What are you watching?

[Feanor]

...
* Bill, is there a film(s) in the works about The Silmarillion?

This is a very good question ... Google "Silmarillion movie". Many, but not, all Tolkien fans would love to see one -- or more precisely a series of movies, since there is plenty of material.

Peter Jackson doesn't have the rights to The Silmarillion as he does to the LoTR and Hobbit. For a further point of view, see "Why Peter Jackson Will Never Film The Silmarillion".

By the way, perhaps you're aware that Fëanor is an major character in The Silmarillion.

 

[Shadowfax]

Yes, and with Peter Jackson's own readings of the books and interpretations and with his team of other advocates (interpreters - one woman in particular; I forgot her name), his elaborate films come also with tons of baggage; many other informative discs about EVERYTHING.

Like I said Brian; it is a very fortunate accident that I did not read all the books, not even one. But I did check some interesting facts from the special features (Blu-ray discs), so I'm aware of some of the stuff like the changes made for the films, and some of the free interpretation, and some of the stuff omitted, and other added. After all he took some liberties in creating his movies the way he saw them fit, with hos own personal touch. He tried to replicate the stories from the books as best as he could but adapted for films at the theater, and then at home (Extended Editions).

Yes, I read several comments on several forums about some scenes that were not accurate compared to the books, missing parts, and free ones.

If we are doing an elaborate analysis from the films versus the books we would probably be able to write an encyclopedia just on the LOTR and the Hobbit alone!

There are several type of viewers; which type should we respect more, the ones who read all the books of the films they watched or the ones who didn't? Of course neither one, it's all a balancing artistic act.
Should films be made only when they are original (true art form - pure creativity), or are we allowed to make films based on books and live facts?
And then, no two people would ever make the very same film. Of course not; no one has the exact same vision as the next person standing or sitting beside him/her.

That's why most films based on books are loose (loosely based on a true story, or a fantasy story). ...Picasso, where did he get his inspiration?

And the writers; did they saw the things that they wrote exactly the same as the readers who read their books? Ha!
To be or not to be, that is the question.

I don't mind so much if they leave out some detail, because if not the movies would be even longer due to Tolkien's detail. But to change detail where there is no need to change it, as it does not do anything to help.

I think the whole idea bringing these books to film was to cash in on all us LOTR Loyalists. Think about it....first out on DVD, then re-released as Extended Versions, then re-released as Blu. That was not all for those who never read the books and don't know the story, although they did cash in on those people some too at the movies.

Look what they did to Steven King's Under The Dome. They strayed from the book straight away so they could drag it out into multiple seasons and keep twisting the story further.

Oh well, Artistic Interpretation from those who could not write it let alone dream it all up.

 

[Feanor]

I don't mind so much if they leave out some detail, because if not the movies would be even longer due to Tolkien's detail. But to change detail where there is no need to change it, as it does not do anything to help.

I think the whole idea bringing these books to film was to cash in on all us LOTR Loyalists. Think about it....first out on DVD, then re-released as Extended Versions, then re-released as Blu. That was not all for those who never read the books and don't know the story, although they did cash in on those people some too at the movies.
...

And it's not only plot details that are a problem. One of the most egregious liberties Jackson took with the LoTR was casting Elijah Wood as Frodo, portraying him as a callow 20 year old (in human terms). The "real" Frodo Baggins was 50 y.o. when he set out on the ring quest; (given hobbits mature more slowly than humans, 35-40 y.o. in human terms). Most of the rest of the casting was OK; notably good was Ian McKellen as Gandalf, who, BTW, is hard-core Tolkien fan.

I suppose Jackson's screenwriters advised him that typical viewers "wouldn't understand" Frodo's particular sort of naivete if he were portrayed by a 40 y/o. That is, similar to the Faramir issue. Those bitches should be garrotted, (opps! what am I saying. Gosh, sorry).

 

[NorthStar]

I believe people have actually done written encyclopedic comparisons of the films to the book. I could find links no doubt ...

Personally I acknowledge Jackson's artistic right to interpret Tolkien's works. My objections to his changes, (additions/deletions), are purely personal. But I know that most Tolkien fans also object, though not necessarily to same things nor to the same extent because -- as you say -- people don't illustrate the same text in the same way in their minds' eyes.

Yes, Bob, it is fortunate that you have not read the books to the extent that it allows you to appreciate the films on their own merits.
We Tolkien fans are thus less fortunate because we are biased by our knowledge of the "sacred text".
However most of us agree that books are greater than the films; Christopher Tolkien, (J.R.R.'s son and literary executor), was ultimately correct when he said that they had to be read and cinema could never really do them justice.

- Interesting; I'm totally free, without any bias myself.

- If you say so I believe you because you are not alone in saying that.

- The films shouldn't have been made? ...Well, perhaps by a better and more accurate director?

<<<>>> Five thousand years ago cinema wasn't invented yet; they did not have lenses, cameras, and film pellicules.
What they had was chisels and stones and words. Just imagine for one moment if their tools would have been more oriented towards moving pictures! ...

 

[NorthStar]

This is a very good question ... Google "Silmarillion movie". Many, but not, all Tolkien fans would love to see one -- or more precisely a series of movies, since there is plenty of material.

Peter Jackson doesn't have the rights to The Silmarillion as he does to the LoTR and Hobbit.
For a further point of view, see "Why Peter Jackson Will Never Film The Silmarillion".

By the way, perhaps you're aware that Fëanor is a major character in The Silmarillion.

No but now I am.

 

[NorthStar]

I don't mind so much if they leave out some detail, because if not the movies would be even longer due to Tolkien's detail. But to change detail where there is no need to change it, as it does not do anything to help.

I think the whole idea bringing these books to film was to cash in on all us LOTR Loyalists. Think about it....first out on DVD, then re-released as Extended Versions, then re-released as Blu. That was not all for those who never read the books and don't know the story, although they did cash in on those people some too at the movies.

Look what they did to Steven King's Under The Dome. They strayed from the book straight away so they could drag it out into multiple seasons and keep twisting the story further.

Oh well, Artistic Interpretation from those who could not write it let alone dream it all up.

And also look at what they're doing with our smartphones and the Internet! ...Talk about artistic content!

 

[NorthStar]

Who is controlling our lives? ...Books, films, paintings, museums, communication companies, TVs, fast food, music, ...?

 

[NorthStar]

Last night, revisited ::

-> Unfortunately I was tired and felt asleep. ...I'll take it from where I left off, tonight.

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The night before last night (in 3D) ::

-> Big mistake, make that huge! ...Don't go there, you might lose your soul!
{I wasn't going to tell but I had too because with the good there is also the bad. ...And this one is real bad!}

 

[KingRT10]

Inception was great. Plus a great sounding movie.

 

[NorthStar]

And Christopher Nolan is a great director.

 

[Mechnutt]

What am I watching- Sophia Vergara and Modern family:snicker:

 

[Lefisc]

Bob, you wrote, "Who is controlling our lives? ...Books, films, paintings, museums, communication companies, TVs, fast food, music, ...?" You know, at this late time in my life I hope I am controlling them.

When I was younger we had only three major networks, no VCRS, DVDS etc. I could only see a complete movie for the time it was in the theater. But before the rating Board (G, M, R and X) movies were heavily censored so movies were not complete. Now movies in the theatres are far less censored and "full versions" are often available on DVDs. And I can time shift my TV viewing and miss shows, even when several are on at the same time. I don;t have to go out for a newspaper and I don;t even have to have it delivered. I get it on my Ipad.

But I used to get all my news and information from the communication companies, but that is no longer true. There are several other sources and people, some I trust, some I don't (including you!!!!!!!! in the trusting) that I never had available before.

This is a very different world than what I grew up in

 

[Feanor]

Game of Thrones, Season 4 ... surely I'm not alone here?

Game of Thrones: Viewers per episode (in millions)

• Season 1 (2011): Viewers of the first airing on HBO in the US on Sundays 9:00 pm.
• Season 2 (2012): Viewers of the first airing on HBO in the US on Sundays 9:00 pm.
• Season 3 (2013): Viewers of the first airing on HBO in the US on Sundays 9:00 pm.
• Season 4 (2014): Viewers of the first airing on HBO in the US on Sundays 9:00 pm.

Additionally it seems GoT is also the most "downloaded" series ever.

 

[Mechnutt]

I also watch Game of Throne's. I just started in the fall and caught up last month.

 

[NorthStar]

Bob, you wrote, "Who is controlling our lives? ...Books, films, paintings, museums, communication companies, TVs, fast food, music, ...?" You know, at this late time in my life I hope I am controlling them.

Lol, yes, just a way to say that sometimes I feel that I'm not in control anymore of my destiny, and I'm sure that I'm not the only one who feels this way. Just take it in a humorous and realistic context Barry, because the higher powers above do inflict some influences on our lives. But ultimately we are the ones who accept or reject. ...And decide where we want to go.

When I was younger we had only three major networks, no VCRS, DVDS etc. I could only see a complete movie for the time it was in the theater. But before the rating Board (G, M, R and X) movies were heavily censored so movies were not complete. Now movies in the theatres are far less censored and "full versions" are often available on DVDs. And I can time shift my TV viewing and miss shows, even when several are on at the same time. I don;t have to go out for a newspaper and I don;t even have to have it delivered. I get it on my Ipad.

But I used to get all my news and information from the communication companies, but that is no longer true. There are several other sources and people, some I trust, some I don't (including you!!!!!!!! in the trusting) that I never had available before.

This is a very different world than what I grew up in

Very good points Barry; when we were in our twenties we didn't have Internet and all that source of information we have now.
Different drives were our life motivations, and education (@ school and at home - family and friends) was our main source (with AM radios, black & white tube and round TVs, rabbit antennas, etc. of that sort).
Now look where we are at! ...But even more than that; look at where we were then!

Anyway, today we play with our PCs and Macs, tablets and iPods, smartphones and ultrabooks, digital picture frames and all that technological jazz. But the planet is still round and inhabited by humans, and animals. Our emotions are related to our surroundings; all in all with the times we now live in. And when you think about it you can see the shifting in human evolution.
{Just as a quick note: Look at Putin where he now has to explain himself; because of a more informed world population.}

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Last night I tried to finish watching 'Inception' with Leonardo but I felt asleep again!
It must have something to do with the codeine in my system; I'm having some strong pain recently...
I'll give it another shot tonight, perhaps.

 

[NorthStar]

All Men Must Die* ...I don't watch TV, but this title is funnily catchy.

* Is that any good; this ain't mainly for kids?

 

[Feanor]

All Men Must Die* ...I don't watch TV, but this title is funnily catchy.

* Is that any good; this ain't mainly for kids?

Define "kid". Your tone is a bit condescending but then you don't watch TV so you may be excused.

According to Metacritic.com, Game of Thrones, Season 4 enjoys a critics' rating of 94% and a viewers' rating of 9.4/10 -- these are relatively very high ratings, and I have no reason to disagree bases on my own viewing.

 

[NorthStar]

Kids; us. ...Who else; men have always remain kids, they never grew up, never developed as real mature responsible upright adults.

Is it similar to The Hunger Games? ...No, probably not. I'm sorry I just don't know nothing of that Series (Game of Thrones).
I got no cable @ home, so I never watch TV, for the last twenty years or so. At one point my TV was the mountains and the forests outside. ...Then National Geographic on the Internet. ...And all that jazz.

Movies on Blu-ray; that yes I watch. ...Music concerts, Documentaries, ...

If Game of Thrones is so popular how come not more people here post their experience?

Bill, I'm simply humorous, and honest.

 

[NorthStar]

Bill, I found this, and it looks quite interesting:

​

...And this: Is 'Game Of Thrones' New On Easter? Find Out If Season 4, Episode 3 'Breaker Of Chains' Will Air On Easter Sunday

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Sorry if I came up "condescending"; but I wasn't because I simply don't know about this Series, and even if I knew about it I would never adopt an attitude of that sort.
But I can see how my post could have sounded like you just described. Best is to always see the positive side of things; the good humor. ...And not everyone has the same experience, or knowledge on stuff we watch (or don't have the chance to); like in this situation right here.

Again I'm sorry; I understand, and I can be more delicate (higher level of awareness) in the future.

 

[Feanor]

Kids; us. ...Who else; men have always remain kids, they never grew up, never developed as real mature responsible upright adults.

Is it similar to The Hunger Games? ...No, probably not. I'm sorry I just don't know nothing of that Series (Game of Thrones).
I got no cable @ home, so I never watch TV, for the last twenty years or so. At one point my TV was the mountains and the forests outside. ...Then National Geographic on the Internet. ...And all that jazz.

Movies on Blu-ray; that yes I watch. ...Music concerts, Documentaries, ...

If Game of Thrones is so popular how come not more people here post their experience?

Bill, I'm simply humorous, and honest.

TV remains a wasteland mostly. I have cable, (actually satellite), but of all my monthly bills it's the one I most begrudge.

As to why people here don't comment on GoT, I don't know. The facile answer might be that they are too occupied with their music listening.

Of course you are humorous & honest, Bob, and it's appreciated.