The LOTR movies really aren’t my cup of tea at all. Too much violence, too many boys, not enough character development, wit, clever dialogue… nothing to really challenge…. basically, too Americanised for my liking. But, despite myself, I got completely caught up in the Rings fever. It was so much fun to be part of such a cheerful crowd of people. I kept to the edges, so I didn’t get panic attacks from the crush, and soaked in the festive atmosphere. I talked to people I wouldn’t normally talk to. Like Sandy* “Our Michael delivered to Peter Jackson. Yes, we’re very proud.” And Shane* who took the top of his Quarter Pounder, carefully arranged half his fries on top of the pattie, and squeezed on some extra sauce before putting the top back on. He’d been finishing at the Architecture/Design school when I was starting, and we talked for a while about the soul-destroying crits we’d been through. And then I watched the second movie, which I hadn’t seen before, and it was great to watch it, lying back on a grassy hill with hundreds of other people, because we could talk through it, and take apart the cheesy bits, and because we weren’t taking it too seriously I enjoyed it more. And it was great, spotting friends among the extras, recognising the breathtaking scenery, and trying to spot Peter Jackson. We heard a rumour that he had a cameo in each of the films, but I didn’t spot him. Anyone? Oooooh, and aren't the Ents just the coolest?
Signs from the Parade:
Bring Back Bilbo
Jackson For PM
De-Bloom Me Orlando
*Names have probably been changed – due to my hopeless memory.
Posted by Fionnaigh at December 2, 2003 07:57 AMThe news footage showed someone holding a sign that said, 'Gollum is a sex god.'
Posted by: iona at December 2, 2003 08:36 AMPeter's cameo is meant to be at Helm's Deep, firing an arrow or launching a spear. I always get too caught up in the action to look for it though!
There were some girls over the way from me on the red carpet whose sign said:
"BLOOMing Hell,
WOODn't you precious
BOYD's be ours?"
which I thought was rather clever. There was also a clever version of the ring rhyme that I have now forgotton. I know it went "One film to wow them all and in the darkness bind them." Or something.
Posted by: jenni at December 2, 2003 09:33 AMIn the FotR he's eating a carrot as the Hobbits enter Bree, and in TTT he's at Helm's Deep defending the main gate from above. I think he's also one of the wild men that Saruman talks to when he's inciting them to war against the Rohan towards the beginning of TTT.
Posted by: Missiedith at December 2, 2003 01:42 PM