*TTT - Gríma Wormtongue (Brad Dourif)*

[Bêthberry]

I would agree with most here that Brad Dourif gave a very fine performance as Wormtongue--facial variations, nuances of voice in tone, volume, pitch, physical movements not steroptypical but cloying, a hint of intelligence in his manipulation of Theoden, garnering almost pity for his forlorn attraction for Eowyn. His was the most interesting performance, dancing on the edge of evil and deceit, in all of TTT, IMHO.<P>Yet what seemed a detriment to me was the makeup. The pasty white face and stringy hair reminded me of Darth Vader once Luke has unmasked him in <I>Return of the Jedi</I>. Why the physical insignia of Saruman's malevolent control? Because we need a sign of that control removed once Gandalf rids Theoden of his subservience?<P>Bethberry