And Now It's Time to Say Good-bye... - Page 3
© Michael Martinez
Even George Lucas will be hard-pressed to generate all the news reports and scandals that "Lord of the Rings" has produced for us. There have been weeks where I felt more like a tabloid reporter than just a fan trying to help keep other fans informed. While people send me requests for articles about the Dunlendings, the other two wizards, the Forodwaith, the real history of Umbar, I look at the news stories and ask why anyone should care that Sir Ian McKellen enjoys a night life. Or why it matters if all the LOTR actors ordered salads at a particular restaurant in the Spring.
This isn't exactly the stuff of legends, folks. McKellen has done his bit to keep the magic alive by revealing tidbits on his own Web site. Given the hassle that other people have endured, and that E! Online's inexpert Insider John Forde has exclusive Internet coverage (fans often ask in the forums if the guy has even read the book), it's simply miraculous that McKellen reveals as much as he does. At Dragoncon this year, Brad Dourif and Karl Urban -- two really great guys to talk and listen to -- were almost terrified of saying anything. They knew whatever they said would probably be on Peter's desk within 24 hours (believe it or not, there are several people whose jobs are to monitor the Tolkien Web sites -- hi, guys!).
I can almost see the negotiations behind McKellen's revelations. "Peter, I'd like to mention that Gandalf is not facing the Balrog, that the scene is actually going to depend heavily on CGI and considerable acting on my part." "I don't know, Ian. We'd really like to keep the Balrog under wraps as much as possible. The wings thing, you know." "Oh, dear. I think my old Richard III injury is flaring up. Shame about that. I'll have to post-pone production work for another three weeks." "So, would you like pictures of the Balrog with that interview?" "It's by telephone. Won't be necessary, thank you."
There will be more interviews, more revelations, no doubt, with McKellen and many other actors. Of course, the real gravy will come when Peter himself starts getting out and about and talking about his project. This is, more than anyone else's, his baby. He should be immensely proud of what he's accomplished (unless it's determined that all the money spent in New Zealand for these movies is responsible for the current inflation rate, then an "Oops!" might be in order). And what has Jackson accomplished?
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