Silmarillion movie

[Meela]

Aidan Gillen.

[Meneltarmacil]

The whole "Silmarillion" wouldn't work as one movie there'd be too many seperate storylines. It would work pretty well if they'd split it up into a lot of shorter movies (one about Beren and Luthien, one about Earendil, etc.)

[Burzdol]

How many movies do you think it would have to be?<P>Burzdol

[Finwe]

Does it have to be a movie at all? It would make a far better TV show/series.

[Orominuialwen]

I think turning it into a TV show/series would totally ruin the Silmarillion, but it's a good idea to split it into several movies. All I know is that I'm gonna round up some of my Tolkien-loving friends and we'll make our own movie. Coming to a theater near you...

[Neferchoirwen]

How about a miniseries?<BR>It's way too much of an epic to be put on film.<P>I think it'll be cool if the different Valar would be cast from different races. Just an idea...

[Beren87]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Only Beren could play Beren<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Of course.<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Yes, but what if the camera didn't flatter him? Hmmm? What then?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Pish..

[Everdawn]

I think they should make Feanor's story as a movie though. I reckon that would be great, no i really really want them to make a movie about Feanor.

[Oddwen]

The only actor I know of named Aidan would be Aidan Quinn.<P>Joaquin Phoenix as Sauron? Wow, I'd have to agree with you there. In fact, I'd have to say whenever I read the Sil I'll be thinking of him in that role.<P>Anyone else think that Craig Parker (Haldir) seemed more of a Feanor? He didn't set right in FotR or TTT to me. Too much inner fire, if that's the way to describe it.<P>Sean Connery strikes me as a king of Numenor. Maybe Tar Palantir?<P>I'd put forth Stuart Townsend as maybe Maedhros or Maglor.<P>Charlie Sheen as Ar Pharazon. (Wierd choice?)<P>Nicolas Cage as Elros.<P>Heather Graham as Tar Miriel? <P>But no, the Sil will never be made into a movie. Too much information, and if anyone tried, it'd be too novelized.<P>However, I lay claim to Elbereth (ha ha!) if anyone's casting. <P>Hey, I was wondering, isn't Haleth a girl's name? As in Haleth [i]son[/] of Hama? It was a name of a girl in the Sil.

[Gwaihir the Windlord]

She wasn't particularly feminine, , but you're right, Haleth was a woman.<P>Nah, the sil could never be a movie. Movies have to be simplified when they're taken from books -- look at LoTR, which didn't just get simplified but warped as well -- and the Sil is in its very essence complicated.<BR>Anyway, you can't cast mere humans to play Valar and non-Istari Maiar, and the Calaquendi. Think how <I>bad</I> it would all look. No, I don't think it should be attempted, although it may well be as they seem to be making movies of everything these days. Too many movies...

[StarJewel]

The only real problem with making the Silm into movies/TV series is that its not as well known as LotR. Complex storylines aside, fewer people would go to see it simply cuz they dont know what the heck it is. And I would hate to see a book as great as the Silm messed up. <BR>As for the characters, Beren should <B>should</B> play Beren. Just cuz it would be right.<BR>Maedhros could be whoever played Elladan in FotR.<BR>Maybe Claire Danes for Luthien?<BR>And for some truly strange reason, I picture Beleg Cuthalion looking like Legolas. I dont know why, or where that mental image came from. So, Orlando Bloom all the way.

[Everdawn]

I have to say this... But Nicole Kidman has both the poise and beauty to become a Valar.

[Noldorin King]

I would like to see Christian Bale as Fingolfin and Nicole Kidman as Elbereth. But we will have difficulty finding actors fit for the roles of the princes of the house of Finarfin cause they're too fair for real people.

[Noldorin King]

I want Christian Bale to play Fingolfin and Nicole Kidman as Elbereth but i think we will difficulty in finding actors fit for the role of the sons of Finarfin because these princes are too fair to be portrayed by mortal men.hehehe.anyway, Liv got Arwen's role, ryt? That would make it easier

[Noldorin King]

Silmarillion would be a big project, we would need many extras. i think filmmakers should focus on Nirnaeth and the last battle led by Earendil. And also Feanor because he started all these but they should REALLY follow the plot this time and cut off the sloppy love plot among characters.hehehe.but i did like the piece on Finduilas andf Turin

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>No, I don't think it should be attempted, although it may well be as they seem to be making movies of everything these days. Too many movies...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I agree. I really, <I>really</I> don't want to see the Silmarillion as a movie, show, or miniseries. I wouldn't trust anyone short of Tolkien himself in doing something like that. Maybe (and I stress maybe), if Christopher Tolkien had a major voice in the production, it would be a good miniseries, but it seems highly unlikely that he would want to do that (and I certainly don't blame him).<P>Of course, that doesn't mean it's not fun to talk about possible castings. <P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Sean Connery strikes me as a king of Numenor. Maybe Tar Palantir?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Ooh, I didn't think about that... yes, he definitely has the presence to be a Númenorian king.<p>[ July 11, 2003: Message edited by: Estella Brandybuck ]

[Meela]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Sean Connery strikes me as a king of Numenor. Maybe Tar Palantir? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I don't have a clear image of what an actual Numenorean king is like, but Sean Connery could certainly pass as a king. He does an excellent turn as King Arthur in First Knight.<P>And speaking of First Knight: Julia Ormond who plays Guinevere has too much spirit in that movie, but otherwise is the perfect Finduilas of Dol Amroth.

[Noldorin King]

Er, let's give it a rest, guys. Tolkien had much greater world than the extent of Rowling's Wizarding world but i do think she's a very humorous writer that's why i love her works, as for the 'stolen plot', well spotted. i reckon she borrowed some of Tolkien's ideas but hers are of course somewhat altered in a way that tolkien-Rowling readers won't take much notice. that's why she had house-elves instead of High elves, Gnomes instead of Noldorin elves and soul sucking dementors instead of Ringwraiths.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

I think that post is on the wrong thread.<P>Who would voice the dragons? Especially Glaurung? He would have to have this evil voice, the kind that makes you shiver in your bed and have nightmares...

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Who would voice the dragons? Especially Glaurung? He would have to have this evil voice, the kind that makes you shiver in your bed and have nightmares...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Easy! Joan Rivers.<P> <P>But actually, I think Christopher Lee would be good for a dragon's voice. He's just got one of those voices that can really blow you away. Or perhaps James Earl Jones - he's also got one of those powerful voices.<P>Maybe someone who voiced some of the more creepy Disney villians would do well in that area... Jeremy Irons (Scar from the Lion King), or whoever did the voice of Frollo in the Hunchback of Notre Dame...

[the phantom]

Check out this thread- <A HREF="http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001728" TARGET=_blank>http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=4&t=001728</A> <BR>It's pretty much the same subject.<P>I also mentioned Joquin Phoenix in that thread, but I nominated him to play Feanor, not Sauron. That's always what I imagined Feanor looking like.<P>And don't feel bad Estella, I remember posting on a thread one time and nominating Natalie Portman to play Luthien. Just like you said, she was the prettiest actress I could think of off the top of my head.<P>And I think it would be best if they would just make a movie out of one story, like one centered on Feanor beginning with his birth and ending with his death.<P>The story that would work the best, I think, would be the story of the children of Hurin. It could start off with a bang at the Battle of Unumbered Tears, and end with Turin's death. Here's a quote from one of my buddies, Lord of Dor-Lomin, (it's on the thread I gave a link to) about turning Turin's story into a movie.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Right on, Tealdude3, Turin's story seems to be the one with the most groundwork provided. Not only that, but I think it's the best, most dramatic story. If it was well written and directed, people would be crying through the whole movie. Can you get any more action and emotion anywhere else?<BR>to illustrate, here's the basic movie outline:<P>(little sis dies, daddy captured, has to leave mommy, kills some bad guys, wrongfully accused, kills some bad guys, does bad things and feels bad, kills some more bad guys, mistakenly kills best friend, kills a bunch more bad guys, goes back home and mom is gone, kills a few more bad guys, loses Finduilas, kills some bad guys, marries sister, kills big dragon, siter/wife kills herself, he kills himself)<P>The whole story is either extreme action or extreme emotion! With the right director, I honestly believe it would be a huge hit.<P>Unfortunately, I have no clue who should play Turin. He would have to have a young pretty face, and also be tall, because it said that most people looking at Turin figured he was an elf from one of the great houses. And obviously, he'd have to be strong and athletic to make him believable as a great warrior.<P>I have a couple friends who could play a couple parts. My friend Angela is tall (6'2"), blonde, and really hot, and she'd make a great Nienor (and she's done acting before, as well as advertising). And I have a buddy, he's known round here as the phantom, that would make a great Hurin (and, of course, you'd want to show Hurin's last stand even though the movie's primarily about Turin). <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I think I'd make an excellent Hurin. I'm a bit shorter than average, I have blonde hair, I joke a lot, I'm very loyal, I never say die, and I have an endless store of energy (now that I'm running again anyway).<P>And yeah, James Earl Jones's voice would be great, no matter what part he would be playing.<p>[ August 25, 2003: Message edited by: the phantom ]

I would have to agree with Estella Brandybuck that the only way The Silmarillion could be made into a film is in a mini-series. It would have to be on a cable channel though because of the commercials on the major networks. It could later be released in a box set (ie. Band of Brothers)<BR>As for who should be in the series, I would want newer up and coming actors not Hollywood movie stars. I'm sure I'm not the only one who didn't think Liv Tyler as Arwen was a good choice. <BR>Most of the attention in the mini-series would have to be placed on the stories of the House of Hador which would include Turin and his cousin Tuor. This could problably be done in one two hour episode because their stories intertwine even though they were not aware of it. It would set up the story of Numenor also because of Elros Tar-Minyatur (first King) being the grand-son of Tuor.<BR>This could follow an episode of The Lay of Leithian to show how the Dunedain are descended from both of these houses. Elwing daughter of Doriath who was the son of Beren and Luthien was the mother of Elros.<BR>The later parts would have to show how Middle-Earth after the drowning of Beleriand was settled and eventually the creation of the Rings of Power in full.<BR>I think a mini-series based on The Silmarillion could be done today and not twenty years from now. We have the technology as was shown in Peter Jackson's films. I hope someone out undertakes this epic project in the near future.

[Elen Ilúvitauri]

Joaquin Phoenix as Feanor? Talk about eye candy! no i think you are quite right, he has the evil demenor that could be used successfully to create Feanor.

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>And don't feel bad Estella, I remember posting on a thread one time and nominating Natalie Portman to play Luthien. Just like you said, she was the prettiest actress I could think of off the top of my head.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Thanks, it's nice to know I'm not alone in the world. <P>And I agree with what your friend said here:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The whole story is either extreme action or extreme emotion! With the right director, I honestly believe it would be a huge hit.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Though I would still prefer the Silmarillion to remain unfilmed, I suppose if the right director could be found, then the story of Húrin and his family would make for fantastic cinema.<P>Quick question... did Túrin have blond hair? <B>phantom</B>, you mentioned being able to play Húrin, and that you have blond hair... I don't know, maybe I missed something in the Sil (which is very likely - I read waaaay too fast), but I'd always pictured Túrin as having dark hair.<P>Well, if Túrin's a blond, I really don't know who (out of Hollywood, that is) would be fit to play him. If he was dark haired, however, then I still think that David Boreanez would be perfect for the role, and anyone who's seen him play the vampire Angel knows why. He's just got that dark, almost foreboding aura, and yet he's not someone who you can see as being truly <I>evil</I>.<P>Joaquin Phoenix as Fëanor? Never considered that one... but yes, I can see it. At first I wasn't sure about him playing an elf, but he does seem to have a sort of regal air about him.<p>[ July 14, 2003: Message edited by: Estella Brandybuck ]

[Meneltarmacil]

I really don't know, but if it was a miniseries, there should be one movie for each "Of so-and-so" story.<P>James Earl Jones should do the voice of Glaurung or Morgoth. Who could forget him as the voice of Darth Vader?

[Brinniel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Quick question... did Túrin have blond hair? phantom, you mentioned being able to play Húrin, and that you have blond hair... I don't know, maybe I missed something in the Sil (which is very likely - I read waaaay too fast), but I'd always pictured Túrin as having dark hair.<BR><HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>He did have dark hair, as proved in the following quote from The Silmarillion:<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>...and he was in truth the son of Morwen Eledhwen to look upon: dark-haired and pale-skinned, with grey eyes, and his face more beautiful than any other among mortal Men, in the Elder Days. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>When I first read The Silmarillion, I remember thinking that Turin had blonde hair until I came across that passage. It was then my mental image of him completely changed. <P>As for actors, how about....Johnny Depp? Somehow I can see him playing that role, though perhaps his looks are a little too weathered for Turin.

[Finwe]

He is a bit too weathered to play Turin. I know I'm going to get yelled at, but what about Orlando Bloom as Tuor? He looks great as a brunet and as a blond, and he also has a sort of Elvish demeanor.

[the phantom]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Quick question... did Túrin have blond hair? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Nope. His father, Hurin, was blonde. Everyone in the house of Hador was blonde for the most part. Turin on the other hand got his hair and eyes from his mother, Morwen, of the house of Beor.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I still think that David Boreanez would be perfect for the role, and anyone who's seen him play the vampire Angel knows why <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I'm still having a terrible time putting a face on Turin, but I think Mr Boreanez would work as well as anybody I can think of. Good call. (Angel is a great show, eh?)<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I know I'm going to get yelled at, but what about Orlando Bloom as Tuor? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>(Yells at Finwe)<P>Just kidding. Maybe it'd work, I don't know. Tuor is one character that I've never really connected with or drawn a bead on his personality and appearance.<P>What I mean is, I'm pretty indifferent to Tuor, therefore I'm pretty indifferent to the choice of actor.

[Neferchoirwen]

Hey I also voted for the miniseries! <P>Nicole Kidman as a Valar? I really find her beautiful, but I think she has features too strong. How about Asian Valar? Try to make them multi-racial.

[Lyta_Underhill]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>He (Depp)is a bit too weathered to play Turin. I know I'm going to get yelled at, but what about Orlando Bloom as Tuor? He looks great as a brunet and as a blond, and he also has a sort of Elvish demeanor.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I must be smitten, because I never think of Johnny Depp as too weathered for anything! :P I've been in love with him since Edward Scissorhands, long ago! And, as for Orlando Bloom, for some reason, I seem to visualize him as Glorfindel! I'm not sure who would make the best Turin, but I wouldn't rule Depp out of it because of weathering! Also, how about Kate Winslet as Melian the Maia? Joaquin Phoenix as Fëanor is interesting, and perhaps apt; I cannot seem to think of anyone else at all right now to challenge that one with!<P>As for me, I'd have to be Nerdanel (the only red-haired female elf I know of), but what a home life she must have had with Fëanor and 7 kids! Aaaaagh! I'd like to see someone parody that! Life with Fëanor! Fred MacMurray as Fëanor...My Seven Sons...OK, I'm getting REALLY silly now, so I'll end now!<P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta<P>P.S. <BR>Fëanor: Honey, I'm home!<BR>Nerdanel: How was your day?<BR>Fëanor: Awful! Morgoth killed my father and stole the Silmarils! <BR>Nerdanel: Oh, that's awful, dear! Want some dinner?<BR>Fëanor: No, honey. I'm taking the boys on a trip to Middle Earth!<BR>[insert sound of sons yelling for joy]<BR>Nerdanel: But how will we afford it?<BR>Fëanor: I'm quitting my job and taking early retirement. Oh, and I've got my eye on some nice Telerian ships.<BR>Nerdanel: Oooh! I don't think we can do that on our tight budget! We've got 7 kids to feed, you know!<BR>Fëanor: You leave that to me. I'm leaving in two weeks.<BR>Nerdanel: But honey, Amrod and Amras are still in school! Can they take their homework with them and do it on the boat?<BR>Fëanor (sly grin): But of course!<P>Forgive my utter silliness! Fëanor tickles my funnybone sometimes!

[Brinniel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I'm not sure who would make the best Turin, but I wouldn't rule Depp out of it because of weathering! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Indeed. Johnny is actually quite good looking for being forty. I suggested him not because of his looks, but because I know he has the personality for the role of Turin. As for his weathered look that I mentioned, that can be covered with makeup.<P>Also, I know I mentioned this somewhere before, but how about Heath Ledger as a possibility for Turin? At first I was unsure about him in that role, but now I think he might not be so bad.

[the phantom]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> but how about Heath Ledger as a possibility for Turin? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Isn't Heath a blonde? I think I've only seen him as a blonde, so I'm having trouble seeing him as Turin.<P>John Depp as Turin? Too old (for me anyway). So much of his story takes place while he's in his upper teens and early twenties. Turin needs to have a young, handsome face.<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> And, as for Orlando Bloom, for some reason, I seem to visualize him as Glorfindel! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Well, Glorfindel is a blonde elf, so your visualization probably isn't too bad. (I imagine Glorfindel as being a shade bigger and stronger though)<P>I don't really want to see the Valar. The beautiful way they're described would be impossible to duplicate. I would hate putting a face on the Valar. It would be just as difficult as putting a face on Luthien. That's another good thing about Turin's story, the Valar wouldn't have to be shown.

[Linteamarthwen]

I think it would be cool to have a Silm. movie! Even if it was correct to all of tolkeins words. The story of Luthien and Beren should be in it and some other important events. I would love to be Luthien...that would be soooo much fun!!

[Beren87]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>As for the characters, Beren should should play Beren. Just cuz it would be righ<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Good girl.

[Elen Ilúvitauri]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> How about Asian Valar? Try to make them multi-racial.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Im not trying to sound racist, (and believe me i am certainly not!!!) Tolkien created his mythology as a substitute Anglo-Saxon mythology, somehow i dont think one of them would do.

[Lyta_Underhill]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>How about Asian Valar? Try to make them multi-racial.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Im not trying to sound racist, (and believe me i am certainly not!!!) Tolkien created his mythology as a substitute Anglo-Saxon mythology, somehow i dont think one of them would do.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Actually, making the Valar Asian would add a more otherworldly quality to them and suggest their otherness from the Children of Iluvatar in a concrete way (much like I think they chose Elijah Wood for his "elvish" look to suggest Frodo's slight difference from the other Hobbits.). It actually sounds like an interesting idea! I've seen also some artwork that portrays Elves with very upswept eyes, almost Asian, but not quite, but not Western either. That suggests otherness to me too, although they cannot be pegged as Asian or Western. (The artist I speak of is Ezpeleta and can be found on the Rolozo Tolkien page at The One Ring's site, other places too, I think) I think the variation of race to suggest the Valar/Eldar split would be neat, but I would add something that would separate them from true Asian looks as well, maybe like a bluish skin tone, like some Hindu deity depictions. Of course, this would cancel out the "taking the form of the Children of Iluvatar" parts of the story perhaps, but for a movie, it would be a good visual index. Neat idea, <B>Neferchoirwen</B><P>Cheers,<BR>Lyta

[The Saucepan Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Im not trying to sound racist, (and believe me i am certainly not!!!) Tolkien created his mythology as a substitute Anglo-Saxon mythology, somehow i dont think one of them would do. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Well, I'm not so sure about this. In writing LotR, I believe that Tolkien wanted to create a modern myth for England. And north-west Middle-earth, where the action in LotR takes place, certainly has a very Anglo-Saxon (and Norse) feel to it. But the Valar created the entirety of Arda, including the lands to the East (Khand and beyond) and to the south (Harad and Far Harad). And those areas would have a very different feel to them. So, I personally don't see objection to a multi-racial mix of Valar, so as to be representative of all the peoples of Arda.