Thinking thinking thinking...

Gandalf going off in The Hobbit was really just an excuse to give Bilbo the oportunity to 'grow' as a character (and hero, even). Gandalf went off to chase the Necromancer away from Dol Guldur (I'm not even sure it was to chase Sauron away to Mordor at that stage of writing). This is an excellent reason why it should not be part of the movie - it was never, strictly speaking, part of the book.

Bilbo is the Story. The only diversion should be the slaying of Smaug, as this was IN THE BOOK. And should be shown after the Party have had time to begin to wonder about things - perhaps in Flashback. All that wandering around inside the Lonely Mountain with them wondering where Smaug had got to was truly suspenseful. Let this play out - and then do the Flashback.

Hey, how's this: don't fix it if it's not broke!

Odo

In the book Aragorn releases the Dead Men ("the Army of the Dead" is a film-only phrase) at Pelargir and proceeds to battle with Legolas, Gimli, the Dunedain, and some of the Men of Southern Gondor.

Thanks Eldorion.

Odo

GB, I already mentioned this in the other thread and I don't want to repeat myself unnecessarily, but adding to the story of The Hobbit still changes the story and focus of the films regardless of whether the additions are based in Tolkien's writings or not. And what we know about Dol Guldur is so vague that it will be largely the invention of the filmmakers anyway.

No problem, Odo.



I agree. I don't think showing Gandalf's "comings and goings" would be necessary beyond make a few-second flashback at some point when he hints at where he was (sort of like they did in The Two Towers).

I don't even think I'd go that far, Eldorion. I think perhaps Gandald could make a passing reference to what he went off to do to Bilbo - I think that would be nicely mysterious for those who don't know the story, and a nod and a wink to those who do. It'd be enough, wouldn't it?

Odo

Not for me, alas .

But then I am one of those kids who always wanted to know what Gandalf was doing in The Hobbit anyway.

GB

But GB you do know! You'd be the last to need to "see" it in a movie, surely! Wouldn't it be nice to see T's actual descriptions conscientiously depicted on screen? When PJ took this approach in LOTR I rarely had a problem with him. But surely Dol Guldur would be best left to your untrammeled imagination... wouldn't it...? Remember, T never actually described events or locations. How on earth can poor DT or PJ possibly depict what's in your imaginatuon - or mine - Eldorion's. Any attempt would be doomed to failure! Oh how sad it would be for you - your dreams being casually strewn on the floor like that - like gnawed bones, no longer valued! We must not let that happen! I for one will be staunch in the defense of your imagination, GB! For your own good, not mine...!

Odo

Nice One Odo . Touche.

However, I love Hollywood Special Effects Blockbusters. And as Jackson mirrored a lot of what was in my own subconscious, I feel pretty good about how this is going to turn out.

GB

GB, I would expect this from someone who is not a Tolkien Fundamentalist. Of course you'd say PJ can read your mind. It's because PJ controls your mind.

Since my recent conversion to Tolkien Fundamentalism, I have come to see things far more clearly. Yes, I am well aware that is a Powerful Force of Darkness (PFD) that I must contend with. That same force was strong enough to seduce one such as Eldorion away from the True Path. Yes, I don't underestimate old PFD, no way.

But lukilly I now know the fervor of the true Tolkien Fundamentalist (I couldn't be more fervorous if I was a Reformed Smoker, and we all know how fervorous they can be!) I tell you, I'll fight the good fight, even if the fight is ultimately futile. Sigh....!

Odo