be adapted? How might that best be achieved?

Number one: I do believe it could be achieved. And as much as I would long to see it the reality is no screen adaptation can ever compete with a book. Reading a story is such a personal and emotional experience one is bound to be disappointed when the screen adaptation falls short: be it the casting or costuming of a character that doesn't meet your image, to parts being cut or amended for the sake of time, to wholesale changes to fit the director or studio's wants. Even with PJ's movie adaptations there are parts that exceeded my wildest dreams, parts that were ok, and parts I could do without. But I've come to appreciate a Tolkien adaptation on the screen even if it isn't my ideal adaptation.

Number two: I think that The Silmarillion would best be adapted to the small screen. I just don't think you could do justice to the story in two or three movies (even of the 3 hour variety). At the very least much would remain on the cutting floor (if filmed at all). I could see a Band of Brothers, Walking Dead, or Game of Thrones type of adaptation. On that last note--I've never watched Game of Thrones and I would caution that a Silmarillion adaptation need not try to compete with that. Tolkien is not Martin and vice versa.

Number three: If one is going to try and adapt The Silmarillion to screen than one might as well go big. Why not try and secure rights to other Tolkien works (Unfinished Tales, History of Middle-earth, The Children of Húrin) in order to supplement the story. There are some pieces in the first two works that offer some beautiful pieces to the Gondolin arc. Also Húrin greatly expands what's in The Silmarillion.

To work on a Silmarillion screen adaptation would be a dream job. It would be a job born out of love for the story. Though I am no actor, nor my writing skills adept enough to write a screenplay. I have no artistic or technological or building skills. But what joy it would be to pour my love for the story into some work on such a project.

So I think for the rest of 2015 I will indulge myself a little and imagine what my ideal screen adaptation of The Silmarillion might look like. Thanks for letting me do that.

Plot sketches after Moria

I think my favorite part of Christopher Tolkien's  painstaking historical account of his fathers writing of The Lord of the Rings are the plot sketches. It's really cool to see J.R.R. Tolkien's preliminary thoughts on where the story is heading. Some of those thoughts never come to be, others provide the germ of what will be, and still others are pretty much spot-on from the first time pen/pencil hit the paper. After finishing the Moria chapter and before writing the Lothlórien chapter (Christopher Tolkien argued his father had much of this next chapter in his mind and therefore only included cursory notes in the sketch) Tolkien sat down an began to outline where his story was heading and clearly it was becoming much bigger than the simple Hobbit sequel he was tasked to write years before. I will bullet point what most stands out to me:

• The company (sans Gandalf) reaches Lothlórien and take refuge in the trees
• Frodo decides going to Minis Tirith will not aid him and not all the company would be receptive to that idea: "Boromir is secretly planning to use the Ring, since Gandalf is gone" (p. 207, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Boromir tries to take the Ring; the aftermath is as follows: 
• Frodo puts on the Ring and disappears; it's noted that this use of the Ring reestablished It's power over Frodo
• Sam is lost
• Aragorn is grieved for failing Gandalf
• Merry & Pippin are distracted and wander far away
• Gimli & Legolas perceive the fellowship is broken and go North together
• Sam eventually tracks Gollum who leads him to Frodo
• Sam & Frodo's journey is sketched to Mount Doom
• Capture of Gollum who feigns reform and betrays them
• The Dead Marshes
• Frodo cannot willingly part with it at the end
• "Function for Sam? Is he to die?" (p. 209, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Tolkien quickly decided Frodo should be caught be Orcs and Sam gains the Ring--but how? 
• "A spider charm? or does Gollum get spider's help?"(p. 209. The Treason of Isengard).
• Sam uses the Ring to save Frodo and later it is Sam who wrestles Gollum and throws him into the fire
• Questions of how Frodo & Sam are to be rescued. 
• "Frodo standing on the side of Fire Mountain holds up a sword. He now commands Ringwraiths an bids them be gone" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Ideas for the rest of the company who should be checked in on.
• Merry & Pippin meet Treebeard (who turns out to be a good giant)
• "Legolas and Gimli also get lost and get captured by Saruman?" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). This idea was quickly rejected
• Boromir (who has noticeably changed) and Aragorn go to Minis Tirith and save the besieged city though the Lord is slain and the people choose Aragorn.
• "Boromir deserts and sneaks off to Saruman, to get his help in becoming Lord of Minis Tirith" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). 
• "How does Gandalf reappear?" (p. 210, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Turns out in Legolas & Gimli's travels (sans capture by Saruman) they encounter the risen Gandalf; interesting piece of the now White Wizards tale: "Clad himself in Mithril-mail and fought his way out slaying many trolls" (p. 211, The Treason of Isengard). 
• Siege of Minis Tirith is now broken by Gimli, Legolas, Gandalf, and Treebeard. Boromir still runs away to Saruman who shuts himself in Isengard. 
• An idle notion that if one hobbit dies it must be Pippin--the cowardly one who dies in a final act of bravery.
• And then some final chapter ideas after the Ring is destroyed:
• After feasting thoughts turn to Boromir: his repentance is rejected and appears that Aragorn was to slay the traitor (in battle? in execution? We don't know). 
• Gandalf dismisses Saruman and Isengard is given to the Dwarves or Radagast perhaps. 
• "Song of the Banished Shadow" (p. 212. The Treason of Isengard).  Something tells me this chapter would have included some cool Tolkien verses
• "Last scene. Sailing away of Elves [added faintly: Bilbo with them]" (p. 212, The Treason of Isengard). 

As you can see: some ideas that never came to be (Sam's death), some that are the genesis of the published story (Merry & Pippin meeting Treebeard), and some pretty close from the start (Gollum betraying Frodo with the help of Spiders). Perhaps most interesting is now the increased presence of Saruman and Isengard. Gandalf revealed at the Council of Elrond he was betrayed by the fellow Wizard and we see Tolkien beginning to flesh out what that means exactly for the denizens of Middle-earth. 

The Bridge of Moria

Christopher Tolkien said it well when he opened the next chapter of The History of Middle-earth series: "We come at last to the point where my father took up the narrative again beside Balin's tomb in Moria" (p. 190. The Treason of Isengard). It took nearly 200 pages of Treason to reach the point of new writings. If nothing is this excellently illustrates the amount of painstaking work Tolkien took when writing his masterpiece. Fine tuning the details, ironing out the plot, eradicating inconsistencies to get it just so. A testament to hard work.

It was still written on examination paper dated August 1940 so, real life chronology, it's the early Forties as this is being written (still a dozen or so years off from publication!). We finally meet up alongside the Fellowship as they read the Book of Mazarbul and learn the tragic fate of Balin's sortie to retake Moria. They linger to long and drums in the deep start. Soon goblins and orcs (with the name Orcs set to overtake goblins in this chapter) are upon them and they have a cave troll. (Several, but that's just a great line from Boromir in the movie).

It's fun to see Frodo's wrath aroused and his sword drives deep into the trolls foot whereas Boromir's blade made no impact. "'One for the Shire!' cried Trotter delightedly. 'You have a good blade, Frodo son of Drogo'" (p. 193, The Treason of Isengard). A desperate fight ensues culminating with a great Orc-chief spearing Frodo. Aragorn kills the Orc-chief and picks up Frodo only to be astonished the hobbit is still alive. The company flees with Gandalf staying at the door conjuring a spell. There is a great dazzling light, loud boom, and Gandalf is thrown down the stairs into the company.

The wizard reports that he has destroyed the chamber of Mazarbul burying Balin forever but keeping their pursuers at bay stating: "'I have lost my staff, part of my beard, and an inch of my eyebrows'" (p. 195, The Treason of Isengard). Interesting the text stops shortly after this and Tolkien began an immediate rewrite. It's close to the first writing but this time Gandalf does not lose his staff and calls for Gimli to aid him in leading the retreat. It also extends to the point where they are able to rest and ask Frodo what happened.

Finally the fellowship nears the bridge of Khazad-dûm. The pursuing Orcs are cut off by fire and a Balrog appears. Gandalf ushers the company across the bridge and stops to hold it against this ancient enemy. This history and depth of the Balrog is hinted at in a line written (and immediately struck out): "'You cannot pass,' he said. 'Go back...into the fiery depths. It is forbidden for any Balrog to come beneath the sky since Fionwë son of Manwë overthrew Thangorodrim'" (p. 198, The Treason of Isengard). I love this line. It takes me back to the first time I read The Lord of the Rings--it all felt so real, so historical, a depth to this world that made one feel it had actually existed. It's also interesting to see that the reconceptualization of the First Age was not complete--clearly the Valar still had offspring at this point.

Of interest as well is a rapidly written line concerning Legolas: "Legolas [?raised] his bow, and [an] arrow pierced his shoulder" (p. 198, The Treason of Isengard). This note would be lost altogether as nowhere in the published story does Legolas suffer wound; and if one's picture of Legolas is Peter Jackson's image this a jarring line to read. I rather like it and could advocate for it's remaining in the story; for his wounds could be healed during their stay in Lothlórien. Gandalf falls and the company made it out of Moria and at that point the original chapter writing ends.

Christopher Tolkien noted that immediately after the first manuscript was completed his father went back and made a fair manuscript of the chapter (and with it some emendations to the text) rather than moving on with the story. The changes, of course, brought the story more in line with the published version and I make only two final notes.

The aforementioned Legolas bit becomes a bit more startling: "he turned to fly and an arrow struck him in the shoulder. He stumbled and began to crawl on all fours along the bridge" (p. 203, The Treason of Isengard). Now we see the brave Elf shot in the back while running and reduced to crawling away in fear and hurt. In Fellowship he simply cries out in terror and runs--I'm not sure which of these looks fits him best. Lastly, a little more glimpse of the company after they escape Moria and are filled with grief at the loss of Gandalf. Aragorn offers the encouraging words: "'But now we must do as we can without our friend and our guide. At least we may yet avenge him. Let us gird ourselves. It is better for us to strike hard than to mourn long'" (p. 204, The Treason of Isengard).

The Lord of Moria

In my last post I noted some highlights as the story of Frodo's journey continues to take shape in details that strike ever closer to the published works of Tolkien. The same will happen as I highlight the next chapter of The Treason of Isengard where we find the fellowship on the brink of Moria. Christopher Tolkien stated that, at this writing, the text of Fellowship was, by and large, effectively completed.

There are some variations though. Aragorn shifts between being named Trotter and Elfstone throughout the chapter. We see some firsts in the text: the river Isen, Barad-dúr and Sauron's strongholds: "'I alone of you have ever been in the dungeons of the Dark Lord; and only in his older and lesser dwelling at Dol-Dúgol in Southern Mirkwood. Those who pass the gates of Barad-dûr, the Dark Tower in the Land of Shadow, do not return'" (p. 177-178, The Treason of Isengard). Pretty cool to see those two names show up!

At this point there are still two distinct doors to enter Moria by: A Dwarven door and an Elven door--at no point did the fellowship attempt the Dwarven door. Christopher Tolkien goes in to some detail about the moon-phases; essentially most references to the moon were removed at this point as it become rather muddled. I do admire Tolkien's determination to get the moons and chronologies correct. I for one am very inept when it comes to lunar cycles.

Mithril is called ithildin at the beginning of the writings but found it's name and significance as the chapter proceeded. One key item missing at this point was the phrase: Durin's Bane. Nothing too definitive but Christopher Tolkien said: "...I think it probable that at this stage it was not the Balrog that had caused the flight of the Dwarves from the great Dwarrowdelf long before" (p. 186, The Treason of Isengard). The chapter ends of course with the company finding the tomb of the Lord of Moria: Balin son of Fundin.

The Ring Sets Out

After the many revisions of the Council of Elrond Tolkien once again turned his attention to the journey of the Fellowship. Once and for all the number of walkers is determined: "Nine should be the number to set against the Nine Evil servants" (p. 161, The Treason of Isengard). Although who the company was composed of was still not finalized. A new potential member cropped up: Erestor representing the Half-Elven. But eventually the nine we have come to know and love in Fellowship was settled upon. I must admit I too would struggle with making half my company hobbits to pit against the Ringwraiths just as Elrond and Tolkien did.

The chronology of the story was also in flux at this time. At this moment of writing the company was to embark in late November about a month earlier than in the published account. Names (mountains, rivers, characters, etc) are still being tinkered with while the course of the company reaches fairly comparable details as in Fellowship. It is interesting to see at this point that Tolkien was still determining what call Aragorn (who was determined to go to Minis Tirith only) often exchanging Aaragorn for Elfstone.

"The reforging of the sword of Elendil now enters..." (p. 165, The Treason of Isengard). Also making it's first appearance in the story is the name Lothlórien where Gandalf had a mind to take the company too. During the snowstorm that stranded the company the banter between Gandalf and Boromir is changed. The light-hearted exchange is now between the Wizard and Legolas and is not nearly as light-hearted. And as Christopher Tolkien noted all but disappears in the final version. There were some fun moments in the early writings that would be fun to weave back into the story. Legolas does run light-footed across the snow yet.

Council of Elrond, 5th Version

Well, September certainly flew by. Lots to do with school starting up, taking advantage of the last bits of nice weather before it turns, football season starting, and of course birthdays to celebrate (mine, Bilbo, and Frodo!). But I did make my way through the next chapter of The Treason of Isengard which pushed the story very close to it's finality. I struggled for a while thinking about how I might articulate the various intricacies that moved the story along when last night I began the next chapter and found the Christopher Tolkien summarized things quite well (as should be expected):

"The intractable problems that had beset The Lord of the Rings thus far were now at last resolved. The identity of Trotter had been decisively established, and with the work done in successive versions of 'The Council of Elrond' his place and significance in the history of Middle-earth was already made firm--meagre though that history still was by comparison with the great structure that would afterwords be raised on these foundations. The hobbits were equally secure in number and in name, and the only Bolger who ever roamed far afield would rove no more. Bombadil is to play no further part in the history of the Ring. Most intractable of all, the question of what had happened to Gandalf was now conclusively answered; and with that answer had arisen (as it would turn out) a new focal point in the history of the War of the Ring: the Treason of Isengard" (p. 161, The Treason of Isengard).

It's fascinating to watch the twists and turns of how The Lord of the Rings came to be.