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



Eowyn3
Rivendell

Feb 7 2013, 3:55am


Views: 1639
In praise of Martin Freeman
I have enjoyed and loved all the new additions to this franchise. I really think they have played their part exceptionally well (specially RA as Thorin). And of course, all the returning actors have been fantastic. However, I have to say that the most impressive performance goes to Martin Freeman. When I first watched the movie I had some reservations since I did not know anything about him. After watching AUJ, I was extremely impressed with his performance. To me he is the best Hobbit ever. I have felt that the he brought the character right out of the book. Like Bilbo himself has acted in the movie.
I am really looking forward to his performance in the next two installments.


Gelir
Bree

Feb 7 2013, 4:05am


Views: 942
+1
I couldn't agree more. To me he simply was Bilbo, and I didn't expect that to be the case. I loved every minute of his performance.


Súlimë
Rivendell


Feb 7 2013, 4:20am


Views: 937
He is sooo Hobbit
...that when I watch the interviews I still go "Whooa, that guy is actually a man." :P


morgul lord
Rivendell


Feb 7 2013, 4:53am


Views: 931
Definitely check out BBC's Sherlock
If you've never heard of him before, you'll love watching him as Dr. Watson!

He's also great in The Hitchhiker's Guide movie, and the UK Office.


GloryBox
Bree


Feb 7 2013, 5:22am


Views: 944
He had me at "Good morning"!
I too am so looking forward to the next films. His facial expressions are so expressive. I love the way he uses his hands -- "I am a Baggins of Bag End". All of his body language (esp with his hands) on the morning after the Unexpected Party as he makes his decision. The way he draws Sting with two fingers after Bofur says "What's that?". And most of all the Pity of Bilbo scene.

Oh, and his performance as John Watson in 'Sherlock' is amazing, too.
...one morning long ago in the quiet of the world, when there was less noise and more green... The Hobbit


Owain
Tol Eressea


Feb 7 2013, 5:33am


Views: 892
I agree, Martin Freeman was excellent.
He is also my favorite Hobbit of all the Middle Earth movies thus far.

PJ and Co did a perfect job, IMO, when they cast him as Bilbo.


Smile
Middle Earth is New Zealand!

"Question everything, embrace the bad, and hold on to the good."


Old Toby
Grey Havens


Feb 7 2013, 5:40am


Views: 898
Hear hear!
Having seen him as Watson (for which he's already won a BAFTA), I knew he would be absolutely spectacular as Bilbo! He's just so perfect for the part, exactly as I imagined Bilbo to be when I read the book! And I'm thrilled beyond words (well, no, obviously not) that Benedict is playing Smaug and the Necromancer!! They do make a fine team, Martin and Benedict. Brilliant casting.
"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)


GothmogTheBalrog
Rivendell


Feb 7 2013, 5:48am


Views: 882
I can just imagine
Smaug wearing a scarf and staring into a microscope as Bilbo tries to speak to him. And of course he goes on his rampage yelling "I! Am! BORED!!!"

All joking aside though, Martin Freeman makes a wonderful Bilbo Baggins.
"It was like a great shadow, in the middle of which was a dark form, of man shape maybe, yet greater; and a power and terror seemed to be in it and go before it." ~FotR


Old Toby
Grey Havens


Feb 7 2013, 5:51am


Views: 884
LOL! Yes, and I can just see Smaug
spitting fire at some large, golden object across the room, just to see if he can hit it!
"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)


Silmaril
Rohan


Feb 7 2013, 8:55am


Views: 827
the perfect bilbo!
excellent!


jtarkey
Rohan


Feb 7 2013, 10:30am


Views: 834
Freeman basically plays Bilbo in Hitchhikers Guide...
I still take pride in the fact that, when I first saw that movie back in 2005, my first thought was...

'When The Hobbit gets made, THAT guy IS Bilbo!"

Called it 6 years in advance.
"You're love of the halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind"


Eowyn3
Rivendell

Feb 7 2013, 11:37am


Views: 798
He had me at good morning also,
And at " I'm a Baggins of Bag End". The hands, the expressions. He is fantastic. The best hobbit ever. And you guys are right, I have to check out Sherlock , since I keep hearing how great he is as Watson.


Angharad73
Rohan

Feb 7 2013, 11:39am


Views: 787
I quite agree
I did not know Martin Freeman before AUJ. The name was vaguely familiar, maybe, but I don't think I have ever watched anything with him in it. I was also a little apprehensive before watching AUJ because - and some might consider this blasphemy, so be warned - I didn't like Bilbo in LOTR. I didn't care for him at all. Book-Bilbo in the Hobbit was better, but even Book-Bilbo in LOTR was kind of 'meh' for me. And I like Sir Ian Holm as an actor in other roles, but I didn't like him much as Bilbo.

So I was a wee bit worried about watching a three-hour movie with Bilbo in it - well, not too worried, because I figured that I could always look at the handsome dwarves instead. But then I saw the trailers, and I started thinking that maybe it wouldn't be all bad. Freeman looked very Hobbity, and I like his voice. And then, when I finally saw the movie, well, he just bowled me over. He actually made me like Bilbo. I liked the look of him and the way he acted - and his facial expressions are absolutely spot-on and often hilarious. I actually find that I care now what happenes to him, not just what happens to the dwarves, and I'm looking forward to seeing him again in the next two movies. I still dont like Holm as Bilbo, that hasn't changed, but I love Freeman as his younger incarnation.


Radagast-Aiwendil
Gondor


Feb 7 2013, 12:13pm


Views: 789
I couldn't agree more, he was fantastic
I was slightly worried about his casting, simply because I've never warmed to him in anything else I've seen him in. However, for the role of Bilbo he was 100% perfect. In the same way that I think McKellen was born to be Gandalf, I also think that Freeman was born to be The Hobbit. Can't praise him enough.

Easily my favourite hobbit due to his performance, which was as good if not better than Holm's Bilbo in my eyes (in terms of resemblance they go together terribly well). No wonder Jackson had so much faith in him.
"These are Gundabad Wargs! They will outrun you!"

"THESE are Rhosgobel Rabbits! I'd like to see them try...."



The White Wizard
The Shire


Feb 7 2013, 12:50pm


Views: 767
Martin Freeman
Martin Freeman did a tremendous job as Bilbo. Sometimes I even wonder if that is Martin Freeman of if Bilbo Baggins just popped out of the book and played as himself. I am excited for the next two movies.


Ruxendil_Thoorg
Tol Eressea


Feb 7 2013, 2:17pm


Views: 731
Yes!
I had chosen him as my preference for Bilbo from when I saw Hitchhikers Guide in the theatre, and declared as much to anyone within earshot. When I heard he was cast as Bilbo I bragged and bragged. "Called it! Called it!". I may have been somewhat annoying about it.

Seeing AUJ confirmed it for me. He was a living Bilbo through and through. I stayed with him as he grew as a character and was reminded of how the character grew in the book. Even if it unfolded a bit differently in the movie, in spirit it did honor to the book, largely due to Freeman's performance. He was robbed of an Oscar nom, IMO.
A bag is like a hole that you can carry with you.

http://newboards.theonering.net/...forum_view_expanded;


stoutfiles
Rohan


Feb 7 2013, 2:48pm


Views: 749
Good, not great
He overacts a ton. Not every line needs a crazy amount of emotion or hand movements. In most scenes it worked but in some it was very noticeable.

If I had to rank the main Hobbits based on performance...

Pippin > Old Bilbo > Merry > Bilbo > Sam > Frodo.

Not that I didn't think Frodo and Sam weren't played well, I just didn't like the lines and scenes they were given; it strayed too far from the book for my taste.


(This post was edited by stoutfiles on Feb 7 2013, 2:49pm)


tolktolk
Lorien

Feb 7 2013, 3:28pm


Views: 733
Bilbo and Myrtle!
I am hoping there will be more small character scenes included in the EE - for instance I think I remember Martin saying several scenes between Bilbo and Gandalf were missing from the film - because he is just so good at all those small subtle moments that make his characters so real and so easy to relate to (so much so that he has reduced the British nation to tears twice, in The Office and of course in Sherlock.)

One of my favourite friendships in The Hobbit was between Bilbo and Myrtle the pony, especially the little moment when he brought her a stolen apple. It's a shame she has run off, never to be seen again, but at least she wasn't eaten by trolls or goblins!


Brethil
Half-elven


Feb 7 2013, 3:37pm


Views: 696
casting spot on
I had reservations, but the transition from Holm to Freeman has been a pleasure. And I am thrilled with how closely he resembles Pippin, showing right on screen the family resemblance. When he is caught in the crevice feeling Gollum and loking down from the toppling fir tree the connection is uncanny. Perfect and well performed. I have to admit I have not been able to move on from Brett as "my" Holmes but perhaps I shall give the Freeman/BC a look.
...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.


imin
Valinor


Feb 7 2013, 4:18pm


Views: 690
Somewhat agree
I feel he was a great choice and felt he would be from the moment we knew it was going to be him playing Bilbo. I also feel he is the best out of all the hobbits, definitely better than sam and frodo who are poor reflections of themselves in the book.

I do agree that he overacts/is a bit hammy but from my understanding that is how PJ instructed him to be and MF did give more subtle, nuanced performances but PJ preferred the more in your face acting - which is just his style i think. So i wouldn't say its MF fault more just how he was told to be.

For me it doesn't have to be vastly different, just every now and again just tone it down a tad, other parts he gets bang on - talk with bofur, talk with gollum (for the most part) and talk to the dwarves after getting out on the eastern side of the misty mountains.

For me i cant think of anyone who could have played Bilbo better and i think as the story progresses he may ever so slightly calm his hamminess as the story becomes increasingly serious. Again i just want to point out i dont think he is over acting by tonnes more just there is a general tone of over acting with periods of getting it right (for me) but the rest had probably been acted perfect for me as another take, just PJ preferred a different one.


Eowyn3
Rivendell

Feb 7 2013, 4:26pm


Views: 681
I thought the scene with Myrtle was really sweet also,
specially because he was quite uncomfortable being on a pony at the beginning of the journey.


Elessar
Valinor


Feb 7 2013, 4:37pm


Views: 670
Hobbits
Personally I thought MF did a superb job of playing young Bilbo. I wasn't a totally sold on him in the role at first but the more and more I saw I felt good and after seeing the movie I felt 100% comfortable. I think he very much captures Bilbo from the books both with lines and actions within the movie so that for me really helps seal the deal. As far as how the Hobbits were played in The Lord of the Rings I really thought they all did a really good job. Frodo and Sam I thought were excellent as a whole but there are a couple of moments that I thought these two would never do this in the book, but I can get past that and enjoy the job done by EW and SA.


Kassandros
Rohan


Feb 7 2013, 4:50pm


Views: 689
The one thing everyone seems to agree on
As far as I can tell, Martin Freeman's performance is the most universally praised aspect of AUJ. Even those who were disappointed by the movie seem to have enjoyed it or at least not minded it.

I think, overall, Peter Jackson & Co. did an amazing job on casting. It's something they seem to be very, very good at.
all we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us...


GloryBox
Bree


Feb 7 2013, 7:04pm


Views: 631
So glad MF won your heart!
And you must especially enjoy Ian Holm's early line, as he looks at the drawing of young Bilbo, and says "I'm not the same hobbit I once was". That always tickles me for the double meaning!
...one morning long ago in the quiet of the world, when there was less noise and more green... The Hobbit


Eowyn3
Rivendell

Feb 7 2013, 7:09pm


Views: 615
Yes, I enjoy that line also, very much,
It brings a smile to my face every time I see the movie. And I am looking forward to checking him out on Sherlock!


Angharad73
Rohan

Feb 7 2013, 7:22pm


Views: 397
Yes, that line...
... tickles me, too, each time I hear it! I always think to myself 'And I thank Eru you aren't!' Tongue

I don't even know why I dislike Holm's Bilbo so much. I mean, I really like the actor! There is just something about him that disturbs me. And that - whatever it is - was completely absent from Freeman's portrayal of Bilbo. MF's Bilbo to me is surprisingly likeable - and he does look quite cuddlesome, too, in that particularly Hobbit-like way. MF has really won me over.


Daughter of Nienna
Grey Havens


Feb 7 2013, 7:56pm


Views: 402
Aloha Old Toby
 
*wink*

totally agree!

~DoN
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Nienna: “those who hearken to her learn pity, and endurance in hope . . . All those who wait in Mandos cry to her, for she brings strength to the spirit and turns sorrow to wisdom." — Valaquenta


Kimtc
Rohan


Feb 7 2013, 8:01pm


Views: 416
I was concerned for a different reason.
He was so completely the consensus candidate here going into casting that I was worried it might end up being disappointing, like we had all already filmed it in our head with him in the part. I actually started to think that they needed to go a slightly different direction, maybe with a non-comedic actor, such as James McAvoy (because to me, in the book, Bilbo is not falling down hilarious). But he worked out beautifully!


LordotRings93
Rohan


Feb 7 2013, 9:48pm


Views: 377
I agree
Martin and Richard were outstanding, and stole the show from all others (yes, even Ian McKellen). They both owned the parts they were given, and I honestly now can't imagine anyone else filling the shoes of these two characters (well, obviously Ian Holm as "older" Bilbo, but Martin as The Hobbit Bilbo can't be topped).
Lover of Medieval Fantasy
"I know what I must do. It's just... I'm afraid to do it."


Old Toby
Grey Havens


Feb 7 2013, 10:27pm


Views: 352
aloha back at ya, DoN!
Wink
"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)


Ziggy Stardust
Gondor


Feb 8 2013, 2:07am


Views: 335
Agreed
I thought Martin Freeman was brilliant as Bilbo. I never had any doubt, since he is so god in Sherlock, but he still surprised. The facial expressions, the gestures, the tone of voice, he did it all so well. I look forward to his performance in the next two movies.
I also look forward to Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug and the Necromancer.


GloryBox
Bree


Feb 8 2013, 2:32am


Views: 323
I really like Holm as an actor too!
BBC radio Frodo and Chariots of Fire, among others. But he did have another really disturbing role as Science Officer Ash in 1979's Alien (a film I still can't watch without a handy pillow to hide behind for some scenes!). Anyway Holm/Ash was definitely not a nice guy, although he was just one of the memories I brought to FOTR in 2001. However I have a younger friend (probably not even born in 1979) who can never watch the evil Ash in Alien without exclaiming "That's Bilbo!!!!" So there ya go!
...one morning long ago in the quiet of the world, when there was less noise and more green... The Hobbit


GloryBox
Bree


Feb 8 2013, 2:38am


Views: 304
I know you'll love him as Watson!
And he's a crack shot too, but only when there's absolutely no other choice. I think Watson also knows when to spare a life and when to take one.
...one morning long ago in the quiet of the world, when there was less noise and more green... The Hobbit


Silverlode
Forum Admin / Moderator


Feb 8 2013, 3:21am


Views: 315
Re: Sherlock
I'm a huge Brett fan also, and the BBC Sherlock is the only other Holmes series I really enjoy. I don't find that it interferes with traditional Sherlock Holmes at all, as it's quite clear that the writers really know and love their Holmes canon. They not only do clever twists on the characters and stories (so that even someone who knows the originals in detail can't always guess where the story is going) but they put in a lot of sly little references to the original stories as well that *only* a true fan would get. In fact, I'm guessing the majority of casual watchers never even notice them at all. And Martin is just as fantastic as Watson as he is as Bilbo.

Do give it a try, you might love it as much as the rest of us do. Smile
Silverlode






Brethil
Half-elven


Feb 8 2013, 3:21pm


Views: 263
Will take the plunge!
Well now I'm intrigued, with all these trustworthy endorsements will give the series a look. For a while there I felt like I almost had the Brit mystery trifecta...David Suchet as Poirot, Jeremy Brett as Holmes....all I needed was David Bowie as Peter Wimsey and perfection! Smile

From what I have seen of BC I think his voicing of Smaug will be hypnotic, as it should be.
Will have to make room in my heart for two Holmes' I suppose. But Watson slot is still open...maybe MF has a shot there.
...she took the point at once, but she also took the spoons.


Marionette
Rohan


Feb 8 2013, 6:24pm


Views: 259
Agreed
Besides Thorin, I think Martin Freeman nailed as Bilbo and as a hobbit as well.

Definitely like his portrayal


"Dear friend good bye, no tears in my eyes. So sad it ends, as it began"
Queen


Steerpike
Bree


Feb 9 2013, 10:31am


Views: 252
Yeah, he's good, especially...
I particularly like the way he infused just enough Ian Holminess into his performance that you can buy they are the same character. It's in the subtle inflections, such as the way he says the word "adventure" in "I'm going on an adventure (ad-ven-CHA)" brings to mind Ian Holm's line in Return of the King, "I think I'm quite ready for another adventure".


Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Feb 16 2013, 8:57pm


Views: 181
You will love it. Honestly
In Reply To
And at " I'm a Baggins of Bag End". The hands, the expressions. He is fantastic. The best hobbit ever. And you guys are right, I have to check out Sherlock , since I keep hearing how great he is as Watson.
Unlike some I do not see Freeman over acting at all. In fact much of his stuff is pretty subtle. He is spot on as Sherlock's flatmate, confidant and friend. If you can get through episode 6 without crying, my hats off to you.

I will say I can picture in my head Smaug doing a "deduction" of Bilbo when they first meet inside Erebor. Of course it won't happen, but it's funny to think about it.


Eowyn3
Rivendell

Feb 17 2013, 1:04am


Views: 174
I watched the first episode and love it! //
 
" He has just as much reason to go to war as you do. Why can he not fight for those he loves?"


Ham_Sammy
Tol Eressea

Feb 17 2013, 1:50am


Views: 204
Awesome!
In Reply To
You will love the other 5. John really grows as a character as does Sherlock.