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Legolas, You're Just So Darn...CUTE! - Page 5

© Michael Martinez

I think he comes as close to portraying a Tolkien Legolas as any actor alive today would be capable of doing. Are there differences between the film character and the book? Yes. Legolas in the movie is not quite as reserved as Legolas in the book. The Legolas in the book is a bit playful and mischievous. The whole quest thing is almost like a holiday for him. The movie Legolas is so darned serious. I can see why all the girls like him. They want to soothe his brow, massage his shoulders, help him relax. And yet, he moves with the grace of a cat. And that walk is something Orlando says he practiced. He put a lot of time and thought into figuring out what Legolas' movement should be like. It was time well-spent. But let's not forget that Legolas is strong, loyal, dedicated, and he kills Orcs really, really fast. Legolas is a very violent character in the movie. He's deadly, cold, and calculating when he confronts Orcs. But he also has some interesting reactions. One of the odder parts of the movie occurs in the council of Elrond, when all the Elves and Dwarves start yelling at each other. There is nothing like this in the book. No Tolkien Elf or Dwarf would behave that way. Not under such circumstances. But when that little guy steps forward and offers to accompany Legolas on his heroic journey (or was it the other way around?), Gimli offers his axe. And just a that moment, you see the Look on Legolas' face. He realizes that this really isn't HIS movie. He actually seems to panic for the briefest moment. Well, people thought it was a funny look, and obviously all the shouting was intended to give Orlando an opportunity to ham it up in his movie. I think he did a good job. That scene, by the way, is the one I referred to when I said that Legolas gave Gimli a priceless look. I've been asked about that comment quite a bit. I wish I did know how old Legolas was supposed to be. For the movie, they decided he was 2931 years old. Where did they come up with that age? No idea. It has no relevance to any published Tolkien text of which I am aware. But, I doubt anyone will care much. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to answer some email.

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