TheLordOfTheRings Tagged Articles at Cinematical
Discuss: Should 'The Hobbit' Come To Us in 3D?
Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy », RumorMonger », Fandom », Remakes and Sequels »
There's a huge rumor making the rounds today (courtesy of Marketsaw) that Peter Jackson now wants to direct a third bridge film connecting The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings, and that he wants all three films (including Guillermo del Toro's two Hobbit movies) to be shot in 3D. Those of you following the progress of these films should remember that way back when The Hobbit was first announced, both Jackson and del Toro were keen on doing three movies total, with two based on The Hobbit and one based on other related material like appendices that Jackson had gotten a hold of. A bit later on both men squashed the idea of a third film because, according to Jackson -- who spoke to MTV about a potential third film as recently as this month -- Warner Bros. and New Line only have the rights to make two films. However, it felt like Jackson wanted to make a third film if it was at all possible, so perhaps they've found a way to make that happen and we just haven't been told yet? Personally, though, I'm more interested in the 3D angle on all this because, well, I don't think they should be filmed in 3D. Not only would it be a bit rough to sit through a three-hour 3D movie (oh c'mon, you know those suckers are gonna be way long), but I just don't think 3D would add a whole lot to the finished product. Would Middle Earth look cool in a couple shots? Sure. Other than that ... eh?
I'll give you Avatar -- that's a film that belongs in 3D. And I can even see the potential in something gimmicky like Final Destination 3D. But The Hobbit? Really? Does every big upcoming film need to be in 3D now? Is that where we're at?
What do you think about The Hobbit in 3D?
The Next 'Lord of the Rings': J.J. Abrams and 'The Dark Tower'
Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Deals », Fandom », Peter Jackson »
Stephen King's The Dark Tower series of novels are probably his most underrated, and that can mostly be attributed to the fact that it took him 22 years to finish the series. It's a sprawling epic story, starring The Gunslinger, Roland, and his companions as they are inexorably drawn towards the titular Dark Tower. Like The Lord of the Rings, it's a travel story, with all of the action happening during the journey itself.
If you haven't read the series, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's got gunslinging, swords and sorcery, time travel, interdimensional doorways, artificially intelligent monorails, and so much more. It also ties most of King's major novels together in bizarre ways, without getting boring. Either pick up the first book in the series and check it out, or listen to the audiobook during your commute. You won't be sorry.
Just do it before J.J. Abrams and his Lost crew begin making the movies. Wait, what's that? Abrams? Lost? The Dark Tower? Read on to see how all of these pieces will soon fit together to produce what some claim is destined to become the next Lord of the Rings.
Iranian Protestors Inspired By 'Lord of the Rings'
Filed under: Classics », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Celebrities and Controversy », Fandom », Newsstand », Peter Jackson », Politics »
Ever since it was first published in 1954-1955, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has been embroiled in politics, much to the dismay of its author. Proponents of the political left and the right have taken turns deriding or laying claim to the fantasy epic. Peter Jackson's film adapation didn't escape political scrutiny either. Time magazine's Richard Corliss did a rather famous review of The Two Towers claiming that the film now evoked the War On Terror, and that Saruman looked "eerily" like Osama bin Laden, and USA Today's Michael Medved insisted Viggo Mortensen had tainted the role of Aragorn because he openly declared his anti-war sentiments.
The latest political controversy that the series finds itself embroiled in is the Iranian electoral protests. Time has a piece from an anonymous Iranian resident reporting that the government is using film to try and quell public unrest. "In normal times, Iranian television usually treats its viewers to one or two Hollywood or European movie nights a week. But these are not normal times, so it's been two or three such movies a day. It's part of the push to keep people at home and off the streets, to keep us busy, to get us out of the regime's hair. The message is 'Don't worry, be happy.'"
All television channels in Iran are owned by the state, so the government is choosing its films very carefully. One of their offerings has been a Lord of the Rings marathon, ostensibly picked because its length and epic content will keep people glued to their television. "We're glued to the trilogy. We are riveted. A child in the room loudly predicts that Lord of the Rings will put an end to the nightly shouts, that people will not take to the rooftops and windows because this film will keep them occupied."
New LOTR Film Hits Screens This Week!
Filed under: Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Fandom », Home Entertainment », Peter Jackson », Comic/Superhero/Geek », Remakes and Sequels », Cinematical Indie »
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Sure, all the early news and rumors about The Hobbit are fun to read, but we have to wait more than three years to see what Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro have cooked up. Three years is an eternity -- the world could end before The Hobbit (part one of two) arrives on the big screen in 2012! What's a Tolkien movie fan to do?
Hundreds of Hobbit-hungry volunteers in the UK came together to make The Hunt for Gollum, a 40-minute film based on the appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, according to The Guardian. Reportedly, the short "shows Aragorn's quest to find Gollum, the tortured creature who seeks the ring for himself. And faithful to Peter Jackson's trilogy, the lead bears an uncanny likeness to Viggo Mortensen." Chris Bouchard directed the film, composed the music, and served as executive producer. He told The Guardian: "It was really motivated by a love of the material. We couldn't wait for The Hobbit and wanted to try to add to the saga. We shot every weekend for a year and really tried to mimic the professional film process as much as possible on our shoestring budget."
Their budget was £3,000, which converts to about $4,500, which is rather incredible. The film debuted last night at the London International Festival of Science Fiction, a pretty cool event itself. I watched the first trailer for The Hunt for Gollum -- and it's pretty freakin' impressive. Head to the official site to watch one of the teasers or the trailers (or watch one trailer below) -- the entire movie is also supposed to be available online, though technical troubles kept me from connecting.
Viggo Mortensen Next to Quit Acting?
Filed under: RumorMonger », Celebrities and Controversy », Fandom »
In these difficult economic times, it may not not be easy for us ordinary citizens to relate to movie stars who make a ton of money and get to travel all over the world. The everyday reality is far different from the fantasy, I'm sure, which may be why Academy Award-nominated actor Viggo Mortensen says he's ready to step off the merry-go-round and stop making movies.
South African web site News24.com says that Mortensen described a crazy travel schedule -- Los Angeles to Japan to Korea to Poland to the UK in just one week -- and said that he's "taking measures to change that. No more movies. I haven't said yes to one in over a year ... there are other things I want to do. It's not the right time." He said recent offers for roles in big-budget movies were "complete crap, all about product placement and marketing. I don't need the money."
Of course, talk to anyone when they're exhausted from traveling and they might say anything. Mortensen was very busy throughout the 90s. His output in the last decade has been smaller, but the productions have been bigger and, since The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he's had lead roles that must have been demanding (Hidalgo, A History of Violence, Eastern Promises). It couldn't have been easy to make The Road, either. (See Elisabeth Rappe's article in which he talks more about his recent projects.) Mortensen brings a very unique set of qualities to his acting: strength, with a degree of tenderness, and an undercurrent of menace and erotic appeal. I'm hoping that this rumored time off will only be a break from acting, and not permanent retirement.
Movie News Daily
Fiennes, Neeson to Clash in 'Titans'
Ralph Fiennes and Liam Neeson will play warring Greek gods Hades and Zeus, respectively, in 'The Incredible Hulk' director Louis Leterrier's upcoming 'Clash of the Titans' remake, according to The Hollywood Reporter. They join Sam Worthington, Gemma Arterton, Mads Mikkelsen and Alexa Davalos in the film, which tells of Zeus' son Perseus (Worthington) and his quest to prevent Hades from assuming control of the gods. The deal is Neeson's first since the tragic death of his wife Natasha Richardson in March. (April 9)
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Tony Gilroy to Direct the Next 'James Bond'?
'Michael Clayton' and 'Duplicity' writer-director Tony Gilroy is in the running to helm the next James Bond movie, a source tells CinemaBlend.com. While there is no deal in place, Gilroy would certainly make sense: He's co-written all three of the 'Bourne' movies, which have clearly played a part in the 007 franchise's recent turn to the dark, gritty side of the spy world. (April 9)
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'Witch Mountain' Helmer to Direct 'You Again'
'Race to Witch Mountain' director Andy Fickman has lined up the Disney comedy 'You Again' as his next helming gig, Variety reports. The director, who has been in high demand since 'Mountain' debuted, is also on tap to direct 'Gimme a Call' for Paramount and 'Monster Attack Network' for Disney, and is developing a musical adaptation of 'Heathers' for the stage. (April 9)
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Pattinson Injured on 'New Moon' Set
Robert Pattinson has reportedly been injured while filming the 'Twilight' sequel 'New Moon' in Canada. But fans need not distress: The actor merely pulled his butt (seriously) during a scene in which his character, goodhearted vampire Edward, hoists ladylove Bella (Kristen Stewart) into the air. Pattinson returned to work after receiving a thorough massage to his strained glutes. Get more from Cinematical. (April 8)
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'Terminator' Gets Pizza Hut-Approved PG-13
The same day that Judd Apatow and Harold Ramis lost an appeal to have the R rating of 'Year One' changed to a PG-13, director McG came up short in his quest to secure an R for 'Terminator Salvation.' According to The Vulture, the fourth installment of the man-vs.-cyborg franchise will be the first released with a more commercially viable PG-13 rating -- and without the Moon Bloodgood nude scene McG was so desperate to include -- due to a tie-in deal with Pizza Hut. Apparently, the Hut feels that family-style pizza is best served sans a side of graphic violence and female toplessness. (April 8)
Warner Bros.
Verbinski Won't Helm 'Pirates 4'
Johnny Depp will reprise his role as Jack Sparrow in 'Pirates of the Caribbean 4,' but he'll be doing it without director Gore Verbinski. Variety reports that Verbinski, who directed the first three 'Pirates' flicks, has notified Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer that he won't return for a fourth. Keira Knightley has also revealed that she will not return. Poor Captain Jack. (April 8)
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Gellar's 'Buffy' Being Revived for Big Screen?
Sarah Michelle Gellar is reportedly in talks to reprise her role as 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' in a new feature film, according to ShowbizSpy.com. Gellar played the titular vamp destroyer for seven seasons on Joss Whedon's WB show, which was a continuation of the 1992 movie starring Kristy Swanson. (April 8)
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'Moonlight' Star Is J.Lo's 'Back-Up Plan'
'Moonlight' star Alex O'Loughlin is in talks to play the male lead opposite Jennifer Lopez in the rom-com 'The Back-Up Plan,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. O'Loughlin would play the man of Lopez's dreams, whom she meets the same day she discovers she's become pregnant through artificial insemination. Sounds like fodder for an Alanis Morisette song. (April 8)
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'Colossus' Game Headed to Big Screen
Sony is adapting the 2005 PlayStation 2 video game 'Shadow of the Colossus' into a feature film, Variety confirms. The game follows a man named Wander who traverses a cursed wasteland to battle 16 creatures in a bid to resurrect a dead girl. Justin Marks, who has written screenplays for high-profile upcoming projects such as 'He-Man,' 'Voltron' and 'Green Arrow,' will pen the script. (April 8)
Amazon.com
Larry Charles to Direct Geriatric Sex Comedy
'Borat' and 'Bruno' director Larry Charles will tackle geriatric sex for his next gig. Variety reports that Charles is in final negotiations to direct 'Winter's Discontent,' about a sexually frustrated widower and his best buddy who move into a retirement community in hopes that it will help them get laid. (April 8)
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'Hobbit' Hints at 'Hellboy' Huddle: Del Toro Speaks!
Filed under: Action », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Deals », New Line », RumorMonger », Fandom », Peter Jackson », Comic/Superhero/Geek », Remakes and Sequels »
At yesterday's press day for Hellboy II: The Golden Army, the eloquent, elegant Guillermo del Toro had plenty to say about crafting the sequel to 2004's Hellboy, which we'll have at Cinematical closer to the film's opening; he also dropped a few facts and thoughts about his upcoming job helmingThe Hobbit. On the 'facts' front, del Toro mentioned that The Hobbit (which may be two films, one adapting the original novel and the other bridging The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with new material) will have a very different look than some of his other films: "The Hobbit will be (presented) in 2.35-to-1. ..." Translating cinematographer to English, that means that The Hobbit will be presented in widescreen, all the better to capture the hills and dales of the Shire. Del Toro also spoke about the potentially tricky task of making his two Hobbit films in the wake of Peter Jackson's wildly successful trilogy, as well as what kind of material he might bring to a second movie -- and the tricky question of what Tolkien-created material Peter Jackson has the rights to (and can be used to create the two Hobbit films) and what material Jackson does not own the rights to (and can't use in a film). Del Toro's answers may have been short on detail, but they were long on vision. "What we're talking (about) is, obviously, utilizing the materials that are available to us, and the discipline has been to try and know, for my part, everything else -- not to know it and use it, but to know it and not step on those things.
The Exhibitionist: Indiana Jones and the Lost Art of the Serial
Filed under: Action », Classics », New Releases », Paramount », Exhibition », George Lucas », Steven Spielberg », Remakes and Sequels », Columns »
Remember serials? I don't, because I'm too young, and by the time I began going to the movies, it was already the practice for cinemas to stick to single, self-contained, feature-length fare. With the way screenings are arranged today, scheduled so that both theater owners and studios can get as much money from as many showings as possible, there's just no room for any accompanying shorts, especially the kind that don't end in a conclusive manner.
I'd probably be okay with being left out of that experience from the moviegoing past, but each time another Indiana Jones movie is released, I can't help but think I'm at least a little less appreciative of George Lucas' intent than some of the older folk in the audience. When Lucas thought up the original Raiders of the Lost Ark, he partly meant the film as homage to the serials he remembered from his childhood.
Yet Raiders didn't end with a cliffhanger, as most serials had on a weekly basis. And with the third sequel to that film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, arriving in theaters this week, I still wonder why at least two installments couldn't have been connected with the serializing device. Lucas had already somewhat shown us, through the uncertain ending of The Empire Stikes Back and continuation/resolution beginning of Return of the Jedi, that it could be done.
'Thor' Needs New Director, Hulk to Cameo in 'Iron Man 2'?
Filed under: Action », Sci-Fi & Fantasy », Deals », Fandom », DIY/Filmmaking », Newsstand », Comic/Superhero/Geek », Remakes and Sequels »
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There's all sorts of madness going on at Marvel right now in the wake of Iron Man's ridiculous opening weekend. Marvel's Kevin Feige was promoted to God and now it's time to start looking toward the future. While we await the release of Marvel's second self-financed flick (The Incredible Hulk) later this summer, The Hollywood Reporter tells us Matthew Vaughn is no longer directing Thor (currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on June 4, 2010, not July 4 as previously reported -- unless HR made a typo). According to HR, Vaughn's holding deal expired. In the meantime, Marvel is waiting for a script polish from writer Mark Protosevich (I Am Legend). On what we should expect from Thor, Feige says, "It's very much a Marvel superhero story but against the backdrop of nothing you've seen before. " He then described the flick as a "period fantasy in the vein of The Lord of the Rings." Sounds pretty cool to me. Who do you think they should get to direct Thor? Heck, why not throw Peter Jackson on it -- I'm sure fans would freak over that one.
Additionally, and this is just a rumor right now, HR also claims that Hulk might be featured in Iron Man 2 (due out April 30, 2010). They don't go any further than that except to say we should expect cross-referencing in all these films now that Marvel has control over the movies its characters are in. However, one thing's NOT for sure right now -- and that's Robert Downey Jr.'s participation in the Iron Man sequel. He's signed on, but HR says Marvel may have to "sweeten the pot to reward the movie's star." Oh, they'll sweeten ... or else millions of fans will look to bring on a world of hurt.
Discuss: The Art of Trailering
Filed under: Exhibition », Movie Marketing », Trailers and Clips »
Yesterday, Eric D. Snider mentioned an interesting exercise by The New Republic's Christopher Orr. Annoyed at the recent glut of trailers that give away the entire film, he decided to write a review of 21 (which hits theaters today) based only on the trailer. Eric thought the "review" was actually pretty accurate, and I agree. I also agree that the trailer is egregiously inconsiderate of people who'd have liked to go into the movie unspoiled at least as to the third act. It's a shame.
But I'm sure you agree that it doesn't have to be that way. Trailers don't have to give away the game, and they don't have to be tacky and ham-fisted either. They're a marketing tool, of course, but trailers are also -- or can be -- an art form in their own right. Sometimes a trailer is such a skillful composition of images, sounds, words and music that it winds up having more of an effect on me than the movie I'm in the theater to see. (Often, too, the trailer turns out to be better than the movie it's advertising, which is always a disappointment.)
So while yesterday Eric asked you for examples of trailers that pissed you off because they revealed too much, I'd like to know which recent trailers you've loved. Not necessarily which ones you think advertised their movie in the optimal way, but which ones have been great in themselves -- scary, rousing, moving, beautiful. Take a look at some of my favorites and sound off after the jump.
Dominic Monaghan Gets Creepy With 'Pet'
Filed under: Thrillers », Casting », MGM »
As a die-hard Lost fan, I'm going to miss "Charlie" (or as Claire says, "CHAHlee"), the character played by Dominic Monaghan. But at least I'll get to see the actor return to the big screen in Pet. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Monaghan has been cast as the lead in the psychological thriller, in which he plays a deranged animal shelter employee who kidnaps his teenage crush and obsessively holds her captive as his pet. The only other plot point provided by the trade is that the woman he's imprisoned is "not who she seems to be." That could mean anything, from her being an alien to her being a shape-shifter who turns into an actual animal to her being something more realistic, such as a female "MacGyver" who ends up escaping her cage and wrecking vengeance on "Seth", as Monaghan's character is called.For Monaghan, Pet seems like a big step further into unlikable roles. Most of us became familiar with the actor as one of the lovable Hobbits in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Then we fell for his flawed rocker on Lost, though except for in the very end, we were made to lose favor for "Charlie", as he continually lied, shot up heroin and acted like a spoiled little bitch. Then he frustrated many male Lost fans by becoming the unlikely boyfriend of his co-star Evangeline Lilly (I'm unsure if they are still a couple -- anyone know?). Now as a creepy "Buffalo Bill" type, he's sure to lose even more of his appeal -- at least on screen, anyway. Pet begins shooting sometime in the next few months under the direction of Irish filmmaker
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Discuss: The Movies That Haunt You
