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Lyta_Underhill · 01-02-2004, 12:54 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Gandalf was too mean to Pip, as usual. Some of the scenes with these two were quite good, but Gandy's reaction to Pippin swearing fealty to Gondor was really horrid. Poor Pippin! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I'm still trying to decide what to make of the exchange between the two here. I think, somehow, the change in Gandalf's treatment of Pippin at this point ties into the very different demeanor of Denethor at their first meeting. In the book, Denethor has not yet succumbed to the madness that seems to be more apparent in Movie-Denethor. Therefore, I think to myself that Gandalf must have a very different reaction to Pippin's pledging fealty to such an unstable leader. I do agree that the emotional impact that Pippin's pledge could have had is lost in this reworking of the scene. I do not fault Ian McKellen for it, though. Somehow, he never loses the overal concern and care for Pippin, although the circumstances seem to dictate that he be more harsh with Pippin's choice.<P>I must say I have thought of Ian as Gandalf since the first movie. He embodies the spirit as well as the body of Mithrandir, above and beyond his mere presence and speech; there is an indescribable warmth to him that bids me forgive him for his harsh speech to Pippin, because I can tell he really cares for him. (After all, Pippin is his project! )<P>As for his smackdowns of Denethor, that crazy Steward needed it! What would YOU do if the head of state suddenly screamed at you to run for your life and abandon your post? And again at the Rath Dinen, Denethor was a clear and present danger to Pippin! I do regret the weird realization shot of Denethor and the suggestion that he might realize Faramir is alive, because this, in itself, muddies the situation and throws Gandalf's actions into question. But did he see it? <P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta

01-02-2004, 12:54 AM	#14
Lyta_Underhill Haunted Halfling Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: an uncounted length of steps--floating between air molecules Posts: 841	<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Gandalf was too mean to Pip, as usual. Some of the scenes with these two were quite good, but Gandy's reaction to Pippin swearing fealty to Gondor was really horrid. Poor Pippin! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> I'm still trying to decide what to make of the exchange between the two here. I think, somehow, the change in Gandalf's treatment of Pippin at this point ties into the very different demeanor of Denethor at their first meeting. In the book, Denethor has not yet succumbed to the madness that seems to be more apparent in Movie-Denethor. Therefore, I think to myself that Gandalf must have a very different reaction to Pippin's pledging fealty to such an unstable leader. I do agree that the emotional impact that Pippin's pledge could have had is lost in this reworking of the scene. I do not fault Ian McKellen for it, though. Somehow, he never loses the overal concern and care for Pippin, although the circumstances seem to dictate that he be more harsh with Pippin's choice.<P>I must say I have thought of Ian as Gandalf since the first movie. He embodies the spirit as well as the body of Mithrandir, above and beyond his mere presence and speech; there is an indescribable warmth to him that bids me forgive him for his harsh speech to Pippin, because I can tell he really cares for him. (After all, Pippin is his project! )<P>As for his smackdowns of Denethor, that crazy Steward needed it! What would YOU do if the head of state suddenly screamed at you to run for your life and abandon your post? And again at the Rath Dinen, Denethor was a clear and present danger to Pippin! I do regret the weird realization shot of Denethor and the suggestion that he might realize Faramir is alive, because this, in itself, muddies the situation and throws Gandalf's actions into question. But did he see it? <P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta __________________ “…she laid herself to rest upon Cerin Amroth; and there is her green grave, until the world is changed, and all the days of her life are utterly forgotten by men that come after, and elanor and niphredil bloom no more east of the Sea.”