Time to fix Gandalf versus the Witchking - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Finduilas · 09-27-2007, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArathorofBarahir

I happen to like the scene as it is...I mean it can't be the exact same as it was in the book. After all, the movies are an adaptation of the books.

I don't like the scene, but I like your point. Would we really be happy if he didn't change anything? I mean, small surprises can be pleasent. Things like Boromir teaching Merry and Pip how to fight, Elves coming to Helms Deep(to show that the elves did help without having to explain border wars), and other various things.

alatar · 09-27-2007, 08:36 AM

The scene makes sense as is if you chart the fall of Gandalf from leader to hanger on, and Aragorn from reluctant errand boy (bring Frodo Baggage to Rivendell) to leader of the forces of the free. Gandalf has to slowly exit the stage to make Aragorn appear the more, and so in PJ's world it (I guess) works.

And to surprises: Sure, I'm all for them if they are well done, but if another main character were to fall off a cliff and return...

Finduilas · 09-27-2007, 10:15 AM

Well, of course. As I said, I don't like the Gandalf part. I don't like any of the changes that ruin/cowardize any of the characters. No movie maker has that right, though I do beleive he has a right to make such changes as I meantioned above.

Sauron the White · 09-27-2007, 05:45 PM

JUst reread the section in the book and watched it in the EE of ROTK. I would have preferred it have stuck closer to the book especially with the flaming crown. I always liked that touch a great deal. But I did not see the film depiction as anything near cowardice on the part of Gandalf. I think Jackson was trying to show just how powerful the WK is which makes the upcoming scene with Eowyn even more powerful and dramatic.

Sure, Gandalf is unhorsed and both he and Shadowfax show a lot more reaction than in the book. But I took his facial expressions on the ground to mean he was marshalling his strength for a return volley with the Witchking. But before that can happen, we get the horns blowing and the WK departs.

I think it works this way - and there is nothing wrong with it - but I would have liked to see it a bit more like the book.

alatar · 09-27-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sauron the White

I think Jackson was trying to show just how powerful the WK is which makes the upcoming scene with Eowyn even more powerful and dramatic.

...which he then kills with Eowyn, Witch-King's bane, shown almost crying as she flees from the gimpy Gothmog.

Sauron the White · 09-27-2007, 08:37 PM

Eowyn killing the WK was a moment of great heroism and strength. It so sapped her of energy and strength that she was reduced to temporary physical weakness. Kind of like an untrained Dwarf running a 26 mile marathon then crawling to the refreshment tent .... oh never mind

alatar · 09-27-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sauron the White

Eowyn killing the WK was a moment of great heroism and strength. It so sapped her of energy and strength that she was reduced to temporary physical weakness. Kind of like an untrained Dwarf running a 26 mile marathon then crawling to the refreshment tent .... oh never mind

PJ just didn't know when to stop. I'd been happy if Eowyn used up her last molecule of glycogen slaying the foul dwimmerlaik, swooned and knelt to hear Theoden's last words before 'dying' herself. But nooo...

09-27-2007, 08:36 AM	#2
alatar Doubting Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Heaven's basement Posts: 2,466	The scene makes sense as is if you chart the fall of Gandalf from leader to hanger on, and Aragorn from reluctant errand boy (bring Frodo Baggage to Rivendell) to leader of the forces of the free. Gandalf has to slowly exit the stage to make Aragorn appear the more, and so in PJ's world it (I guess) works. And to surprises: Sure, I'm all for them if they are well done, but if another main character were to fall off a cliff and return... __________________ There is naught that you can do, other than to resist, with hope or without it.

09-27-2007, 10:15 AM	#3
Finduilas Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Home. Where rolling green hills and clear rivers are practically my backyard. Posts: 595	Well, of course. As I said, I don't like the Gandalf part. I don't like any of the changes that ruin/cowardize any of the characters. No movie maker has that right, though I do beleive he has a right to make such changes as I meantioned above. __________________ One (1) book of rules and traffic regulations, which may not be bent or broken. ~ The Phantom Tollbooth

09-27-2007, 05:45 PM	#4
Sauron the White Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 903	JUst reread the section in the book and watched it in the EE of ROTK. I would have preferred it have stuck closer to the book especially with the flaming crown. I always liked that touch a great deal. But I did not see the film depiction as anything near cowardice on the part of Gandalf. I think Jackson was trying to show just how powerful the WK is which makes the upcoming scene with Eowyn even more powerful and dramatic. Sure, Gandalf is unhorsed and both he and Shadowfax show a lot more reaction than in the book. But I took his facial expressions on the ground to mean he was marshalling his strength for a return volley with the Witchking. But before that can happen, we get the horns blowing and the WK departs. I think it works this way - and there is nothing wrong with it - but I would have liked to see it a bit more like the book.

09-27-2007, 08:37 PM	#6
Sauron the White Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 903	Eowyn killing the WK was a moment of great heroism and strength. It so sapped her of energy and strength that she was reduced to temporary physical weakness. Kind of like an untrained Dwarf running a 26 mile marathon then crawling to the refreshment tent .... oh never mind