The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
Martin Freeman



BeornBerserker
Lorien

Nov 17 2012, 9:53pm


Views: 1953
Martin Freeman

I just received the AUJ visual guide to which Martin Freeman wrote the forward. Every interview or movie clip or something like this forward making me happier that he was chosen for the role. In the forward his feelings of the honor and privilege to play Bilbo in Tolkien's work clearly show. He comments on what a huge project(2+ years at least for him) and how the scope and scale is beyond anything he thought he might work or will work on again. He also seems in awe of the work and craftsmanship that went into the designs, sets, and props and the overall passion and enthusiasm of the project.

Whatever else these movies bring, I am predicting his part in it will almost be universally praised and liked.


Lusitano
Tol Eressea


Nov 17 2012, 9:56pm


Views: 1121
theres an interesting

british film called Wild Target, with MF and the lovely Emily Blunt and that ginger boy from Harrt Potter. Hes brilliant in it! I am very confident that he will win the audience, both casual moviegoers and tolkienietes.

Speaking of emily blunt, couldnt she had gotten a role as an elf!? Shes so lovely and such a versatile actress.


Shelob'sAppetite
Valinor

Nov 17 2012, 9:57pm


Views: 1095
Agreed. Freeman is great.

And will be great as Bilbo.


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 17 2012, 10:00pm


Views: 1134
Not as brilliant as Ian Holm's Bilbo

But I'm sure he will come close.

Smile

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Shelob'sAppetite
Valinor

Nov 17 2012, 10:04pm


Views: 1120
Will be better

I love Ian Holm, and like his Bilbo, but I find it unfortunate that PJ chose some of his more OTT takes for parts of the film (such as during his conversation with Gandalf before he leaves, and his chats with Frodo in Rivendell).

Something tells me that Freeman has been less willing to exaggerate his emotions.

But who knows...


jtarkey
Rohan


Nov 17 2012, 10:06pm


Views: 1109
That conversation he has with gandalf after leaving the party is hilarious.

It's been an inside joke between my brother and I for years. It's weird because I love that scene soooo much...but for all the wrong reasons.

"You're love of the halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind"


Captain Salt
Tol Eressea


Nov 17 2012, 10:21pm


Views: 1031
Whatever the case with Bilbo, there's no doubt he'll be very believable as Martin Freeman. ;) //

 

My Top 5 Wish List for "The Hobbit"
5. Legolas will surf down Smaug's neck
4. Bilbo will be revealed to a Robot
3. Naked PJ cameo as Ghan-Buri-Ghan
2. Use of not only 3D, but smell-o-vision, plus the inclusion of axes coming out of the seats and poking the audience when appropriate
1. Not only keep the claim that Thorin & Co. ran amok in Mirkwood "molesting people", but depict said incident in vivid detail!!!!!


Elenorflower
Gondor


Nov 17 2012, 10:55pm


Views: 1007
Martin will I am sure be perfect.

He has the ability to use micro movements of his facial expressions to portray subtle emotions, and he does understated English irony and humour very well. He also has a vulnerable bewildered quality about him and is not commercial and perfect looking. Hes not too young and hes not too old, hes just right.


imin
Valinor


Nov 17 2012, 11:08pm


Views: 937
Agree with everything and couldnt say it better myself :) //

 


dormouse
Half-elven


Nov 17 2012, 11:17pm


Views: 977
I agree with you about the foreword

I was very impressed with that, and I come to this as someone who wouldn't have chosen Martin Freeman for the part and wasn't sure about him at first. But everything I've seen and read so far about him as Bilbo looks extremely good. I think I was wrong about him, and I'm glad.


Bombadil
Half-elven


Nov 18 2012, 12:15am


Views: 960
Do any of US..Truly Understand the Pressure he is Under?

Heart


starlesswinter
Lorien

Nov 18 2012, 3:32am


Views: 889
I wasn't aware people found that OTT

I've never heard anyone say he overplayed Bilbo before. Interesting...


dalecooper
Rivendell

Nov 18 2012, 1:00pm


Views: 785
I found him to be slightly too... theatrical.

OTT isn't really the right description for me, but some moments and emotions were definitely played up to make sure it was impossible to miss them. I always pictured Bilbo as a little more droll and if anything prone to under-react; that's one reason among many I think Freeman is a great choice, because that's his entire acting style. Of course, Bilbo in "The Hobbit" is a slightly different fellow than Bilbo in LOTR, but the first one is the definitive one to me. Smile


Fardragon
Rohan

Nov 18 2012, 2:00pm


Views: 790
It;s not so much Ian Holm,

But the choice made by the director, that people have issues with. Although, given the sentimentality in the movies, it may have been the right choice.

But the Bilbo of the book is much more of a rascally old practical joker. I would have liked to see someone like Richard Briers or Tom Baker in the part (Tom is a bit tall though).

A Far Dragon is the best kind...


BeornBerserker
Lorien

Nov 18 2012, 2:21pm


Views: 748
more

One of the things that struck me about tv spot 6 was how right his speech felt. Clearly that was created dialog as in the book, that scene is more or less him humoring himself by using the ring to sneak past Balin and surprise the group and then recounting a slightly altered version of his escape. I am sure those events will stay but blended with that speech and the subtle friction between him and Thorin gave it a much more adult feel. While his sentiments in that speech were not directly lifted from the text I think it is true to one of the themes in the story of Bilbo finding his true self throughout his adventure which happens many times and in different situations as his "Tookish" side comes out. Hopefully any monolog and dialog that wasn't from the book and in the scenes or events we speculate that were only mentioned in the book or appendices that are going to be fleshed out can capture that same feel. I think many of the actors are up to it, hopefully the script will be too. We won't know until the movie comes out but seeing a little more of Bilbo continues to alleviate the anxiety of turning the Hobbit into a trilogy. I am not saying that every non book invention will appear as good as that scene but if 85% was I feel giving us more of Middle Earth was definitely worth the effort.


burgahobbit
Rohan


Nov 18 2012, 3:04pm


Views: 764
I really love Ian Holm as Bilbo

But tv spot 6 has me assured that Martin will be great as well! Smile


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 18 2012, 4:09pm


Views: 731
Agreed

I have no issue with Freeman. But for me, Bilbo IS Ian Holm.

Just like Cate Blanchett is Galadriel, and McKellen is Gandalf.

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Shelob'sAppetite
Valinor

Nov 18 2012, 4:12pm


Views: 736
Agreed, Holm is usually much less theatrical in his film roles

It was Peter Jackson who called for those "bigger" takes, and he went with them.


shadowdog
Rohan

Nov 18 2012, 4:26pm


Views: 714
Frustrated

Everybody keeps talking about TV Spot # 6, but nobody has - as far as I can find - posted a link to it. I have looked all over for it. HALP.


Shelob'sAppetite
Valinor

Nov 18 2012, 4:28pm


Views: 723
You may want to check

The thread titled "TV Spot #6." Smile


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 18 2012, 4:35pm


Views: 704
Hobbit Headlines

If you're ever looking for a thread or link to previous news headlines and spoilers, check out my weekly thread on main. Alternatively, click the link in my footer below. I've linked to all previous week headlines to make searching easier.

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Carne
Tol Eressea

Nov 18 2012, 7:12pm


Views: 675
I read the LOTR movie guide recently and according to that it was Holm who asked for those "bigger" takes

He'd do a calm take, a more intense one etc so Peter could have more to pick from.


(This post was edited by Carne on Nov 18 2012, 7:14pm)


Shelob'sAppetite
Valinor

Nov 18 2012, 7:15pm


Views: 690
What I read there was

That Holm wanted to give PJ a full range of takes, from the subtle to the "big." He likes to give directors a range of choices. It was then PJ's decision to choose, and ultimately, I'm not a huge fan of choices! Smile


starlesswinter
Lorien

Nov 18 2012, 7:43pm


Views: 673
I suppose it could be argued that it's the effect of the Ring

which makes Bilbo over-the-top. I really don't have an opinion either way, though. I liked what Ian Holm did as Bilbo, but it's such a small role that it doesn't really have an effect on my opinion of the film overall.


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 18 2012, 7:56pm


Views: 651
I have no idea what any of you mean by Ian Holm's performance was OTT.

I must be missing something!

But don't tell me, I don't want the trilogy ruined anymore than it already has been.Tongue

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Shelob'sAppetite
Valinor

Nov 18 2012, 8:11pm


Views: 617
Never said that

There are just moments, particularly during his confrontation with Gandalf, and during his chat with Frodo in Rivendell, where PJ decided to go OTT with his Ring-inspired irritation, and his general emotionalism (Bilbo of the book never struck me as wearing his emotions on his sleeve). Not to mention the horrible "RARG!" moment in Rivendell, when he lunges for the Ring (not Holm's fault at all, of course...).

Otherwise, I loved Holm as Bilbo.

But I think I will like Freeman's interpretation more.


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 18 2012, 8:32pm


Views: 608
Of course you will

And so will the majority of people. Freeman and PJ have 3 entire films to explore the character. Holm had a couple of scenes!

Should more effort have been made then in LOTR, for Holm and PJ to get the character right? In my opinion, no. He's only a minor character in the grand scheme of the trilogy. And did an awesome job.

Smile

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(This post was edited by DanielLB on Nov 18 2012, 8:39pm)


starlesswinter
Lorien

Nov 18 2012, 10:22pm


Views: 568
Never said what?

I didn't mean that YOU were suggesting that. I was just throwing that perspective out there.


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 18 2012, 10:25pm


Views: 573
Slight confusion if you're reading in flat mode

Shelob'sAppetite was replying back to my comment (re: OTT Bilbo), and not your post.

Smile

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starlesswinter
Lorien

Nov 18 2012, 10:28pm


Views: 553
Oh, I apologize!

Sorry about that! :)


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 18 2012, 10:29pm


Views: 556
No need to apologise :-)

Threads with many sub-discussions can get confusing, especially when some read in threaded mode and others in flat.Wink

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Elenorflower
Gondor


Nov 18 2012, 10:45pm


Views: 540
Amen to that Dan, I agree with you,

its been nit picked to death. and I am tired of it. Mad


(This post was edited by Elenorflower on Nov 18 2012, 10:48pm)


Finrod
Rohan


Nov 18 2012, 11:07pm


Views: 565
Obsequious Text Tittles


In Reply To
I have no idea what any of you mean by Ian Holm's performance was OTT. I must be missing something!


You don’t? Really? Oh, that part’s easy. According to the Internet, OTT means any and all of:
  • Obelisk the Tormentor
  • Objects and Tangible Things
  • Objects or Tangible Things
  • Object To Test
  • Object Type Translator
  • Observational yield Trial Test
  • Observed Time of Transit
  • occipital transtentorial approach
  • Ocean Tactical Targeting
  • Ocean Tidal Terms
  • oesophageal transit time
  • Offer to Transfer
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  • Offices of Technology Transfer
  • Off Their Trolley
  • off the text
  • Off The Topic
  • Off the Track Thoroughbreds
  • Off the Truck
  • Of the Technology Transfer
  • Of Training Technology
  • Oikeustieteen Tohtori
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  • One True Thing
  • Online Teaching Tools
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  • On The job Training
  • Open Team Train
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  • Oral Transit Times
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  • Orascom Training Technology
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Given the context, it’s utterly clear that what we’re talking about here has got to be Old Testament Theology instead of On The job Training, as you were probably thinking. What could be easier?

Hope this helps! Isn’t the Internet wonderful!?!?

…all eyes looked upon the ring; for he held it now aloft, and the green jewels gleamed there that the Noldor had devised in Valinor. For this ring was like to twin serpents, whose eyes were emeralds, and their heads met beneath a crown of golden flowers, that the one upheld and the other devoured; that was the badge of Finarfin and his house.
The Silmarillion, pp 150-151
while Felagund laughs beneath the trees
in Valinor and comes no more
to this grey world of tears and war.
The Lays of Beleriand, p 311




(This post was edited by Finrod on Nov 18 2012, 11:09pm)


Ataahua
Forum Admin / Moderator


Nov 18 2012, 11:36pm


Views: 555
That's when

the 'In Reply To' button is really handy in flat mode, for checking which post a person is replying to.

Celebrimbor: "Pretty rings..."
Dwarves: "Pretty rings..."
Men: "Pretty rings..."
Sauron: "Mine's better."

"Ah, how ironic, the addictive qualities of Sauron’s master weapon led to its own destruction. Which just goes to show, kids - if you want two small and noble souls to succeed on a mission of dire importance... send an evil-minded beggar with them too." - Gandalf's Diaries, final par, by Ufthak.


Ataahua's stories


Elenorflower
Gondor


Nov 18 2012, 11:50pm


Views: 520
we really need

a facepalm emoticon. Laugh


shadowdog
Rohan

Nov 19 2012, 12:06am


Views: 542
Clicked on your

link and don't see a link to view the tv spot. SIGH.


painjoiker
Grey Havens


Nov 19 2012, 12:12am


Views: 526
So you're saying it wasn't Order of Tamar Tigers? //

 

Vocalist in the semi-progressive metal band Arctic Eclipse


shadowdog
Rohan

Nov 19 2012, 12:12am


Views: 545
Hugs and kisses

thanks. I have been going nuts trying to track down a link to the video. LOL


sphdle1
Gondor


Nov 19 2012, 2:10am


Views: 493
Have you seen the movie?

How can you make that statement without seeing his full performance first?

sphdle1

"The last words Albus Dumbledore spoke to the pair of us?
Harry is the best hope we have. Trust him."


imin
Valinor


Nov 19 2012, 2:11am


Views: 486
he has seen the movie actually

DanielLB is the time lord!


sphdle1
Gondor


Nov 19 2012, 2:13am


Views: 486
I was in camp Freeman from the beginning

so I am perfectly biased when I say you are 100% correct ;)

sphdle1

"The last words Albus Dumbledore spoke to the pair of us?
Harry is the best hope we have. Trust him."


Gwytha
Rohan


Nov 19 2012, 3:11am


Views: 477
I also find there's

an emotional intensity to some of Ian Holm's scenes as Bilbo that I was really uncomfortable with. I had the same reaction to how he played Frodo is the 70's radio adaptation where he gets way too whiny a few times. Ian Holm is so wonderful most of the time as Bilbo and as Frodo that I'm happy to put up with what I find to be the OTT moments for the sake of the rest of his performance. But I also think I'm going to like Martin Freeman even better. In fact, I think I'm so totally falling in love with Martin Freeman's Bilbo that he's going to replace Frodo as my favorite charactar.

We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!


starlesswinter
Lorien

Nov 19 2012, 3:58am


Views: 486
Sometimes though

it appears that "in reply to" will take you to the last two posts at the bottom of the page even if it's actually the bottom post. At least that's the mistake I made. Maybe it has to do with the size of the screen as well.


Eowyn of Penns Woods
Valinor


Nov 19 2012, 5:01am


Views: 464
When I hover over the 'in reply to' before clicking on it

there's a #number at the very end. That #number matches the one found by hovering over 'shortcut' under the name/avatar of the person and post being replied to. It's more work to match them up, but it could help.

**********************************


NABOUF
Not a TORns*b!
Certified Curmudgeon
Knitting Knerd
NARF: NWtS Chapter Member since June 17,2011

(This post was edited by Eowyn of Penns Woods on Nov 19 2012, 5:04am)


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 19 2012, 8:13am


Views: 449
I actually meant ...

Officially Trained Thief.

That's what Bilbo is, after all. Wink

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(This post was edited by DanielLB on Nov 19 2012, 8:14am)


DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 19 2012, 8:16am


Views: 439
Just like how you say below

That you're 100% in the Freeman camp. Wink

No-one here has seen the full performance, but it is perfectly acceptable to say:

1) I loved Holm, and I'm sure Freeman will do a good job.
2) I liked Holm, and I'm sure Freeman will do a better job.

I went for 1, you went for 2.

Tongue

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DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 19 2012, 8:18am


Views: 445
Yup, that happens sometimes.

And I'll go into threaded mode just to check who replied to who.

It happens when the scroller on the right can't go down anymore, so it looks like the reply is 2 up from the bottom.

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DanielLB
Immortal


Nov 19 2012, 8:18am


Views: 682
I'm good, but I'm not *that* good. ;-) /

 

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