LotR3-RotK-Seq05 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Elladan and Elrohir · 09-28-2006, 03:30 PM

Yeah, that's true, Trotter. I always find that funny that Weathertop is never mentioned in FOTR, but mentioned two times in ROTK.

So what do you guys think about smoking in the films? I never thought a thing about it until I read Michael Martinez's vehement condemnation of it. Martinez (a practical Tolkien scholar, for those of you who haven't read his stuff) says the tobacco use is "reprehensible" and that there is no justification for it.

Incidentally, I don't smoke, will never smoke, and believe that smoking kills, but I don't see anything wrong with the inclusion of galenas-use in the films. What say you?

Trotter · 09-29-2006, 10:51 AM

I've never had a problem with it, though my opinions about smoking are the same as yours. Tolkien's characters smoked pipes, so it was only logical for PJ to have them in his films. They are, basically, part of the characters themselves and I couldn't imagine either the Hobbits, or Gandalf without one.

alatar · 09-29-2006, 11:54 AM

Can't see what the big deal is. Smoking pipes was a part of the story, like elves and mugs of ale, and so why PJ would exclude it is beyond me. Like stated, I too do not smoke, and really dislike the entire practice, but if that's what others choose to do...

My children have watched all three movies and I don't think that the smoking scenes made any impression, unlike the riding of horses

.

Rikae · 10-08-2006, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Note that here Minas Tirith, unlike in the magical realm of Rivendell, balconies are made higher than an elven knee.

Leaping to the movie's defense: I don't suppose elves really need railings, so the ones in Rivendell are probably just decorative.

alatar · 10-31-2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikae

Leaping to the movie's defense: I don't suppose elves really need railings, so the ones in Rivendell are probably just decorative.

Elves need railings too, but a low railing would be dangerous as taller folk would tend to trip, going head first into the falls. We can say that the room was designed with Hobbit-folk in mind, but Hobbits, with the exception of some of Sam's kin, weren't 'big' on heights, and so most likely would prefer a hole than a great view.

Truly a minor point, but made obvious as the Frodo in Rivendell picture made it into popular magazines as seen here.

Elladan and Elrohir · 10-31-2006, 03:07 PM

Just guessing here, but the difference in railings between Rivendell and Minas Tirith could be a subtle hint from the filmmakers. I don't think they'd make hobbit-sized railings in FOTR without a good reason. The reason may be to emphasize the contrast between the two places; Rivendell is a cozy, accommodating refuge; while Minas Tirith is a besieged fortress that has no room for indulging hobbit-folk with railings that are just the right size.

Or maybe it's just an honest mistake. Who knows?

09-28-2006, 03:30 PM	#1
Elladan and Elrohir Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Halls of Mandos Posts: 332	Yeah, that's true, Trotter. I always find that funny that Weathertop is never mentioned in FOTR, but mentioned two times in ROTK. So what do you guys think about smoking in the films? I never thought a thing about it until I read Michael Martinez's vehement condemnation of it. Martinez (a practical Tolkien scholar, for those of you who haven't read his stuff) says the tobacco use is "reprehensible" and that there is no justification for it. Incidentally, I don't smoke, will never smoke, and believe that smoking kills, but I don't see anything wrong with the inclusion of galenas-use in the films. What say you? __________________ "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." THE HOBBIT - IT'S COMING

09-29-2006, 10:51 AM	#2
Trotter Pile O'Bones Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The South Downs Posts: 24	I've never had a problem with it, though my opinions about smoking are the same as yours. Tolkien's characters smoked pipes, so it was only logical for PJ to have them in his films. They are, basically, part of the characters themselves and I couldn't imagine either the Hobbits, or Gandalf without one. __________________ Trotter... the Hobbit ranger with the wooden shoes.

09-29-2006, 11:54 AM	#3
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	Can't see what the big deal is. Smoking pipes was a part of the story, like elves and mugs of ale, and so why PJ would exclude it is beyond me. Like stated, I too do not smoke, and really dislike the entire practice, but if that's what others choose to do... My children have watched all three movies and I don't think that the smoking scenes made any impression, unlike the riding of horses . __________________ There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it.

10-31-2006, 03:07 PM	#6
Elladan and Elrohir Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Halls of Mandos Posts: 332	Just guessing here, but the difference in railings between Rivendell and Minas Tirith could be a subtle hint from the filmmakers. I don't think they'd make hobbit-sized railings in FOTR without a good reason. The reason may be to emphasize the contrast between the two places; Rivendell is a cozy, accommodating refuge; while Minas Tirith is a besieged fortress that has no room for indulging hobbit-folk with railings that are just the right size. Or maybe it's just an honest mistake. Who knows? __________________ "If you're referring to the incident with the dragon, I was barely involved. All I did was give your uncle a little nudge out of the door." THE HOBBIT - IT'S COMING