What does Galadriel really look like? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lily · 06-26-2003, 02:53 PM

Now Galadriel in the movie to me looked to stif and creepy. She needed to be a bit more cheerful and just happy. In the movie the fellowship looked scared of her. In the book they were all just amazed and happy with her. But that's my opinion.

Sapphire_Flame · 06-26-2003, 03:31 PM

That's what I thought. Actually, in the Books, some of the Fellowship (Boromir, Gimli) was scared to go into Lothlorien, but mostly they were glad to go there.I do agree that she was portrayed a bit intensely in the movie. Actually (and this is kinda weird) I thought she should have been a bit like the Galadriel in the Bakshi animated LotR. Maybe a mix of the two.....Oh, and BTW, Welcome to the Barrow-Downs, Lily! Enjoy being dead.

HCIsland · 06-26-2003, 08:37 PM

I liked her. She had an edge that I think was appropriate for the mirror scene. Since that was her main scene in the theatrical FotR it skewed her personality that way. Once the gift giving scene was included in the special edition, her character was more balanced.Galadriel isn't all smiles and sunshine. Ego and pride were a large part of her personality as well. She was greatly tempted by the Ring and if it had come to her earlier in her life, I think she stood a good chance of taking it.H.C.

Finwe · 06-26-2003, 08:57 PM

I don't know what everyone's big problem with the movie Galadriel is. I loved her! She was mysterious, beautiful, hallowed, and arrogant (like all the other Noldor!). I think that Cate Blanchett played her beautifully!

Meela · 06-27-2003, 06:05 AM

Cate Blanchett played Galadriel beautifully. I had no complaints. She was both frighteningly powerful as well as beautiful and mysterious. I would have said she was the ideal Galadriel, and there was no fault with her performance.

drigel · 06-27-2003, 10:34 AM

The portrayal was good - I didnt like the radioactive special effects no no no ! all wrong

Daisy Brambleburr · 06-29-2003, 04:18 AM

In the Bakshi version Galadriel reminded me of Mary Poppins for some odd reason. I have no problem with Cate's portrayal. I think she was a good Galadriel. But the radioactive-woman special effects could have been toned down a little. I think that scene could have been more effective if it had been done subtly.

Tinuviel the Nightingale · 06-29-2003, 05:21 AM

In the book, Galadriel came across as wise, powerful, noble and had a dark side which was veiled. Cate Blanchett did a good job of making that visible on-screen. It was exactly how I hoped that Galadriel would be.However, in the book, Galadriel did appear cheerful sometimes. But I think that there was just not enough time to portray all the parts of her persona. If they had more time, it's certain that they would have included more of her merrier qualities instead of just the sombre ones.

Burzdol · 07-01-2003, 08:19 PM

I agree with HCIsland somewhat. I liked Galadriel's "edge", but she could have been a little cheerful. That's just my opinion.Burzdol

Lasgalen · 07-02-2003, 04:24 AM

Galadriel has gone through a lot and has a weariness with Middle-earth. Cate was able to capture the look of weariness. I don't think she should be more cheerful, as that was not her nature.

Tarien Ithil · 07-02-2003, 11:47 AM

I don't know.....I would have imagined Galadriel as less 'freaky', although she was mysterious enough. When I read the books, I had a slightly different perception.

Darby · 07-02-2003, 01:42 PM

It's a funny thing - I know Cate Blanchett wasn't at all how I imagined Galadriel being, but now I can't remember how I *did* imagine her in the first place. Cate Blanchett's Galadriel has taken over somehow. The only part that bothers me at all is that radioactive bit, and I think I'm even starting to like that!

Eldawen of Lorien · 07-15-2003, 07:57 PM

I liked Galadriel in the movie except for the mirror scene. In the books it said that she became more beautiful and at the same time terrible and almost worshipful when the Ring was offered to her. They did the best they could do with that part but they didn't need to make her go all green and stuff. That's just my opinion though.

The Only Real Estel · 07-15-2003, 08:10 PM

Put it this way: I didn't think Galadriel's looks were all they were cracked up to be. Merry's gaping like he's just seen a giant mushroom, & then they FINALLY show us her face, & you're kinda thinkin', "That's all!?" Obviously they're not going to bring in some 20 year-old rapper would make anyones mouth gape( ), but it just seemed like they could've do better, that's all. I will say that sometimes she did look better than others, but I didn't think she was all that mouth-gapeing, jaw-dropping, wide-eyed, eye-popping great. I know at least a hundred other people that follow that same train of thought as well... [ July 15, 2003: Message edited by: The Only Real Estel ]

ESTEN · 07-16-2003, 12:13 PM

One thing to remember about Galadriel is that she had a reputation to live up to both in the way she looked and acted. I think they did a good jod with her looks, she was suppossed to look good, but also be intemadating. I think she fitted the part very well

Niluial · 07-16-2003, 05:17 PM

I enjoyed Galadriel in the movie… it was the way I pictured her in my head but each has their own opinion! But Merry, Pippin and Frodo were the people I thought were not right. Don’t get me wrong I love Merry and Pippin but they seemed almost… dumb (unintelligent dumb) in the movie. In the book they come across as clever serious but funny… I don’t know if it is only me who thinks that!And I am sorry but Frodo was just all wrong… what a wimp in the movie… this is where I shut up!~Niluial

Lily · 07-16-2003, 05:27 PM

Niluial! Don't worry your not alone! I thought that Merry and Pippin (especially Merry) should have been smarter too!

The Only Real Estel · 07-16-2003, 07:13 PM

Especially Merry should've been smarter too? It's just my single solitary opinion, but it seems to me that Pippin is the one that doesn't even know to look over his LEFT shoulder when he's hit on the LEFT side of his head by a Strider-thrown-apple! I think PJ just converted Pippin into a stand-up comedian.

Nehani · 07-16-2003, 11:15 PM

I know that in the books, Merry and Pippin are both a lot smarter than they were in the movie. But to hold the audiences attention, the movies needed comedy. Merry and Pippin were the comedy.

Kaiserin · 07-17-2003, 04:26 AM

I thought we were discussing about Galadriel? Anyway, Blanchett as Galadriel wasn't that cold, at least; she actually "sweetened up" at the gift-giving part. The movie-Galadriel did have that bit of mystery and a bit of being graceful, with a hint of pride, probably - which I imagined the book-Galadriel to have. I just thought of her as being a bit more... well, down-to-earth; not too untouchable (I agree - That "neon freakout scene" by the mirror was a bit too intense). I guess she was just portrayed as such to communicate, "Behold! She is the great sorceress of the Golden Wood!" - or something to that effect. As far as physical characteristics are concerned, Cate Blanchett fit the part, though I think someone with more delicate features could have been casted.

Lyta_Underhill · 07-19-2003, 11:40 PM

I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to Elves, or anyone! Cate was beautiful enough, but also imposing enough to be the same Galadriel who is daughter of Finarfin and who made the perilous crossing of the Helcaraxë with the host of Fingolfin, named the greatest of the Elves after Fëanor. Making her "creepy" sort of obliquely shows this power of history within her, I suppose. Also exposes her Noldorin tendencies toward active pursuits, her desire for a realm of her own, etc. Not all this could be shown explicitly, so I guess the creepy thing showed her to be beyond the norm as Elves go, anyway!I must say the extended FOTR really increases her beauty and appeal for me, though. She has a radiant smile, and she really embodies hope and love when she is gift-giving at the end of the Fellowship's stay in Lothlorien. The one who really suffers from the cuts in the theatrical version though, is Celeborn! Everyone thinks he's boring and he only says one thing! He comes off as a figurehead in the short version. He is much more aware and much more a keen observer and ruler of his realm in the extended version, though. Also nice to look at! Great intense eyes! Cheers, Lyta

06-26-2003, 02:53 PM	#1
Lily Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Wouldn't you like to know!! Posts: 72	What does Galadriel really look like? Now Galadriel in the movie to me looked to stif and creepy. She needed to be a bit more cheerful and just happy. In the movie the fellowship looked scared of her. In the book they were all just amazed and happy with her. But that's my opinion.

06-26-2003, 03:31 PM	#2
Sapphire_Flame Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: The World That Never Was Posts: 1,232	That's what I thought. Actually, in the Books, some of the Fellowship (Boromir, Gimli) was scared to go into Lothlorien, but mostly they were glad to go there.<P>I do agree that she was portrayed a bit intensely in the movie. Actually (and this is kinda weird) I thought she should have been a bit like the Galadriel in the Bakshi animated LotR. Maybe a mix of the two.....<P>Oh, and BTW, Welcome to the Barrow-Downs, Lily! Enjoy being dead. __________________ The Hitchhiking Ghost

06-26-2003, 08:37 PM	#3
HCIsland Zombie Cannibal Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,000	I liked her. She had an edge that I think was appropriate for the mirror scene. Since that was her main scene in the theatrical FotR it skewed her personality that way. Once the gift giving scene was included in the special edition, her character was more balanced.<P>Galadriel isn't all smiles and sunshine. Ego and pride were a large part of her personality as well. She was greatly tempted by the Ring and if it had come to her earlier in her life, I think she stood a good chance of taking it.<P>H.C. __________________ "Stir not the bitterness in the cup that I mixed myself. Have I not tasted it now many nights upon my tongue, foreboding that worse yet lay in the dregs." -Denethor

06-26-2003, 08:57 PM	#4
Finwe Deathless Sun Join Date: May 2003 Location: The Royal Suite in the Halls of Mandos Posts: 2,609	I don't know what everyone's big problem with the movie Galadriel is. I loved her! She was mysterious, beautiful, hallowed, and arrogant (like all the other Noldor!). I think that Cate Blanchett played her beautifully! __________________ But Melkor also was there, and he came to the house of Fëanor, and there he slew Finwë King of the Noldor before his doors, and spilled the first blood in the Blessed Realm; for Finwë alone had not fled from the horror of the Dark.

06-27-2003, 06:05 AM	#5
Meela Denethor's True Love Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mirkwood. With Thranduil... swoon Posts: 2,049	Cate Blanchett played Galadriel beautifully. I had no complaints.<BR>She was both frighteningly powerful as well as beautiful and mysterious. I would have said she was the ideal Galadriel, and there was no fault with her performance. __________________ 'The Hobbit' 1st impressions: 1. Thorin is hot... Oh god, I fancy a dwarf. 2. Thranduil is hotter. 3. Is that... Figwit! 4. Does Elijah Wood never age? 2nd: It's all about Fili & Kili, really. 3rd: BARD! OMG, Bard.

06-27-2003, 10:34 AM	#6
drigel Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: commonplace city Posts: 518	The portrayal was good - I didnt like the radioactive special effects no no no !<BR>all wrong

06-29-2003, 04:18 AM	#7
Daisy Brambleburr Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 334	In the Bakshi version Galadriel reminded me of Mary Poppins for some odd reason. <BR>I have no problem with Cate's portrayal. I think she was a good Galadriel. But the radioactive-woman special effects could have been toned down a little. I think that scene could have been more effective if it had been done subtly. __________________ 'What news from the South, O sighing wind, do you bring to me at eve? Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve.'

06-29-2003, 05:21 AM	#8
Tinuviel the Nightingale Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Splashing around in Galadriel's Mirror Posts: 299	In the book, Galadriel came across as wise, powerful, noble and had a dark side which was veiled. Cate Blanchett did a good job of making that visible on-screen. It was exactly how I hoped that Galadriel would be.<P>However, in the book, Galadriel did appear cheerful sometimes. But I think that there was just not enough time to portray all the parts of her persona. If they had more time, it's certain that they would have included more of her merrier qualities instead of just the sombre ones. __________________ I am no longer Saruman the White... I am Saruman THE BRINGER OF ALL THINGS FLUFFY AND SPECIAL! Join Legends of Middle Earth!

07-01-2003, 08:19 PM	#9
Burzdol Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Fair City of Rivendell Posts: 274	I agree with HCIsland somewhat. I liked Galadriel's "edge", but she could have been a little cheerful. That's just my opinion.<P>Burzdol __________________ "Kill them all for all I care. You just keep that bow away from me!"

07-02-2003, 04:24 AM	#10
Lasgalen Wight Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 101	Galadriel has gone through a lot and has a weariness with Middle-earth. Cate was able to capture the look of weariness. I don't think she should be more cheerful, as that was not her nature. __________________ When you're riding in a time machine way far into the future, don't stick your elbow out the window, or it'll turn into a fossil.

07-02-2003, 11:47 AM	#11
Tarien Ithil Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: In the Shade of a Tree Posts: 253	I don't know.....I would have imagined Galadriel as less 'freaky', although she was mysterious enough. <BR>When I read the books, I had a slightly different perception. __________________ “The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and those who are going to read them.” – Sunday Times Crickhollow

07-02-2003, 01:42 PM	#12
Darby Animated Skeleton Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: The land of ice and snow. Posts: 32	It's a funny thing - I know Cate Blanchett wasn't at all how I imagined Galadriel being, but now I can't remember how I did imagine her in the first place.<BR>Cate Blanchett's Galadriel has taken over somehow. The only part that bothers me at all is that radioactive bit, and I think I'm even starting to like that! __________________ My favorite scene that never made it into the movie: "By Elbereth and Luthien the fair," said Frodo with a last effort, lifting up his sword, "You shall have neither the Ring nor me!"

07-15-2003, 07:57 PM	#13
Eldawen of Lorien Pile O'Bones Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Lothlorien Posts: 24	I liked Galadriel in the movie except for the mirror scene. In the books it said that she became more beautiful and at the same time terrible and almost worshipful when the Ring was offered to her. They did the best they could do with that part but they didn't need to make her go all green and stuff. That's just my opinion though.

07-15-2003, 08:10 PM	#14
The Only Real Estel Raffish Rapscallion Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Far from the 'Downs, it seems :-( Posts: 2,835	Put it this way: I didn't think Galadriel's looks were all they were cracked up to be. Merry's gaping like he's just seen a giant mushroom, & then they FINALLY show us her face, & you're kinda thinkin', "That's all!?" Obviously they're not going to bring in some 20 year-old rapper would make anyones mouth gape( ), but it just seemed like they could've do better, that's all. I will say that sometimes she did look better than others, but I didn't think she was all that mouth-gapeing, jaw-dropping, wide-eyed, eye-popping great. I know at least a hundred other people that follow that same train of thought as well... <p>[ July 15, 2003: Message edited by: The Only Real Estel ]

07-16-2003, 12:13 PM	#15
ESTEN Animated Skeleton Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Down the Rabbit hole Posts: 36	One thing to remember about Galadriel is that she had a reputation to live up to both in the way she looked and acted. I think they did a good jod with her looks, she was suppossed to look good, but also be intemadating. I think she fitted the part very well

07-16-2003, 05:17 PM	#16
Niluial Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: In the darkness of white Posts: 601	I enjoyed Galadriel in the movie… it was the way I pictured her in my head but each has their own opinion! <P>But Merry, Pippin and Frodo were the people I thought were not right. Don’t get me wrong I love Merry and Pippin but they seemed almost… dumb (unintelligent dumb) in the movie. In the book they come across as clever serious but funny… I don’t know if it is only me who thinks that!<P>And I am sorry but Frodo was just all wrong… what a wimp in the movie… this is where I shut up!<P>~Niluial __________________ Life is not about how many breaths you take but about how many times it leaves you breathless. My rants, moans and groans in other words my Blog My Magical Site

07-16-2003, 05:27 PM	#17
Lily Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Wouldn't you like to know!! Posts: 72	Niluial! Don't worry your not alone! I thought that Merry and Pippin (especially Merry) should have been smarter too!

07-16-2003, 07:13 PM	#18
The Only Real Estel Raffish Rapscallion Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Far from the 'Downs, it seems :-( Posts: 2,835	Especially Merry should've been smarter too? It's just my single solitary opinion, but it seems to me that Pippin is the one that doesn't even know to look over his LEFT shoulder when he's hit on the LEFT side of his head by a Strider-thrown-apple! I think PJ just converted Pippin into a stand-up comedian.

07-16-2003, 11:15 PM	#19
Nehani Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Mirkwood (or something like it) Posts: 80	I know that in the books, Merry and Pippin are both a lot smarter than they were in the movie. But to hold the audiences attention, the movies needed comedy. Merry and Pippin were the comedy. __________________ "Been A Long Road To Follow, Been There And Gone Tomorrow Without Saying Goodbye To Yesterday..." "The Way Is Closed. It Was Made By Those Who are Dead. The Way is Closed."

07-17-2003, 04:26 AM	#20
Kaiserin Wight Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cair Paravel Posts: 150	I thought we were discussing about Galadriel? <BR>Anyway, Blanchett as Galadriel wasn't that cold, at least; she actually "sweetened up" at the gift-giving part. <BR>The movie-Galadriel did have that bit of mystery and a bit of being graceful, with a hint of pride, probably - which I imagined the book-Galadriel to have. I just thought of her as being a bit more... well, down-to-earth; not too untouchable (I agree - That "neon freakout scene" by the mirror was a bit too intense). I guess she was just portrayed as such to communicate, "Behold! She is the great sorceress of the Golden Wood!" - or something to that effect. <BR>As far as physical characteristics are concerned, Cate Blanchett fit the part, though I think someone with more delicate features could have been casted. __________________ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

07-19-2003, 11:40 PM	#21
Lyta_Underhill Haunted Halfling Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: an uncounted length of steps--floating between air molecules Posts: 841	I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to Elves, or anyone! Cate was beautiful enough, but also imposing enough to be the same Galadriel who is daughter of Finarfin and who made the perilous crossing of the Helcaraxë with the host of Fingolfin, named the greatest of the Elves after Fëanor. Making her "creepy" sort of obliquely shows this power of history within her, I suppose. Also exposes her Noldorin tendencies toward active pursuits, her desire for a realm of her own, etc. Not all this could be shown explicitly, so I guess the creepy thing showed her to be beyond the norm as Elves go, anyway!<P>I must say the extended FOTR really increases her beauty and appeal for me, though. She has a radiant smile, and she really embodies hope and love when she is gift-giving at the end of the Fellowship's stay in Lothlorien. The one who really suffers from the cuts in the theatrical version though, is Celeborn! Everyone thinks he's boring and he only says one thing! He comes off as a figurehead in the short version. He is much more aware and much more a keen observer and ruler of his realm in the extended version, though. Also nice to look at! Great intense eyes! <P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta __________________ “…she laid herself to rest upon Cerin Amroth; and there is her green grave, until the world is changed, and all the days of her life are utterly forgotten by men that come after, and elanor and niphredil bloom no more east of the Sea.”