Gorgoroth Revisited 1b: 'No return journey’ ….

[mechtild]

~*~

This is really just a series of concluding close-ups. It is short, but very important, conveying Frodo and Sam’s new mutual understanding [that there will be no return journey]. The book passage, too, is a powerful one, cherished by most fans, if for various reasons.

Comments

[gentlehobbit]

I really like these screen caps. Although I feel that the scene watered down Frodo's character by hinting that Frodo didn't really, completely understand that there would be no return journey until then (despite an earlier scene near the Crossroads), visually I love the scene, and you have caught him well in those caps.

(My favourite scene for "new understandings" is the book conversation in Two Towers when Frodo tells Sam that there most likely will be no return journey, and Sam is the one who has to come to terms with that.)

[westmoon]

That's my one quibble as well. It's very clear at the crossroads scene that Frodo already understands (and has come to a resigned acceptance) that there will be no return journey, yet this scene seems to forget that. I think the writers are trying to show how far gone he is at this point, and Sam's strength, but it really does contradict what has come before, which is especially jarring in the same movie.

However, all that being said, it's beautifully shot and acted, and breaks my heart every time.

Looking at these screencaps is like watching the film all over again.

[mechtild]

Hi, Westmoon. See my response to Gentlehobbit, above, on the issue of Frodo's reaction in this scene. It works for me, and in the right sense, per the book. :)

[mechtild]

Thanks for posting, Gentlehobbit. Actually, I never interpreted Frodo's look in this scene to mean that their not coming back was news to him. I always thought it was meant to convey his understanding that Sam now knew it too, as in, "Ah, Sam, so now you know, and we needn't pretend to each other any longer".

But the addition of the out-of-sync EE scene in Ithilien really did make no sense for Frodo's character ("It's just a feeling...I don't think I'll be coming back" -Duh-really Frodo? Thought you'd figured that out on the banks of the Anduin!).

[mechtild]

I agree, Mews. It was indeed made clear in Ithilien (theatrical scene, not the EE addition) that Frodo knew he wasn't coming back. I have always thought that this scene merely established--beautifully and movingly--that now Sam knew it too.

I love that live, too, and so did Philippa Boyens, judging from her use of it in the commentaries. Wish she'd pressed her point, being the resident book expert and Tolkien fan, more strongly and more often.

[lily_the_hobbit]

These scene all have me in tears, be they movie or book. What I like especially in the book is that the reader's attention is constantly drawn to the lack of water from the moment Frodo and Sam enter into Mordor (you never find me drinking that much, except when I'm reading Frodo and Sam in Mordor and I feel I have to drink for both of them). And of course Sam's inner debate and that he sticks to his task even "if it breaks his back and heart".

However, I totally agree with what gentlehobbit said in her post. There is a bit of "Frodo" lacking but that is a continued effect from earlier scenes (ever since the fellowship parted Sam got most of book Frodo's wonderful lines, if they were included at all).

[mechtild]

Thanks for commenting, Lily. I agree this section of Sam and Frodo's story line is superb. And the drinking passages really are excellent

[anonymous]

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[mechtild]

Thanks so much, Blossom. It is a real pleasure to hear from you.

I am glad, too, to hear you "read" the film scene the similarly.

I think this short scene strengthens their bond of affection and comradeship in a poignant yet positive way; as Frodo takes Sam’s offered hand - ‘we know we are going to our deaths, but we will go on, and we will do what we have to do, together - no matter the cost.’That expresses better than I did what I was getting at. It *is* very moving

[frodosweetstuff]

*happy sigh* Thank you so much for making these screencaps.

[mechtild]

You are welcome again!