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The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Thu May 17, 2018 5:01 pm
by caedmon
So even though I have read the books many time more than seeing the movies, both last night and two years ago when I last re-read the series, I was surprised at the Paths of the Dead.

I think, mostly because of the movies, my view of the Paths of the Dead are of a solitary excursion with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli; not with the the Grey Company. Also the utter lack of action in the books surprised me.

* Get to the dark door of the Dwimmorberg
* Have trouble with horses.
* everyone goes in.
* Find skeleton of Baldor (No mistletoe in sight)
* come out of the mountain into long ravine
* emerge into Morthond Vale
* book it to Stone of Erech
* Order the Men of the Mountains around.

In all a most satisfying lack of theatrics.

Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 2:42 am
by Greg
Rather anti-climactic, yes? It's because the Paths weren't meant to be a climax...the Triumphant arrival at Minas Tirith and unfurling of the standard over the mast of his ship is!

The paths are the "deep breath before the plunge"...and I LOVE it!

Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 1:32 pm
by Elleth
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Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 2:30 pm
by Elleth
Revisiting the book version, I was surprised at how much more tension and dread was in the book version.

That "deep breath before the plunge" Greg refers to is so so so much more visceral and dreadful.

And the Army of the Dead... so much of the horror of that march isn't seen so much as felt. I rather think it might have been done better in the age before digital effects. Suggestion would work so much better that just showing the dead.

Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Fri May 18, 2018 4:31 pm
by caedmon
Elleth wrote: And the Army of the Dead... so much of the horror of that march isn't seen so much as felt. I rather think it might have been done better in the age before digital effects. Suggestion would work so much better that just showing the dead.
Yes, I can see that. I wish that Rhys-Davies' role had not devolved to comedy. This scene really depends on him.

Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Sat May 19, 2018 10:17 pm
by Greg
So much does. I’ve written a whole essay on his argument with Elrond at the Fellowship’s leaving Rivendell, but few understand because in the film no one argues with Elrond when he hands everyone their get-out-of-jail-free card.

Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Sat May 19, 2018 11:29 pm
by Udwin
Greg wrote:So much does. I’ve written a whole essay on his argument with Elrond at the Fellowship’s leaving Rivendell, but few understand because in the film no one argues with Elrond when he hands everyone their get-out-of-jail-free card.
Have you, now? We can find a home for that when we cover in-universe proverbs in an upcoming issue! ; )

Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Mon May 21, 2018 7:54 pm
by Greg
Udwin wrote:
Greg wrote:So much does. I’ve written a whole essay on his argument with Elrond at the Fellowship’s leaving Rivendell, but few understand because in the film no one argues with Elrond when he hands everyone their get-out-of-jail-free card.
Have you, now? We can find a home for that when we cover in-universe proverbs in an upcoming issue! ; )
Ya caught me.

Re: The lasting effect of Moving Images

Posted: Tue May 22, 2018 1:21 pm
by Elleth
I am looking forward to reading that - sounds fascinating!