LotR1-FotR-Seq09

[alatar]

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! – Ecclesiastes 4:10

Note that the Council of Elrond was one of my favorite chapters in FotR. You get more back-story, like when in the Shire with the Shadow of the Past, about what's really going on. But here we are in PJ's version.

Elrond starts the Council out, and he looks as happy as ever. You get the feeling that he's still thinking about that day, 3000 years ago. And what's with the stature with the cymbals? As Elrond continues depressing everyone we get shots of some of the main players: Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, Frodo.

Is it me or does Lord Elrond skip about the area a bit, once near his throne, suddenly elsewhere, then back again by the wooden throne?

Frodo brings forth the One Ring. He sets it down without hesitation in the middle of this group. And I have no idea who the other people in the room are with the exception of Elrond and the members of the soon-to-be-Fellowship.

We cut immediately to Boromir, and some…Ring, I mean some thing has caught his attention, and he begins muttering while Aragorn looks on. Frodo returns to his seat, and Gandalf nods as in 'well done, Frodo lad.' But to me it looked like Ian nodded to someone about a foot or so higher than Frodo, but you can’t have all of the scenes perfect.

We get more shots, and now we've included Gimli. No one knows where to start or what to say. Thankfully Boromir is there to break the ice, but then he starts talking about some dream that he had and seems to be already going over the Rauros without an oar or two. He reaches for the Ring. Elrond yells at him, and I'm sure that he was going to go into the Isildur story.

Luckily Gandalf shouts him down with some Black Speech.

The effect of Lord Sauron's words rendered in the native tongue causes havoc. The sky darkens. Gimli feels threatened and goes for his axe. The ground shakes. Elrond has a migraine, but this may have also been due to not being able to tell Boromir 'the story.' Is that why Elrond welcomed travelers, so that he would have fresh ears to beat? Is it clear to non-reader’s what Gandalf just said? And why did he raise his hand?

Gandalf stops, and sunlight returns to the council, and Boromir to his seat.

Elrond has something new to complain about.

Gandalf does not apologize, but his next words do not make sense. I would have thought that he would have said, "if you don't want to hear that 24/7, then we better do something about this Ring and its owner," not, "I’m not apologizing, and that Ring is altogether evil." Did you forget a line in between, O Grey Wanderer? I love that inscription upon the One Ring causes such an effect. Too bad I can’t get the same case of willies from (1) the Eye, (2) the Nazgul and (3) the One Ring. Oh, that’s right, it’s E-V-I-L. Ooo! Scary!

Boromir (by the by, I like Sean Bean's portrayal of the Steward’s heir) asks the sensible question that many in the audience might likewise be asking. He starts in to his 'you owe me and Gondor this boon' speech, and Aragorn is put out a bit. But why, as Strider is in self-imposed exile, there are no other Rangers as far as we know, and no one protects the Shire. The elves are leaving, and seemingly the Dwarves are miners with poor social skills. Aragorn asserts himself with more of the wizard's words - no one except for Frodo knows what the Ring does, and who knows to what it could be put? We simply know that it is EVIL.

Yep. Evil. Lars yes.

And what's that elf princeling saying? Clue to Legolas: Aragorn is in exile, is not a king or The King, and as I understand it not only has no title but also pays full rate at Barliman's. Leave Boromir alone! Or do all elves misunderstand humans so well?

Boromir is surprised that Aragorn is Isildur's heir? Like the name Aragorn means anything. It’s a little nonsensical for an elf to be telling a man that he owes his allegiance to some travel-stained stick-at-naught wanderer. And what was Boromir's problem when last he and Aragorn met in the shadow of Narsil? Here I too side with Boromir, as what does Aragorn have going for him except an elvish girlfriend and a good torch-throwing arm?

Gandalf echoes the words that he’d put in Aragorn’s mouth. We cannot use it because, um, it’s EVIL. You’ll lose all of your hair like that Gollum guy…but wasn’t there another Hobbit who used it time and again with seemingly little affect?

Elrond jumps in. We know what his suggestion would be, as he’s been singing the same song for nigh 3000 years now. Is there a reason that the elves cannot take the Ring and destroy it? Those of us reader know why, but did PJ make it clear why Elrond couldn’t do something besides point the way?

Gimli decides to act and pays for his haste. Nice way to visually and quickly show the Ring’s invincibility to the usual ways of unmaking such a thing.

Frodo is hurt somehow by Gimli’s attack, and so are we to believe that he is already linked to the Ring somehow?

Elrond explains the task at hand, and Boromir adds to our knowledge of Mordor. I love Sean Bean’s delivery of this information. He tells of the Black Gate, and you can see on his face that he has seen it and walked in its shadow. Legolas interjects, and I assume that he’s delusional, attacking Boromir for being a realist. Gimli in turn goes for the pointy-eared one. Hello! Boromir splashes yet more cold water on the Council, and suddenly it’s a free-for-all.

PJ uses well the reflections in the Ring to show that it is sowing the seeds of discord, that evil has enter Imladris, and what the fate of all will be if the Ring is recaptured. How much better this than the words of Saruman. Even Gandalf enters the fray, and has words with Boromir.

All will burn.

Frodo steps up and takes responsibility for the Ring’s demise. Gandalf’s heart breaks at Frodo’s words, hearing what he knew must be. The sight of this smallest person, taking on such a large burden and impossible task, ends the debate. Frodo accepts the quest, but in a way also asks for help. Gandalf joins him, and I’m glad of that. Aragorn utters the words that we could have heard in Bree, yet they are welcome here too. He pledges his sword to the task. The wink/nod between Elrond and Gandalf to me was unnecessary and lightens the scene. Let there be something solemn, PJ!

Legolas pledges his bow, and naturally we also get Gimli’s axe (assumedly not the one that he used on the Ring). Boromir’s pledge to me was the best, as he was against the destruction of the Ring, yet bows to the will of the Council and decides to help. Anyway. I see no duplicity, no “I’ll hang around for my chance to grab the Ring.” This honorable man accepts his duty, live or die. To me Boromir is much more heroic than Aragorn here.

Sam jumps in, just like in the book, and this actually makes Elrond happy. But that’s not enough mirth from moreMoreMORE Jackson. Next we have Merry and Pippin join in to add some slapstick. From Boromir to Pippin, the scene just slides down into Sillyland. We just couldn’t have that ‘hero’ moment last for more than a few seconds without spending a minute with Pip. Ugh.

As Elrond looks over these nine (why Nine, by the by?), Howard Shore’s score pumps up the blood with the hero theme.

The picture with the Nine Walkers (Standers here) creeps me out. Legolas especially. Though PJ got much of the size-scenes right, he lost me with this one. It almost looks photoshopped. And again, Legolas’s head seems to be on a fake body. And just why does everyone line up like a school class picture? Couldn’t they have surrounded Frodo, laying hand on him or something?

Cheese not just for the photographers.

Elrond is almost gushing as the scene wanes. Why so happy? Sending the Ring out into the Wild, and you’re not concerned when moments before you acted like the entire world was against Rivendell? Is it that you got your way and got Frodo to continue on with the Ring? Getting rid of Pip and the other ravenous hobbits might be the explanation for your smile, or is it that as soon as the Fellowship leaves your door you and the other elves plan to cut and run west? What a diversion, and the roads westward will be free of Sauron’s minions.

“Goodbye, Middle Earth, and thanks for all the fish.”

Pip closes out the first DVD. Naturally.

Note that I did not find the MTV Council of Elrond Easter Egg to be funny. This could be due to (1) I’m old and crabby or (2) it’s just not funny. I concede point #1.

The start of DVD EE #2 shows that at least some time has past. It’s darker now, and it appears that our fellowship is preparing for their perilous journey. We get to see Legolas traipse by, as who else would have a bow?

Next Aragorn cleans moss and leaves from his mother’s gravestone, she who gave Middle Earth hope. An oddly familiar stature, and I wonder what others see here.

We learn why Aragorn lives at Rivendell, as he is hunted by the Enemy. He denies yet again the Kingship (thrice perhaps?), and Elrond attempts to talk him into accepting his role in life. “I’m the happy Elrond now, and so why don’t you just forget all of that stuff that I said about Isildur and go off and be King already?” What a messed up guy Aragorn must be. Losing his parents, raised by pointy-eared foster father with a grudge, dating his foster parent’s daughter, one minute being told that Isildur is the lowest of the low, then suddenly asked why he does not follow the footsteps of his great ancestor?

I’m surprised that PJ didn’t make it more of a soap opera than it already is. Thankfully we move on.

PJ notes that Bilbo's Rivendell accommodations are actually a room built within a real world park. He stated that he wanted to capture a real indoor/outdoor feel for Rivendell. Bilbo's room, though elven, still has a warm earthy brown feel that surely appeals to the old hobbit. PJ also remarks on Bilbo's aged condition, and he states that without the Ring, Bilbo's aging process has "accelerated."

Gollum must live in Beverly 'botox' Hills. Still, he lost his hair...or not .

Bilbo unwraps Sting and gives it to Frodo. Glad to see that at least one hobbit blade will be as in the books. Frodo examines the spider bane, as do we, and it truly is a work of art, both in the story and as a prop in the movie. Bilbo gives more than just gifts to his nephew when he when the blade glows blue (unlike Glamdring ), it's time to jam.

The mithril coat comes next. Who better than Bilbo to sell a mithril coat, as he can unhyperbolically compare it to dragon's scales. As Frodo makes to add the shirt to his person, that Ring appears and yet again effects the hearts of those present, as it did in the Council.

Ian Holm plays the addict viewing an out-of-reach fix very well. Before he even reaches for Frodo, Frodo senses that something's amiss and removes the Ring from plain sight. Odd that, that he would deny his beloved Uncle a peek, but as the Ring will briefly show Bilbo to be a monster, we now see the effect of the Ring already on Frodo. It's mine!

A puppet is used for the change from Bilbo to the bad hobbit, and I thought that the effect was well done. Not sure if the whole world jumped at the scene, as the Directors speculate, but maybe we can comment on that too. Frodo sees a monster for his Uncle, and though the words of Elrond may have fallen flat, I now am convinced that this Ring must be destroyed if it causes such behavior between these two characters.

Strife between Gandalf and Bilbo, and now even between Bilbo and Frodo. The Ring, like many addictions, destroys the bearer's relationships to all but itself. You're mine!

Bilbo immediately recovers his senses, begins to cry and apologizes to Frodo - like Boromir will in turn do sometime soon. The old tired hobbit turns his back, not on Frodo perhaps, but on his claim to the Ring.

Frodo, recovering his senses too, closes the gap between he and his Uncle. There's that hand on the shoulder that we continually see. Though one might expect these two to face and hug, PJ has them (rightly so) stay as they are, as the Ring has placed them. They can still touch, still hold hands, yet the Ring will permit nothing more, and so Bilbo must turn his face from dear Frodo. Sometimes there is no going back.

It's goodbye for now, dear Bilbo.

But where are the rest of the nine, these Nine Walkers perhaps? Are they ready to go? When will they leave the calm of Rivendell for the Misty Mountains, and that which lies beyond?

[Boromir88]

Again this is another sequence I have mixed feelings about.

The Council of Elrond I thought was well cut down by Jackson. I'm not saying all that back-story, the dwarves tale, Legolas' tale of Gollum, Gandalf catching everyone up on Saruman, wasn't important in the books, but in the movie what this Council was called for was to discuss what the heck was to do with the Ring. So, Jackson cuts right to chase and eliminates the backstory, and for the film, I see this as perfectly logical and actually a good thing to do. We saw what happened between Gandalf and Saruman already, and there's not point in going into the other back stories. So, for the actual information we are given, this part of the Council was done well.

Some other good points is the archetypes that are created here, the whole archetypal "journey to discovery" are established here early at the Council. We see that Dwarves and Elves aren't on the best terms, and Gimli's little squabble with Legolas. We see the confrontation between Boromir and Aragorn..."Gondor has no King. Gondor needs no King." And finally, Aragorn's reluctancy in claiming the throne of Gondor. As Legolas goes on about him being the heir, I took Aragorn's "Sit down" as in he's hesitating on his decision and as of right now does not want to be the King. As the Fellowship progresses this "journey to discovery" starts taking place, as all these fellows relationships and feelings begin to change.

I get mixed feelings because (especially in TTT EE) it just seems like Elrond sends out a mass middle-earth telegram to everyone saying "Hey the Ring's in Rivendell, come and join in the discussion." I don't like this representation of what the Council was, and what the Council should have been. I think it should have been dealt in the same fashion, all these races have met together by chance just when the Ring arrived to Rivendell. It just seems to me that Elrond sent out telegrams to everyone to come and talk about the Ring.

The other thing is it's just a minor little quibble, and really doesn't effect how good, or bad the movie is, but I would have appreciated this scene a lot better. Ok, we have all these random people here, that play no further part in the movie, we have no idea where in the heck they are from, we don't even know who they are. What's their purpose? Seat fillers? It doesn't make sense to me. Also, of ALL the dwarves that Jackson threw into the Council, not one of them was credited as Gloin. This is minor, and doesn't get me fuming, but as a book-reader, it would have really made me appreciate this scene a lot better, seeing that Gloin is put into the Council (as he should have been) and not a bunch of random dwarves.

Just some other notes. I couldn't have put it out better myself alatar, as far as the scene between Bilbo and Frodo. Ian Holm does this perfectly, the tone of his voice and the way he speaks is just perfect for this part "I...sho-uld very much like...to hold it again...(quieter) one last time." As far as I know there's no "lunge" or "achhh" by Bilbo in the books, I think Frodo just says he "sees something in Bilbo's face," however I thought this was a nice little thing to tweek. Perhaps Bilbo is like the Gollum of the rest of the movies? Even though if he's lost the ring (well in Bilbo's case he willingly gave it up) he still desires it and that desire for the Ring will never be over until the Ring is destroyed.

But why, as Strider is in self-imposed exile, there are no other Rangers as far as we know, and no one protects the Shire.

While we have no knowledge of this (as movie-goers), prior knowledge from reading the books, and the Dunedain protecting the Shire...I think in the movies we do catch a hint that Gondor isn't the only one holding off Mordor...when Boromir says "...kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people, our your lands kept safe." Aragorn kind of squirms in his chair and rolls his eyes. I took this as a hint that Gondor isn't the only one, but that was because I had former knowledge of the Dunedain before watching the movie, I don't know if non-book readers would have caught this hint.

I do agree in that Sean Bean's performance (as well as I think Ian Mckellan again) was great in this scene. Bean definitely delivers a powerful performance when he gets up and starts talking. I just love the way he delivers his lines, especially when we get to Lothlorien, but I'll save that for another discussion.

Anyway. I see no duplicity, no “I’ll hang around for my chance to grab the Ring.” This honorable man accepts his duty, live or die. To me Boromir is much more heroic than Aragorn here.

I thought that too, until I saw TTT EE. I think TTT EE did a lot of good for what TTT regular version...messed up...but when we get to TTT EE, I think the little "talk" between Boromir and his dad contradicts and ruins Boromir's purpose for joining the Fellowship.

Also, one last thing is we see the heroism of Frodo yet again, and this is maybe one of the last times we see it. (Excluding when he decides to leave at the end of the movie). FOTR I thought did a good job of portraying Frodo's strength and heroism, when we progress it just seems like he's weak, can't do anything for himself, and Sam does everything for him. But, everyone starts bickering, arguing, tensions and angry words are rising, over what to do with the Ring and Frodo steps up to take it upon himself..."I will take it." The first time he says it, he seems intimidated. It's quiet, he's the only Hobbit amongst all these bigger, stronger people, then his voice rises above all the rest, and he strongly says..."I will take it." I love the queiting down, and Frodo whispering..."though I do not know the way." And then we get the Fellowship made. Anyway, I like Elijah Wood's and Frodo's portrayal in this part. What I find funny is that when all the arguing is going on, Elrond is just sitting in his chair having another migraine attack. I just kind of chuckle, it's his own Council and he's lost total control of it.

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Several brief comments

I liked the Council of Elrond overall, (especially the
MTV easter egg ) but it was irritating that
PJ and friends didn't put in the obvious (book)
quote by Elrond: "And I will put the nine walkers against
the nine riders." (exact quote may be off). He could even
have said "nazgul riders" (or horsemen) to make the
allusion obvious to nonbook viewers.

I believe Barliman says "He's one of them rangers",
indicating that even in PJ's movie there are rangers
ranging somewhere around Eriador.

And Sean Bean does make a sympathetic Boromir.
And exactly why is Leggy, and not Elrond,
correcting Boromir? (Oh, yeah, more screen time
for the blond elf).

It was an excellent touch putting in Gandalf giving
his Black Speech bit. As for Gloin, I just assumed he was
the dwarf next to Gimli. And let's be thankful
that Gimli wasn't tossed away from the Ring when he
tried to destroy it.

[mormegil]

The Council of Elrond was good at accomplishing its purpose, telling us what had to happen to the ring. It can be presumed that the others in attendance, knew of the ring and were brought up to speed prior to our arriving on this scene. If I remember correctly though the theatrical release made less sense. They didn't have Gandalf standing up speaking the black toungue and they cut out some of Boromir. So it seemed, if I remember, more like:

Elrond: Okay we have Isildur's bane
Boromir: Let's keep it and use it
Elrond/Gandalf/Aragorn: NO we can't
Gimli: Well I'll break it
Everybody: Who will take it and let's argue now.

Boromir was greatly added to in the EE and I greatly appreciate this. It helps to showcase Sean Bean and I apprecaite his acting in this scene. It's great to see the seed of lust and doubt already begin to sprout in his mind. After it was just spoken that we cannot use the ring and the issue should be final he again hits the point and doesn't give up on wanting it. We're already getting the idea that Boromir will fall in the end.

As for Aragorn renouncing his claim on the Kingdom, I ask again why? I just see no need for this departure from the book. It weakens Aragorn as a character and he seems overly riddles with holes of self-doubt. Now when he has to lead the company sans Gandalf I can see and agree with his self-doubt but at this stage and on this issue I disagree wholly. Aragorn always prepared for the day when he would take up the Kingship. I would rather see a confident, yet humble Aragorn which PJ and company did not portray well at all.

Ian Holmes gets an A+ for his acting here, especially after our little "Bilbo Monster" attempts to grab the ring and he feels so bad about what burden has been laid on Frodo. I feel his sincerity and sorrow for this. A rather well done role and perfectly casted, unlike Elrond who was cast horribly.

[Lathriel]

The moment Bilbo reaches for the ring certainly made me jump a couple of times.
I really like it when the red book of Westmarch is shown but then I love books in general.
I like the council the way it is, if it had been longer I think it would have weakened the movie. For me one of the strongest part is when the people begin to fight and it is reflected in the ring. Essentially this is what it is all about. All of them, even Sauron himself are tied to ring. Actually the Title of Lord of the Rings translated in Dutch is "In the Ban van de ring" which literally translated means "Under the influence of the ring" and I find this really fits the book since each character is affected by it.
At first I didn't like Merry and Pippin bursting into the council but I have gotten used to it and I just can't help smiling every time I hear Pippin say, "Where are we going?"
As for Elrond looking somewhat happier, its because he is thinking, "finally I got rid of this ring and I can go back to the west and leave those stupid humans behind."

[Elladan and Elrohir]

Wait, no! He's smiling because he's thinking, "You're going to get there to Mount Doom with him, Gandalf, and he's going to refuse to throw the Ring in. Then you'll sympathize with me."

Alatar, thanks for heading this up and starting these threads. I actually laughed out loud when I read your bits in this sequence and the previous one about Elrond and his story. I think it's good to start these threads with a light heart.

Boromir . . . what can I say? He's awesome. Of course, the knowledge from TTT EE that he's a secret agent sort of puts a damper on things, but he's still awesome. Sean Bean is spectacular in that role.

As an actor, Hugo Weaving is everything I've ever imagined Elrond to be. Obviously the script leaves a little to be desired. Physical appearance, voice, both awesome. Of course, I'm coming from the seemingly unique position of never having watched any of the Matrix movies, so I don't think "Agent Elrond" every time I see him.

I think the Council is good overall; it's cut down, but still gets the gist in there. PJ doesn't have an hour to spend educating moviegoers on the finer points of Ringlore, and he wouldn't even if he did. The most important thing about it is that Frodo's choice is left intact. This is one of the most powerful moments of the trilogy, even if Merry and Pippin do milk it for laughs.

Oh, and I love the brief look Legolas gives after Gimli says, "And my axe."

In Ian Holm's last real scene, he's awesome as usual. He totally captures the essence of Bilbo. Is it me, or is his rubber mask, and the shot of it, intentionally reminiscent of Gollum? It reminds me of the first Gollum scene from TTT, the shot where he puffs his cheeks while reaching for the Ring. Maybe someone could come up with a side-to-side comparison of those two shots?