Silmarillion movie

[Oricon Ancalime]

I just was curious to know that if they made the Silmarillion (or parts of it, i.e. the tale of Luthien and Beren) into a movie, who would you cast in the main roles?

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I'm not quite sure of who I would cast, but I certainly hope that they never do make it into a movie, as it would ruin it terribly... <P>~Menelien

[Oricon Ancalime]

I hope they leave it as-is, too, but I've found that when reading difficult books it makes it easier to picture someone you're familiar with (an actor, a friend, etc.) as one of the characters. Kinda to make it stick. I guess that's more along the lines of what I'm asking... could you/who could you see as some of the main characters.

[Meela]

I've already set the Silmarillion aside as my debut for when I direct my own films <P>I would cast myself as Luthien. I read the Lay Of Leithian and fell in love with her after she grew her hair then hacked it all off. I once cut my hair really short after I had it grown down to my knees or something (biiig mistake) so I can relate to this.<P>Or I would love to play one of the Valar.<P>I keep on imagining Orlando Bloom as Beren.<P>(Oh, and I don't know what is in the Silmarillion. The characters I'm mentioning always spring to mind when I think of the Sil. because its all that history-related content. So I'm just randomly picking here.)<P>Richard Harris would have been great as Ulmo.

[Frodo 007]

Im waiting for The Hobbit to be made into a movie first Then hopefully someone else will do The Silmarillion

[Oricon Ancalime]

Hey, Meela, save a part for me in your movie version, okay? Can I be Aredhel? <P>I always kind of thought that Daniel Day Lewis as Hawkeye and Madeline Stowe as Cora from Last of the Mohicans as Luthien and Beren. Plus that movie is very L/B-ish... Cora's dad doesn't like his daughter's relationship with Hawkeye, and they die, and C&H go off into the wilderness and that's the last we hear of them...

[Meela]

Yeh, you can have a part I'll give you all parts! I know, I'm lovely... you can pay me later...

[drigel]

Mabye a 3 movie deal would give the Silm justice. I am thinking in about 20 years we could have the technology to the point of actually making something onto film that could represent fully all the abstract things going on in that book.

[HCIsland]

I couldn't even imagine a movie version of the Silmarilion. Maybe one chapter, like Beren and Luthien or Turin, but that's it.<P>It's way, way, way too much to convert to any kind of comprehensible movie.<P>H.C.

[Everdawn]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I keep on imagining Orlando Bloom as Beren. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I wonder why???<P>Oh man, i tried to read the sil, i really did... but i skipped a few pages here and there... well acctually the whole book. I diddnt meanto! itsa just too complicated to read!!!!!<P>But hmm... who can we see here... Nicole Kidman!... yay, i live nicole! i bet she could do it!... Which reminds me of a spin off i want to make.. out of MOulin Rouge... the Argentinian when him and caroline o'connoe (velma kelly on broadway Chicago) start to do the tango..<P>And he says, We have a dance in brothels of Bouenos Aries, of prostitution, and the man who falls in love with her... I want to do one like that but in 18th century Argentina or Columbia.. well that was a bit off topic.. but, <P>Yeah i was wondering if they were oging to make the hobbit into a movie myself... It could be on eof two tings.. really good or really terrible... think of it form both angles..

[Tinuviel of Denton]

I think it would take more than three movies. More like ten. <P>Meela, you stole my role. I want to be Luthien (You spelled that wrong, by the way. ) Oh, well, if I can't be Luthien, can I be Melian? Or Miriel? Or maybe Finwe's second wife. I look more like her anyway. No, wait! I want to be Nienor/Niniel because her story is so <I>sad</I>. I love sad stories. <P>They'd have to get the same actors/actresses as in the current movies so that people wouldn't get confused (i.e. Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, etc.)<p>[ June 11, 2003: Message edited by: Tinuviel of Denton ]

[HCIsland]

The other issue that I would have with Silmarilion movies is that most of the chapters are incredible downers. Although LotR is bittersweet, there still is a message of hope and sacrafice to build a better world.<P>The message that comes to me from most of the Silmarilion is life's a *****, you better get used to it. For me, the joy of the Silmarilion is in the details and once they are removed (as they would have to be) all you have left is a mish-mosh of really depressing stories.<P>I truly think this book is unfilmable without major changes, changes that would in fact not make it the Silmarilion anymore.<P>H.C.

[Meela]

I spelled Luthien wrong? You talking about Leithian? Its written as the Lay of Leithian in the Lays Of Beleriand. And its heck of a lot of fun to parody

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I truly think this book is unfilmable without major changes, changes that would in fact not make it the Silmarilion anymore.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Yeah, I seriously doubt that the Silmarillion could be made into a movie, and I honestly hope it doesn't. A live-action version of The Hobbit would be fun to see on the big screen, but I'd rather film people just stayed away from The Sil. Correct me if I'm mistaken, but wasn't it Tolkien's favorite work? I just think it would be better left as is.<P>If it was made into a movie, the best way I can think of to acomplish that would be some kind of miniseries (a fairly long one, mind you), with each part of the series showing different chapters, or maybe several chapters that fit together. But I doubt that would work - it'd have to have a <I>very</I> big budget.<P>But back to the topic at hand - casting? Hmm... I've thought about this a bit, and I simply couldn't figure out who would make a good Luthien. I mean, the most beautiful woman in the world? That's tough to cast. I think that of all the actresses I'm familiar with (and this is off the top of my head), Natalie Portman would probably be the most beautiful. But I don't think she's old enough to make a good Luthien. It would have to be someone who you could see possessing great wisdom and yet is still fairly youthful and lovely (like Cate Blanchett). So, yeah, a tough role to cast. <P>But there is one role that I'm fairly certain of - this is just me, but I think that David Boreanez would make a good Túrin Turambar. If you've seen him as the vampire Angel, you'll know that he does an amazing job with tragic characters, and he can be menacing as well. And he's pretty well-built, so I think he could play a warrior.<P>One of my friends and I were discussing this, and she said that she thought Joaquin Phoenix would make a good pre-mutilation Sauron, and from what I saw of him in Gladiator, I agree with her.

[Aragost]

It would take twenty-three-hour movies to make the movie interesting for the normal people aren't big Tolkien fans. They would find it very dry if extra dialog was not added. I think it should be left as a book. Orlando Bloom would make a lousy Beren.

[The Saucepan Man]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> Mabye a 3 movie deal would give the Silm justice. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I think it would take more than three movies. More like ten. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> It would take twenty-three-hour movies <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Any increase on 20?

[Finwe]

I don't think that you could do justice to a complex story like the Silmarillion by making it into a movie. I think that it would fit a lot better as a TV series. The individual chapters could easily make a half-hour or an hour-script, and for long, convoluted stories like the Lay of Leithien or the Narn i Chin Hurin, we could split those up into several episodes. <P>As for casting, I've already given it a thought, and I've started working on a script for the pilot episode (The Creation). Even though it might confuse a few people, I think that Viggo Mortensen would make an excellent Beren. There is no one else in the world who can act the way he can. He is the only person I would trust to pull something like that off. I've actually looked up pictures of a few male models that could make good Elves, and all I need to do is find out if they can act. <P>Any other helpful ideas people?

[Duncariel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Any increase on 20? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>How 'bout I add an increase on your increase?<BR>It would make a great SCI/Fi channel series, or someting to that extent. I'd watch a 20 hour movie anyway.

[Mattius]

The costs on producing a picture like the Silm. would be so monumentous that no studio would get their money back and ask for making a profit- very unlikey. They could have a low budget but it never do the book justice. Therefore there are two possibilities- no film or a poor film<P>I would really love to see it as a series on TV, that would be great. A 45-60 mins show each one incorporating a chapter of the book.<P>Another idea what I thought of would be to make it into an anime film with great actor's voices. Ah thats just me being the lover of Japanese animation that I am...<P>Ask for cast for a live film, Phoenix would make an excellent young Sauron. That kid looks pure evil when he wants to, his scars would be right in place. The cast would have to be so large that many of the actors/actresses would be relatively unknown. Although I would have to cast Ewan McGregor as Aule. I don't know why but I see him as a good smith. <P>Other than live actors, who would you cast as voices such as dragons like Glaurung? <P>Oh oh and who for Feanor, Finglofin and Finarfin the three brothers and there father Finwe?<p>[ June 12, 2003: Message edited by: Mattius ]

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Oops, sorry Meela.<P>What about doing the Luthien/Beren story as a shadow play? Hang the scrim down in front of the stage, and have the actors/actresses behind it. The giant wolf (I can't recall his name at the moment) could be done by moving him closer to the back than the actors. Same with the Hound (whose name also momentarily escapes me). And that would solve the problem of Luthien being the most beautiful woman in the world because the audience would be able to use their imaginations.<P>BTW, Natalie Portman as Luthien!? Perish the thought! I would forever curse the director for choosing <I>Padme Amidala</I> as my favorite character in all of Tolkien's work. (I am not a huge fan of the new Star Wars movies if you can't tell)

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>BTW, Natalie Portman as Luthien!? Perish the thought! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>B- but I only said that she was the most beautiful actress I could think of off the top of my head! Don't hurt me! Like I said, I think that Luthien would have to be a bit older, seem a bit wiser. Unfortunately, I can't think of any actresses who fit that description... Truth be told, I don't really like the idea of putting an actual face on Luthien. Borderline blasphemy, almost. But if anyone thinks they have a good person in mind, I'd be interested to hear about it. <P>Ewan McGregor as Aulë? Yeah, I suppose I could see him as a smith... it would probably work better if he had facial hair, to make him look older, methinks.<P>As for Finwë and his sons, I really don't know, but I'd be interested to see who everyone else might have in mind for Fëanor, as he always fascinated me.

[Beren87]

If anybody should play Beren, it should be me.<P>And since I'm not available to play Beren, the movie better not be made.

[Alatáriël Lossëhelin]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>The giant wolf (I can't recall his name at the moment) could be done by moving him closer to the back than the actors. Same with the Hound (whose name also momentarily escapes me).<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>That would be <B>Carcharoth</B>, the Wolf of Angband; and <B>Huan</B>, the Hound of Valinor.

[Horse-Maiden of the Shire]

Only Beren could play Beren!

[The_Hand]

You could never make a movie Silm it would be ten hours long or more! Not that I would mind! but I don't think many would care to sit for that long. I think they should make a movie about Turin!!! That is one of my favorite Silm stories! And Beren duh, but I really think I like Turin more... anyone agree?

[Duncariel]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Only Beren could play Beren <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>Wow.... that was most definitely the most profound sentence that I have heard in the last 6 months...<BR>*scratching head*

[Oricon Ancalime]

Yes, but what if the camera didn't flatter him? Hmmm? What then? O_o

I read the Silmarillion and I must say it was just the best. My eyes were glued to the pages and my hands could not leave the book. Not even the best director in the world could make Silmarillion a movie or make it a good movie where it captures the scenes perfectly! It would just destroy the book!

[Oricon Ancalime]

Age etc. aside, I think that Sean Connery would make a good Finwe, or an older Elros.

[Finwe]

Actually, there are quite a few male models/actors out there who are definitely handsome enough to play any of those three. Unfortunately, I don't know if they can really act or not. <P>As for Beren and Luthien, I know most of you are going to kill me, but I think Viggo Mortensen and Liv Tyler would be perfect. I know that would confuse a lot of people, but they're great actors. *dodges flying objects* Liv is kind of iffy, but I personally believe that Viggo would make a great Beren. As for Luthien, please NOT Natalie Portman! She doesn't have that level of acting. She's good, I admit, but not that good. <BR>I think that to play Curufin or Celegorm, the guy who was the villain in Shanghai Knights is perfect, Aidan something or other. He has that sinister look about him that is just perfect. Or, he would be good for Morgoth's disguise or Maeglin or Eol. Does anyone know who I'm talking about?

[Brinniel]

I think they should make a movie about Turin!!! That is one of my favorite Silm stories!

I really do believe the tragedy of Turin is one of the best stories out there. I don't want to see the entire Silmarillion as a movie, but I would like to see Turin on the big screen. The story is interesting enough to capture an audience and probably could be well enough separated from The Silmarillion as a single story.

As for casting, I have trouble thinking up actors for each role, for I think I would need to see them in costume first. Costumes and makeup can really change looks. Still, I have to admit I keep imagining Heath Ledger in the role of Turin. I don't know why.

[Finwe]

Oh please, not Heath Ledger! Anyone but Heath Ledger! We need someone who can brood well. Johnny Depp? *runs off to avoid flying sharp objects*

[Mattius]

What was the name of the guy who was going to play Aragorn before Viggo did it? Someone Townsend I think. I saw a picture of him in my girlfriend's magazine and think he would make a good elf, darked haired of course. Was any of Finwe's sons black haired? If not then as a casting director I would fit him in somewhere.<P>Also Mr Depp would make an excellent Turin in my mind. ALso Collin Farrel, either of those guys could play Turin well, they both have something about them that a character of that magnitude and difficulty requires.<P>Hey, no-one has given any people to play the voices of the Dragons and Balrogs. I think it would be really hard to decide what sort of accent a dragon would have.

[Meela]

Stuart Townsend. Yeh, he's quite suitable.<P>For dragons and balrogs I think you need someone to put on a voice much like the Nazgul had. A rather deep, husky, shadowy, mysterious, etc. voice. Almost a whisper, emerging from a deep, dark, cave. I think I'm thinking of Aragog from Harry Potter 2. Something a bit like that. It makes you shiver.

[Tinuviel of Denton]

Well, the story of Turin and the Lay of Leithien are my favorite parts of the Silm. Both of those should somehow be made into movies. But the whole thing would be impossible. Drat.<P>(As to Turin, <I><B>I</B></I> want to play Nienor/Niniel. I do sad characters. Always.)

[Brinniel]

Oh please, not Heath Ledger! Anyone but Heath Ledger!

I didn't say I wanted him in that role, I just happened to imagine him in it while reading.

Johnny Depp?

Hmm. He's kind of weird, but I really liked him in Sleepy Hollow. Perhaps he'd work, though I'm not sure.

[Mattius]

How about who to play Morgoth in his humanoid form, after his first release? Personally I would like Andy Serkis to play him. First of all because I think he could do the job of a (very) dark & evil character and secondly because I feel sorry for him not getting his face on screen (well a little in RotK) in the LotR.

[Estella Brandybuck]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>As for Luthien, please NOT Natalie Portman! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>*sobs hysterically* For the last time, I didn't mean I wanted Natalie Portman to play Luthien! I simply said that she was the most beautiful actress I could think of off the top of my head, but that she didn't have the experience to play the role! *sniffle*<P> <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I think I'm thinking of Aragog from Harry Potter 2. Something a bit like that. It makes you shiver.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>The voice of Julian Glover, the guy who played General Veers in ESB (don't ask how I know that ). Yes, he definitely did a good job at making Aragog creepy, and he'd probably do well with a dragon or a balrog if he kept that same creepy voice.<P>And I don't know what's going on in my head, but I suddenly thought of Christian Bale as Maeglin... don't know if he'd make a good elf, though.

that wouls be cool if they did!!

[Finwe]

Actually, for Maeglin, I was thinking about the villain from Shanghai Knights. I forgot his name, I think it's Aidan Something-or-other. Does anyone know who I'm talking about?