HOB - Chapters into Scenes Weekly - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

**The Saucepan Man** · 01-20-2008, 08:51 AM

Apologies for being late to the discussion, bu please bear with me while I share my thoughts on the introduction.

My preference would be for the film to start with the Bilbo's encounter with Gandalf, followed by the opening credits and then leading into the arrival of the Dwarves.

However, I recognise that it is fairly standard nowadays for films to open with an 'action' scene and that it is therefore a part of audience expectation (I blame the James Bond films

). If this convention is followed, Smaug's attack on the Lonely Mountain is a possibility (with Smaug never fully shown), although I tend to agree that this is probably best left for the Dwarves to tell in flashback. I don't think that Gollum is a sufficiently central character in this tale for his loss of the Ring to form the opening scene (nor, indeed, is there enough 'meat' to it, I think, to fulfil this role).

One further possibility is to have Gandalf's covert entry into Dol Guldur and meeting with Thrain in Sauron's dungeons as the opening scene. It is central to the plot, as it is the means by which Ganadalf obtains the Map and the Key. And, while it is not 'action packed', it would be sufficiently tense and have enough action to make a good opening scene. Gandalf's identity could be concealed until he reaches Thrain and draws back his hood, adding some mystery to the scene. If there was time, the scene could then cut to Bree many years later and Gandalf's meeting with Thorin, culminating in Gandalf agreeing to find him a burglar.

Cut to opening credits, leading into a blissfully unaware Bilbo smoking his pipe (would that be allowed?) outside Bag End and Gandalf's arrival.

Finduilas · 01-20-2008, 10:20 AM

I like your last idea.

Sauron the White · 01-22-2008, 07:44 AM

Lots of very good ideas here. Looks like many want us to see some of the historical background scenes which I would love.

Does anyone have definite ideas on how the scene in CH2 with the trolls should be presented. Heavy? Lighter touch? What role should Gandalf play if different from the book? Should there be real impending danger bordering on possible death? Talking purses? Do the trolls have the same names and carry on conversations?

zxcvbn · 01-22-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sauron the White

Does anyone have definite ideas on how the scene in CH2 with the trolls should be presented. Heavy? Lighter touch? What role should Gandalf play if different from the book? Should there be real impending danger bordering on possible death? Talking purses? Do the trolls have the same names and carry on conversations?

I think it should have a somewhat light/comical touch. The Dwarves trying to fight the trolls and getting caught with next to no effort. Maybe a scene showing a dwarf boasting about his sharp senses just before being 'sacked'. The trolls speak to each other, but in some dumb-sounding, beast-like language translated by subtitles.

Folwren · 01-22-2008, 10:32 AM

I think they should speak English. And have the names Tolkien gave to 'em. And it should be humorous. Not necessarily a talking purse...that may be taking it a little far...although I'd love to see it.

Sauron the White · 01-22-2008, 12:29 PM

Walking the line between actual danger and somewhat light humor could be a way to go. To make it work, both Bilbo and the Dwarves have to believe they are in danger so it cannot be too light or humorous. Maybe some of that can come with Gandalf who observes it all with a slightly cocked eyebrow ready to step in if things go too far. I would get rid of the purse and its ability to talk but perhaps substitute some sort of auditory alarm that would serve the same purpose. The effect is not quite so cartoonish.

01-20-2008, 08:51 AM	#1
The Saucepan Man Corpus Cacophonous Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: A green and pleasant land Posts: 8,390	Apologies for being late to the discussion, bu please bear with me while I share my thoughts on the introduction. My preference would be for the film to start with the Bilbo's encounter with Gandalf, followed by the opening credits and then leading into the arrival of the Dwarves. However, I recognise that it is fairly standard nowadays for films to open with an 'action' scene and that it is therefore a part of audience expectation (I blame the James Bond films ). If this convention is followed, Smaug's attack on the Lonely Mountain is a possibility (with Smaug never fully shown), although I tend to agree that this is probably best left for the Dwarves to tell in flashback. I don't think that Gollum is a sufficiently central character in this tale for his loss of the Ring to form the opening scene (nor, indeed, is there enough 'meat' to it, I think, to fulfil this role). One further possibility is to have Gandalf's covert entry into Dol Guldur and meeting with Thrain in Sauron's dungeons as the opening scene. It is central to the plot, as it is the means by which Ganadalf obtains the Map and the Key. And, while it is not 'action packed', it would be sufficiently tense and have enough action to make a good opening scene. Gandalf's identity could be concealed until he reaches Thrain and draws back his hood, adding some mystery to the scene. If there was time, the scene could then cut to Bree many years later and Gandalf's meeting with Thorin, culminating in Gandalf agreeing to find him a burglar. Cut to opening credits, leading into a blissfully unaware Bilbo smoking his pipe (would that be allowed?) outside Bag End and Gandalf's arrival. __________________ Do you mind? I'm busy doing the fishstick. It's a very delicate state of mind!

01-20-2008, 10:20 AM	#2
Finduilas Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Home. Where rolling green hills and clear rivers are practically my backyard. Posts: 595	I like your last idea. __________________ One (1) book of rules and traffic regulations, which may not be bent or broken. ~ The Phantom Tollbooth

01-22-2008, 10:32 AM	#5
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	I think they should speak English. And have the names Tolkien gave to 'em. And it should be humorous. Not necessarily a talking purse...that may be taking it a little far...although I'd love to see it. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

01-22-2008, 07:44 AM	#3
Sauron the White Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 903	Lots of very good ideas here. Looks like many want us to see some of the historical background scenes which I would love. Does anyone have definite ideas on how the scene in CH2 with the trolls should be presented. Heavy? Lighter touch? What role should Gandalf play if different from the book? Should there be real impending danger bordering on possible death? Talking purses? Do the trolls have the same names and carry on conversations?

01-22-2008, 12:29 PM	#6
Sauron the White Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 903	Walking the line between actual danger and somewhat light humor could be a way to go. To make it work, both Bilbo and the Dwarves have to believe they are in danger so it cannot be too light or humorous. Maybe some of that can come with Gandalf who observes it all with a slightly cocked eyebrow ready to step in if things go too far. I would get rid of the purse and its ability to talk but perhaps substitute some sort of auditory alarm that would serve the same purpose. The effect is not quite so cartoonish.