A Journey With Frodo:Chap 49: Return of the Conquering Heroes
Sorry I haven't been around much lately. We went away for a few days and since returning a couple of days ago most of my online time has been spent catching up with all the new Elijah news and pics and twitterings!!
This chapter originally covered the whole of the ROTK premiere in New Zealand but I decided it was really too long so I've divided it into two parts. Part One covers Elijah's arrival in Wellington up to the day before the actual premiere.
And Frodo and Sam discover that they are not alone;)
For anyone unfamiliar with my pet project, 'A Journey With Frodo' (a work in progress) is the story of Elijah Wood's experience in becoming Frodo, from back in 1998 when the LOTR movies were just a whisper up to the triumphant Oscars of Feb 2004. In reliving Elijah's journey, and mine, I am using everything I can lay my hands on - behind-the-scenes material from the various dvd's, magazine articles, books, internet sites, tv coverage, word-of-mouth info, etc. Previous chapters can be found here "A JOURNEY WITH FRODO"
Hope you enjoy this new chapter
25 November 2003:
Elijah flies to New Zealand for the world premiere of Return of the King! He is accompanied by Billy who takes this pic of Elijah sleeping during the flight:
From Dominion Post:
“The long-haul flight from Los Angeles also didn't seem to have taken a toll on Wood and Boyd.
The world's best-known hobbits returned to Middle Earth with plans to eat out and catch up with friends - and attend the premiere of some movie. Their anonymity will be hard to conceal, with almost everyone in Wellington gearing up for the premiere of Return of the King.
"Be prepared to cry a lot," Wood said when asked about the movie, which he admitted having seen "bits of".
"It's the last of the three and they just keep getting better and better. Everyone's very, very proud of the film."
Elijah’s arrival in Auckland en route for Wellington is also reported by One News:
Voices are heard calling out in welcome:
“Welcome back, Elijah”
“Welcome here, my friend”
28 November 03
Elijah and other cast members attend this event:
From a report by theonering.net:
“About an hour after the doors have opened Viggo arrives and walks through to the small stage, and a Maori group stand up to sing. Viggo is smartly dressed and groomed and is on stage with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh to his left (our right) and behind the small square podium are Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Billy Boyd (Pippin) and probably one or two others I've forgotten. Dom Monaghan and Andy Serkis are missing (they apparently haven't arrived in New Zealand yet) and there's no sign of Orlando Bloom, but otherwise it looks like everyone from the movies is here! When the Maori group have sung their opening verses, some introductions from university staff are made and then Peter Jackson gives a short, witty speech, by way of introduction.
Viggo invites the other cast members behind him to join him in a Maori song and suddenly the 'no photography' rule appears to be seriously broken. He and Elijah sing heartily with their arms around each other, while behind him Billy, Bernard and a few others bluff it, either having trouble following the words or just deciding they have lousy singing voices. Understandably, the rendition gets a huge round of applause."
From the University’s Website:
“Director Peter Jackson was apologetic about not being able to speak for long at the Benefit Opening of Viggo Mortensen’s ‘For Wellington’ photographic exhibition in the University’s Museum Building on Friday.
“I have to rush home to try and get this film finished,” he joked to the exuberant crowd, adding: “I joke, I joke - I finished it a day or two ago, it’s fine.”
Dr Jackson, who, along with Fran Walsh, was given an honorary doctorate by the University in 1999, welcomed and thanked the actors, crew and media who had travelled so far to be in Wellington. Those who came to the Museum Building to celebrate with Mr Mortensen included actors Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin, Sir Ian McKellen and Liv Tyler, along with composer Howard Shore and producer Barrie Osborne. All later chatted freely with the 600 guests in attendance.”
More from the TORN reporter:
“Jude is going with Viggo and the rest of the gang to The Green Parrot (just round the corner from my hotel) Catherine and I suddenly get included in the party despite us both feeling we're abusing our relationship with the movie cast and crew somewhat. And so it is that we somehow end up in the restaurant on a table that includes Billy, Elijah, Barrie, Bernard, Viggo, Liv (who looks stunning, as ever!), Bruce and others whose names I've probably forgotten. I'm often asked if the much-publicised friendships between the cast and crew members are genuine, or just another marketing story from a very efficient publicity machine. On tonight's evidence they're certainly not hype. There are hugs between friends every few minutes and when Andy Serkis arrives fresh from the airport the enthusiasm he and those around him have at seeing each other again is clearly genuine. I don't think I've seen quite so many guys hugging since I went to my last gay dinner party! What's most telling is the way that it doesn't matter who you are - the horse vet opposite me and the art design guys next to Catherine are greeted as warmly as the biggest celebrity 'name', and evidence suggests that there really are no ego problems amongst the cast members gathered here.”
29 November 2003 - Lord of the Rings Symphony:
Some of the cast including Elijah, Peter and Fran, attend the LOTR Symphony conducted by Howard Shore:
The one and only pic I possess of Elijah at this event:
30 November 2003:
Hanging out at Fidel’s Cafe, one of their favourite eating places:
But the rest of this day appears to have been for interviews and meeting fans:
From the Courier-Mail:
“In a meeting room at a hotel in the centre of Wellington, 24 hours before the premiere will draw a crowd of around 100,000 cheering people into streets ahead of the gala screening, Wood reflects on the fame his role as Frodo has brought.
But first, he wants the reaction of journalists to the film which, officially, is still under wraps before the premiere which has brought cast members such as Sir Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, Bernard Hill, David Wenham and John Noble back to New Zealand, where the three films were made during one extended shoot three years ago.
There's agreement that no one is likely to be disappointed by the conclusion, which Wood admits he found more than a little emotional when he watched it before flying out to New Zealand from New York.
"It's certainly the most epic movie I've seen in my life, and it's so emotional," he says.
"That's what I'm so proud of. I'm really proud that it is such an emotional journey, and that movie audiences have been able to connect with all the characters.
"It's rare in these big blockbuster epics that you have characters who really make you care about them, and can be made to cry about them. I was in tears a lot of times when I was watching."
Hundreds of fans are straining at barriers erected outside the hotel where the actors and film talents such as Jackson, producer Barrie Osborne, writer Philippa Boyce and visual effects and make-up dual Oscar winner Richard Taylor are conducting interviews.
Modestly, but sincerely, Wood says, "I love the fans. We (actors) wouldn't be anywhere without the fans. But I love anonymity too. It's a great rush when you have premieres and people want to see you. I have a lot of pride associated with these movies, but I certainly don't want this kind of attention all the time. It's really quite exhausting. I like anonymity, and quiet," he says.
"I have so many happy memories of making these films; it's filled with great memories," he said.
"Any time I was working with the hobbits was sure to be a pretty memorable thing. We used to take naps in one of our trailers, and I recall there were the four of us sleeping on various parts of the couches. One day we grabbed a couch out of one of the green (hospitality) rooms, and brought a tele outside and we watched a documentary movie in the parking lot sitting on the couch. I remember Sean Bean (Boromir) walked by and looked at us with a pretty disgusted expression."
Wood will show a different side to his acting skills when his latest film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotted Mind, written by Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich), and directed by Michel Gondry (Human Nature), releases in March. He co-stars with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in the off-beat comedy about a woman who has had treatment to have all memories of a romantic relationship deleted from her mind. But for now, he has to greet and meet the fans chanting "Frodo" as he leaves the hotel. Frodo, if not the king, has returned. “
I always think of the interviews from that day as 'The Paisley Shirt Interviews'!! One of these included a series of quick yes/no questions:
Are you a vegetarian? NO
Could you live in NZ? Yes
Ever been caught doing it in a public place? No. [Not sure what relevance that question had!!]
Would you ever work with Peter Jackson again? Hell yes!
Do we get too excited in NZ about these movies? Um, that's questionable.
Do you still surf? Yes. It's been a while though.
Did you read the book before you were part of the movie. No.
Did you keep any props from the set? Yes.
If you could be any other character in the film which one would you be?
Either Gollum or Aragorn.
Frodo as Gollum, now there's a twist!.
Yeah, It makes a lot of sense as well. There's a great connection.
Have you ever done anything illegal?
Yep..
Are you in love with anyone special?
Too many people.
Nice.
Are you sick of talking about the movie?
No, no. And mainly I think because every time that we do sit down and talk about the film it's about each consecutive part of the journey so there's always something new to talk about and we're so passionate about these movies.
Was there ever a time that you felt your character was too earnest because he had so much courage to play? The whole of the last film is all about valour and courage and even in the parts that aren't sad there's so much courage that just grabs me.
I believed in his journey, I believed in what Frodo was trying to accomplish and so therefore I don't think that I ever felt he was too earnest, I believed in him and I loved the character - I think you fall in love with the character that you play, I certainly believed in where he was going and what he had to accomplish.
We need a modern day Frodo really, don't we? One to change the world the way it is at the moment.
Indeed
My Journey continued ...
It was around this time that some UK cinemas starting showing the extended versions of FOTR and TTT in cinemas in readiness for the coming of ROTK - much to my delight!! So we saw FOTR one weekend, TTT the following weekend. It was great to see those extra bits on the big screen.
And there was now such a wealth of magazine articles cropping up that it was hard to keep up with it all. One of my favourite LOTR articles around back then was in ‘Premiere’ (who could resist a mag that promised to reveal ‘Frodo’s Darkest Secret’?). This is one of the many shots from that mag:
Frodo's Story continued ...
GOLLUM
The thieves. The thieves. The filthy little thieves.
Where is it? Where is it? They stole it from us. My precious.
Curse them. We hates them. It’s ours it is, and we wants it!
Andy: “We must have done that fight about thirty times that day, do you remember?”
Elijah & Sean: “Yes”.
”Things would have gone ill for Sam, if he had been alone. But Frodo sprang up, and drew Sting from its sheath. With his left hand he drew back Gollum’s head by his thin lank hair, stretching his long neck, and forcing his pale venomous eyes to stare up at the sky.
‘Let go, Gollum!’ he said. ‘This is Sting. You have seen it before once upon a time. Let go, or you’ll feel it this time! I’ll cut your throat.’” (The Two Towers ~ The Taming of Smeagol)
PJ: "The image of Frodo with the sword at Gollum’s throat while Gollum’s got Sam is straight out of an Alan Lee painting - we actually had Alan’s painting on the set - its one that he did for the Tolkien books a few years ago - and I always loved that painting and I just said “I want to recreate this” and Alan was actually there on the day and we worked to get the actors to push themselves into the same positions as on the painting."
This is Sting!
You’ve seen it before. Haven’t you? Gollum!!
Release him, or I’ll cut your throat!
E: “You are an absolute blessing to that character though, the journey that you had bringing that thing to life, not only physically but in terms of all the meetings that you took, you know, the character development that you did with the animators, it was just - you’re a marvel, Andy!”
Sean: “It’s ironic you pay him that compliment while watching this scene!!”
It burns. It burns us!
It freezes!
Nasty Elves twisted it. Take it off us!
Quiet you!
It’s hopeless. Every orc in Mordor’s going to hear this racket!
Let’s just tie him up and leave him.
That would kill us. Kill us!!
It’s no more than you deserve.
“It seemed to Frodo then that he heard, quite plainly but far off, voices out of the past:
What a pity Bilbo did not stab the vile creature, when he had a chance!
Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need.
I do not feel any pity for Gollum. He deserves death.
Deserves death! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give that to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.
‘Very well’ he answered aloud, lowering his sword. ‘But still I am afraid. And yet, as you see, I will not touch the creature. For now that I see him, I do pity him.” (The Two Towers ~ The Taming of Smeagol)
Maybe he does deserve to die.
But now that I see him, I do pity him.
We be nice to them if they be nice to us. Take it off us!
We swears to do what you wants. We swears.
There’s no promise you can make that I can trust.
We swears to serve the master of the precious.
We will swear on … on the precious!! Gollum! Gollum!
The Ring is treacherous.
It will hold you to your word.
Yes … on the precious.
I don’t believe you!
Get down. I said down!
Sam!
-He’s trying to trick us.
If we let him go he’ll throttle us in our sleep!
You know the way to Mordor?
Yes.
You’ve been there before?
Yes.
You will lead us to the Black Gate.
PJ: “The extra footage here gives a lot more clarity to the concept that Gollum’s actually leading them out of these rocks - I kind of like the idea that he’s become this kind of weird guide for them.”
To the Gate, to the Gate, to the Gate Master says. Yes!
No, we won’t go back. Not there. Not to him. They can’t make us. Gollum! Gollum!
But we swore to serve the master of the precious.
No! Ashes and dust and thirst there is. And pits, pits, pits. And Orcses. Thousands of Orcses. And always the Great Eye watching, watching.
Hey! Come back now. Come back!
There, what did I tell you? He’s run off, the old villain.
So much for his promises.
This way, Hobbits. Follow me!!
Modestly, but sincerely, Wood says, "I love the fans. We (actors) wouldn't be anywhere without the fans. But I love anonymity too. It's a great rush when you have premieres and people want to see you. I have a lot of pride associated with these movies, but I certainly don't want this kind of attention all the time. It's really quite exhausting. I like anonymity, and quiet," he says.
TO BE CONTINUED
LINK TO ALL CHAPTERS:
"A JOURNEY WITH FRODO"
This chapter originally covered the whole of the ROTK premiere in New Zealand but I decided it was really too long so I've divided it into two parts. Part One covers Elijah's arrival in Wellington up to the day before the actual premiere.
And Frodo and Sam discover that they are not alone;)
For anyone unfamiliar with my pet project, 'A Journey With Frodo' (a work in progress) is the story of Elijah Wood's experience in becoming Frodo, from back in 1998 when the LOTR movies were just a whisper up to the triumphant Oscars of Feb 2004. In reliving Elijah's journey, and mine, I am using everything I can lay my hands on - behind-the-scenes material from the various dvd's, magazine articles, books, internet sites, tv coverage, word-of-mouth info, etc. Previous chapters can be found here "A JOURNEY WITH FRODO"
Hope you enjoy this new chapter
25 November 2003:
Elijah flies to New Zealand for the world premiere of Return of the King! He is accompanied by Billy who takes this pic of Elijah sleeping during the flight:
From Dominion Post:
“The long-haul flight from Los Angeles also didn't seem to have taken a toll on Wood and Boyd.
The world's best-known hobbits returned to Middle Earth with plans to eat out and catch up with friends - and attend the premiere of some movie. Their anonymity will be hard to conceal, with almost everyone in Wellington gearing up for the premiere of Return of the King.
"Be prepared to cry a lot," Wood said when asked about the movie, which he admitted having seen "bits of".
"It's the last of the three and they just keep getting better and better. Everyone's very, very proud of the film."
Elijah’s arrival in Auckland en route for Wellington is also reported by One News:
Voices are heard calling out in welcome:
“Welcome back, Elijah”
“Welcome here, my friend”
28 November 03
Elijah and other cast members attend this event:
From a report by theonering.net:
“About an hour after the doors have opened Viggo arrives and walks through to the small stage, and a Maori group stand up to sing. Viggo is smartly dressed and groomed and is on stage with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh to his left (our right) and behind the small square podium are Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Billy Boyd (Pippin) and probably one or two others I've forgotten. Dom Monaghan and Andy Serkis are missing (they apparently haven't arrived in New Zealand yet) and there's no sign of Orlando Bloom, but otherwise it looks like everyone from the movies is here! When the Maori group have sung their opening verses, some introductions from university staff are made and then Peter Jackson gives a short, witty speech, by way of introduction.
Viggo invites the other cast members behind him to join him in a Maori song and suddenly the 'no photography' rule appears to be seriously broken. He and Elijah sing heartily with their arms around each other, while behind him Billy, Bernard and a few others bluff it, either having trouble following the words or just deciding they have lousy singing voices. Understandably, the rendition gets a huge round of applause."
From the University’s Website:
“Director Peter Jackson was apologetic about not being able to speak for long at the Benefit Opening of Viggo Mortensen’s ‘For Wellington’ photographic exhibition in the University’s Museum Building on Friday.
“I have to rush home to try and get this film finished,” he joked to the exuberant crowd, adding: “I joke, I joke - I finished it a day or two ago, it’s fine.”
Dr Jackson, who, along with Fran Walsh, was given an honorary doctorate by the University in 1999, welcomed and thanked the actors, crew and media who had travelled so far to be in Wellington. Those who came to the Museum Building to celebrate with Mr Mortensen included actors Billy Boyd, Elijah Wood, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin, Sir Ian McKellen and Liv Tyler, along with composer Howard Shore and producer Barrie Osborne. All later chatted freely with the 600 guests in attendance.”
More from the TORN reporter:
“Jude is going with Viggo and the rest of the gang to The Green Parrot (just round the corner from my hotel) Catherine and I suddenly get included in the party despite us both feeling we're abusing our relationship with the movie cast and crew somewhat. And so it is that we somehow end up in the restaurant on a table that includes Billy, Elijah, Barrie, Bernard, Viggo, Liv (who looks stunning, as ever!), Bruce and others whose names I've probably forgotten. I'm often asked if the much-publicised friendships between the cast and crew members are genuine, or just another marketing story from a very efficient publicity machine. On tonight's evidence they're certainly not hype. There are hugs between friends every few minutes and when Andy Serkis arrives fresh from the airport the enthusiasm he and those around him have at seeing each other again is clearly genuine. I don't think I've seen quite so many guys hugging since I went to my last gay dinner party! What's most telling is the way that it doesn't matter who you are - the horse vet opposite me and the art design guys next to Catherine are greeted as warmly as the biggest celebrity 'name', and evidence suggests that there really are no ego problems amongst the cast members gathered here.”
29 November 2003 - Lord of the Rings Symphony:
Some of the cast including Elijah, Peter and Fran, attend the LOTR Symphony conducted by Howard Shore:
The one and only pic I possess of Elijah at this event:
30 November 2003:
Hanging out at Fidel’s Cafe, one of their favourite eating places:
But the rest of this day appears to have been for interviews and meeting fans:
From the Courier-Mail:
“In a meeting room at a hotel in the centre of Wellington, 24 hours before the premiere will draw a crowd of around 100,000 cheering people into streets ahead of the gala screening, Wood reflects on the fame his role as Frodo has brought.
But first, he wants the reaction of journalists to the film which, officially, is still under wraps before the premiere which has brought cast members such as Sir Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, Bernard Hill, David Wenham and John Noble back to New Zealand, where the three films were made during one extended shoot three years ago.
There's agreement that no one is likely to be disappointed by the conclusion, which Wood admits he found more than a little emotional when he watched it before flying out to New Zealand from New York.
"It's certainly the most epic movie I've seen in my life, and it's so emotional," he says.
"That's what I'm so proud of. I'm really proud that it is such an emotional journey, and that movie audiences have been able to connect with all the characters.
"It's rare in these big blockbuster epics that you have characters who really make you care about them, and can be made to cry about them. I was in tears a lot of times when I was watching."
Hundreds of fans are straining at barriers erected outside the hotel where the actors and film talents such as Jackson, producer Barrie Osborne, writer Philippa Boyce and visual effects and make-up dual Oscar winner Richard Taylor are conducting interviews.
Modestly, but sincerely, Wood says, "I love the fans. We (actors) wouldn't be anywhere without the fans. But I love anonymity too. It's a great rush when you have premieres and people want to see you. I have a lot of pride associated with these movies, but I certainly don't want this kind of attention all the time. It's really quite exhausting. I like anonymity, and quiet," he says.
"I have so many happy memories of making these films; it's filled with great memories," he said.
"Any time I was working with the hobbits was sure to be a pretty memorable thing. We used to take naps in one of our trailers, and I recall there were the four of us sleeping on various parts of the couches. One day we grabbed a couch out of one of the green (hospitality) rooms, and brought a tele outside and we watched a documentary movie in the parking lot sitting on the couch. I remember Sean Bean (Boromir) walked by and looked at us with a pretty disgusted expression."
Wood will show a different side to his acting skills when his latest film, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotted Mind, written by Charlie Kaufman (Being John Malkovich), and directed by Michel Gondry (Human Nature), releases in March. He co-stars with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in the off-beat comedy about a woman who has had treatment to have all memories of a romantic relationship deleted from her mind. But for now, he has to greet and meet the fans chanting "Frodo" as he leaves the hotel. Frodo, if not the king, has returned. “
I always think of the interviews from that day as 'The Paisley Shirt Interviews'!! One of these included a series of quick yes/no questions:
Are you a vegetarian? NO
Could you live in NZ? Yes
Ever been caught doing it in a public place? No. [Not sure what relevance that question had!!]
Would you ever work with Peter Jackson again? Hell yes!
Do we get too excited in NZ about these movies? Um, that's questionable.
Do you still surf? Yes. It's been a while though.
Did you read the book before you were part of the movie. No.
Did you keep any props from the set? Yes.
If you could be any other character in the film which one would you be?
Either Gollum or Aragorn.
Frodo as Gollum, now there's a twist!.
Yeah, It makes a lot of sense as well. There's a great connection.
Have you ever done anything illegal?
Yep..
Are you in love with anyone special?
Too many people.
Nice.
Are you sick of talking about the movie?
No, no. And mainly I think because every time that we do sit down and talk about the film it's about each consecutive part of the journey so there's always something new to talk about and we're so passionate about these movies.
Was there ever a time that you felt your character was too earnest because he had so much courage to play? The whole of the last film is all about valour and courage and even in the parts that aren't sad there's so much courage that just grabs me.
I believed in his journey, I believed in what Frodo was trying to accomplish and so therefore I don't think that I ever felt he was too earnest, I believed in him and I loved the character - I think you fall in love with the character that you play, I certainly believed in where he was going and what he had to accomplish.
We need a modern day Frodo really, don't we? One to change the world the way it is at the moment.
Indeed
My Journey continued ...
It was around this time that some UK cinemas starting showing the extended versions of FOTR and TTT in cinemas in readiness for the coming of ROTK - much to my delight!! So we saw FOTR one weekend, TTT the following weekend. It was great to see those extra bits on the big screen.
And there was now such a wealth of magazine articles cropping up that it was hard to keep up with it all. One of my favourite LOTR articles around back then was in ‘Premiere’ (who could resist a mag that promised to reveal ‘Frodo’s Darkest Secret’?). This is one of the many shots from that mag:
Frodo's Story continued ...
GOLLUM
The thieves. The thieves. The filthy little thieves.
Where is it? Where is it? They stole it from us. My precious.
Curse them. We hates them. It’s ours it is, and we wants it!
Andy: “We must have done that fight about thirty times that day, do you remember?”
Elijah & Sean: “Yes”.
”Things would have gone ill for Sam, if he had been alone. But Frodo sprang up, and drew Sting from its sheath. With his left hand he drew back Gollum’s head by his thin lank hair, stretching his long neck, and forcing his pale venomous eyes to stare up at the sky.
‘Let go, Gollum!’ he said. ‘This is Sting. You have seen it before once upon a time. Let go, or you’ll feel it this time! I’ll cut your throat.’” (The Two Towers ~ The Taming of Smeagol)
PJ: "The image of Frodo with the sword at Gollum’s throat while Gollum’s got Sam is straight out of an Alan Lee painting - we actually had Alan’s painting on the set - its one that he did for the Tolkien books a few years ago - and I always loved that painting and I just said “I want to recreate this” and Alan was actually there on the day and we worked to get the actors to push themselves into the same positions as on the painting."
This is Sting!
You’ve seen it before. Haven’t you? Gollum!!
Release him, or I’ll cut your throat!
E: “You are an absolute blessing to that character though, the journey that you had bringing that thing to life, not only physically but in terms of all the meetings that you took, you know, the character development that you did with the animators, it was just - you’re a marvel, Andy!”
Sean: “It’s ironic you pay him that compliment while watching this scene!!”
It burns. It burns us!
It freezes!
Nasty Elves twisted it. Take it off us!
Quiet you!
It’s hopeless. Every orc in Mordor’s going to hear this racket!
Let’s just tie him up and leave him.
That would kill us. Kill us!!
It’s no more than you deserve.
“It seemed to Frodo then that he heard, quite plainly but far off, voices out of the past:
What a pity Bilbo did not stab the vile creature, when he had a chance!
Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need.
I do not feel any pity for Gollum. He deserves death.
Deserves death! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give that to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.
‘Very well’ he answered aloud, lowering his sword. ‘But still I am afraid. And yet, as you see, I will not touch the creature. For now that I see him, I do pity him.” (The Two Towers ~ The Taming of Smeagol)
Maybe he does deserve to die.
But now that I see him, I do pity him.
We be nice to them if they be nice to us. Take it off us!
We swears to do what you wants. We swears.
There’s no promise you can make that I can trust.
We swears to serve the master of the precious.
We will swear on … on the precious!! Gollum! Gollum!
The Ring is treacherous.
It will hold you to your word.
Yes … on the precious.
I don’t believe you!
Get down. I said down!
Sam!
-He’s trying to trick us.
If we let him go he’ll throttle us in our sleep!
You know the way to Mordor?
Yes.
You’ve been there before?
Yes.
You will lead us to the Black Gate.
PJ: “The extra footage here gives a lot more clarity to the concept that Gollum’s actually leading them out of these rocks - I kind of like the idea that he’s become this kind of weird guide for them.”
To the Gate, to the Gate, to the Gate Master says. Yes!
No, we won’t go back. Not there. Not to him. They can’t make us. Gollum! Gollum!
But we swore to serve the master of the precious.
No! Ashes and dust and thirst there is. And pits, pits, pits. And Orcses. Thousands of Orcses. And always the Great Eye watching, watching.
Hey! Come back now. Come back!
There, what did I tell you? He’s run off, the old villain.
So much for his promises.
This way, Hobbits. Follow me!!
Modestly, but sincerely, Wood says, "I love the fans. We (actors) wouldn't be anywhere without the fans. But I love anonymity too. It's a great rush when you have premieres and people want to see you. I have a lot of pride associated with these movies, but I certainly don't want this kind of attention all the time. It's really quite exhausting. I like anonymity, and quiet," he says.
TO BE CONTINUED
LINK TO ALL CHAPTERS:
"A JOURNEY WITH FRODO"