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Compa_Mighty
Dor-Lomin
Jul 9 2008, 7:42pm
Post #1 of 29
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GDT to write The Hobbit and PJ et al to write Film 2?
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Sunflower has pointed us to this USA Today article, which contains interesting information. According to USA Today:
Del Toro will write the first film's screenplay. Jackson, his filmmaking partner-wife, Fran Walsh, and their writing partner, Philippa Boyens, will work on the second. Then they plan to switch and rewrite each other.
This is quite interesting. I don't think it has been mentioned before as such. I was under the impression they were going to write both scripts all together.
Of course, this was not reported as a quote, so it could be USA Today's interpretation of the matter.
However, if this turns out to be true, how do you think it will affect the movies?
Here's to Del Toro becoming the Irvin Kershner of Middle Earth!
Essay winner of the Show us your Hobbit Pride Giveway!
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burrahobbit
Nargothrond
Jul 9 2008, 8:34pm
Post #3 of 29
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Contrasting writing challenges between the films
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With The Hobbit the story, themes, characters, dialogue- it's all there, and the writing challenge is in distilling the tale into a perfect film. For Film 2 it's nearly a blank page with only a few disparate scenes to go on and thousands of story possibilities to explore. If the Film 2 plot is going to be anywhere near the quality of Tolkien's storytelling then the writing tasks for Film 2 will be huge, and may even (according to Del Toro) fail to create a story that's good enough.
Given the scope of creative writing needed for Film 2 it makes sense that Fran, Phillipa and PJ would focus on it. I also think Fran and Phillipa have a deeper knowledge of Tolkien's works than PJ and GDT and are in a better position to create a new story within the mythology. I guess the 'division of labour' won't be quite as strict as the USA Today article makes out, but will probably be a good way to get the writing kick-started.
View my Hobbit Film Adaptation Discussion
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carrioncrow
Menegroth
Jul 9 2008, 10:52pm
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This coming from USA Today, the first assumption should be that the basic facts are wrongly reported.
But the my second assumption is that maybe as they are trying to assemble and frame the story of Film Two, they are finding themselves led more and more to the conclusion that Film Two inevitably is of a piece with Jackson LOTR moreso than GdT Film One. There maybe be a break in tone of the films that occurs after the Quest of Erebor (Just like the books!). Try as they might Film Two may be emerging as a LOTR prequel, not a HOBBIT sequel, in which case it may make sense to approach F2 with Jackson's original team.
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Sunflower
Doriath
Jul 10 2008, 4:06am
Post #5 of 29
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when they report that TH should hit theaters in 2011, for example....
Many times the major media outlets such as this forget to do their research, but some writers are outright Tolkien supporters. (Such as Lisa Schwartzbaum of Entertainment Weekly.)
Thanks for pointing it out Compa--forgot where I cited this article. It's a great article isn't it? I'm waiting for the NY Times review. I hope A.O. Scott writes it, not Marghola--he's a snob.
As to technique--it looks like that would be true. I agree that Film 2 should initially be written by PJ, Fran and Philippa, since it closer to their time period and GDT knows the Hobbit era better than he does LOTR (cinematically anyway.) It should ber interesting to watch.
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Silverlode
Forum Admin
/ Moderator
Jul 10 2008, 5:48am
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We know GDT is a Hobbit fan first and foremost, though he's been reading through the other tales as well. The F2 concept was apparently PJ's brainchild to begin with, and he seems to have a basic storyline in mind so it makes perfect sense for him and Fran and Philippa to tackle that. It lets each of them put all their creativity into the story that is most their own. And rewriting each others' scripts should provide some interesting synthesis and continuity.
Sounds like a very reasonable plan to me. It'll be fascinating to see what comes of it, if true. 
Silverlode
"Of all faces those of our familiares are the ones both most difficult to play fantastic tricks with, and most difficult really to see with fresh attention. They have become like the things which once attracted us by their glitter, or their colour, or their shape, and we laid hands on them, and then locked them in our hoard, acquired them, and acquiring ceased to look at them.
Creative fantasy, because it is mainly trying to do something else [make something new], may open your hoard and let all the locked things fly away like cage-birds. The gems all turn into flowers or flames, and you will be warned that all you had (or knew) was dangerous and potent, not really effectively chained, free and wild; no more yours than they were you." -On Fairy Stories
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Rosie-with-the-ribbons
Forum Admin
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Jul 10 2008, 8:17am
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(I believe) it was said that they would each take a part of the story, write it and than co-write. Or something like that, I believe PJ said something about all of them having a different view, it would make a nice co-production. Or something of that kind. But that it would be the whole movie, I hadn't seen it that way, more a chapter each. But indeed, as stated. The Hobbit of course is a standing story, just have to make a script of it (I think just is a hugh under statement). Film 2 of course has to be imagined and everything. so I think Phillipa and Fran are the right ones to start on that one and than PJ and GDT to go over it for the "directors view".
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leo
Nargothrond
Jul 10 2008, 11:37am
Post #8 of 29
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Also from a logistical point of view...
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PJ and his company are down in New Zealand, GDT is all over the place. It would make more sense for them to work seperately together, if you know what I mean... PJ can't look over GDT's shoulder all the time (and vice versa), and writing a script sounds like something you need to do 'together'.
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Guillermo
Ossiriand
Jul 10 2008, 12:23pm
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What was said is that we would initiate the process in parallel and then we would rewrite each other. At the end of the process (whichever order it is done in) we would have effectively done a Literary Four hand concert. I only stated what I think logical but the order is yet to be determined.
Best
GDT
PD Seek the Peter Bart video interview- you may enjoy it.
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xy
Nargothrond
Jul 10 2008, 12:23pm
Post #10 of 29
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I agree film 2 should be more Jackson as it's closer to LOTR in tone, and Hobbit will probably be more GDT. Of course some of the stuff they'll probably do together so the transition is seamless.
What's surprising is why they should re-write each other ?
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Peredhil lover
Doriath
Jul 10 2008, 1:13pm
Post #11 of 29
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GDT may have ideas to the parts which PJ, FW and PB did write and vice versa. Everyone is allowed to make his own version, and from that they can in the end chose the best one.
I do not suffer from LotR obsession - I enjoy every minute of it.
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One Ringer
Dor-Lomin
Jul 10 2008, 1:24pm
Post #12 of 29
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The two groups are going to write their versions of the movies, and then basically list pros, cons, etc. and mix them to make the final script? If so, I like that, but if GDT is writing the first movie alone, and that's it, I am being a bit shaken, but we'll just see. Atleast we know they're going to be writing it soon.
"WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN"
Did you ever wish certain moments from LOTR could've made it to the screen? Have you ever imagined what would have happened if all of the original writings from the script actually made it to the films? Well, "What Could Have Been" is the right discussion for you! Starting this summer will be a series of topics about what could have been in "The Lord of the Rings Trilogy". Be on the lookout, and be sure to join in on the fun!
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merklynn
Menegroth
Jul 10 2008, 1:46pm
Post #13 of 29
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For those interested a good interview with Jeff Wells can be found here...
http://www.hollywood-elsewhere.com/.../guillermo_on_ev.php
It's in MP3 format and is a large file so be prepared for a long download if you have a slow connection.
I think the idea of working on the scripts for the two films in parallel is a good idea and then going through each other's work and adding their notes and thoughts sounds good. I don't think there is anything particularly revolutionary about the idea and it is probably how we might have assumed they would have handled the scripts for the two films anyway. Looks like USA Today was taking Guillermo a little too literally though.
"Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Most importantly, do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in the Times Online." - Buddha muses over coverage of the Tolkien lawsuit
(This post was edited by Altaira on Jul 11 2008, 5:22am)
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leo
Nargothrond
Jul 10 2008, 3:42pm
Post #14 of 29
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And because feedback is very important for writers... //
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StillCrazy
Nevrast
Jul 10 2008, 4:04pm
Post #15 of 29
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of each one having a say in it all. Basically doing the writing, sharing it with one another, allowing for different opinions and views. It should be good.
All the worlds a stage.
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Ainu Laire
Dor-Lomin
Jul 10 2008, 7:02pm
Post #17 of 29
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The Hobbit, after all, is supposed to be more of a stand alone (how did Mr. Del Toro describe it- an overture of a symphony, or something?) while the second film is supposed to be closer to LOTR. And having the two teams switch and edit + add in things is brilliant so it all flows together nicely.
Gahh! I can't wait! :)
My LJ
My art site
NARF since age 8, when I refused to read the Hobbit because the cover looked boring and icky.
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luvgabe
Lindon
Jul 10 2008, 8:12pm
Post #18 of 29
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Feeling better & better about GDT helming The Hobbit
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Two choice GDT quotes from the USA Today interview:
“The fantastic is the only tool we have nowadays to explain spirituality to a generation that refuses to believe in dogma or religion. Superhero movies create a kind of mythology. Creature movies, horror movies, create at least a belief in something beyond.”
“People tend to think that big things only happen to big people," he says, finally. "That 11-year-old girl is powerless. That 12-year-old kid is a nincompoop. The great quests, the great decisions only happen to great people. I think that is not true. The small decisions we make every day define who we are and define the world around us. … I'm interested in the essential importance of the small decision. … You can be a cashier at a 7-11, or you can be the person at the Kentucky Fried Chicken counter. But I bet to you there is a decision every day in your life where you affect somebody else. I bet that is true.”
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --Gandalf the Grey
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luvgabe
Lindon
Jul 10 2008, 9:46pm
Post #20 of 29
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I hadn't caught those yet. They're great!
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --Gandalf the Grey
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oldduffer
Lindon
Jul 11 2008, 12:52am
Post #21 of 29
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I think Phillipa and Fran will pull these two storytellers together nicely ............................... if they can't, nobody can. I have high hopes on the "fusion" of GDT and PJ
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Sunflower
Doriath
Jul 11 2008, 3:20am
Post #22 of 29
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For clearing that up, Sir--I know that however the writing process evolves, what comes out the other end of the pipline will be great. Best of luck to you as you begin all this.
(and thanks, Compa, for making me a "headliner"! And FYI, the Quetzacoaltl ref was...well, he hasn't made one--yet--but wouldn't surprise me if he made one someday!)
*Goes off to listen to Peter Bart interview....Peter has written some great books on Hollywood, the mosr recent has some sections devoted to LOTR< "How I LEarned To Stop Worrying And Love The Blockbuster."
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mae govannen
Dor-Lomin
Jul 11 2008, 5:05am
Post #23 of 29
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Your quotes make me feel great indeed about GDT, for
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they show he is not oriented only towards monsters and horror films, but he feels about true spirituality too.
It makes me more confident that he will use those coming films to bring out the spiritual dimension of those stories, rather than pull them toward the horror-fiction kind that his previous films seem to tend to (but I still have to see any of them, as I am living in the international township of Auroville, located in India, and this kind of films is not coming here).
As PJ himself was known mostly for his very special but nevertheless 'gore' films, yet he restrained that side of himself for the LOTR films, where he and his team managed even to convey some of the spirituality too, I was confident that they wouldn't entrust those two new films to someone unable to have the right feeling about them, but still I was a bit anxious because of the usual choices and style in GDT's films, the way I have read about them, from himself too.
Now when he says what he says in these quotes of yours, I really rejoice!...
'Is everything sad going to come untrue?'
(Sam, 'The Field of Cormallen', in 'The Return of the King'.)
(This post was edited by mae govannen on Jul 11 2008, 5:07am)
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mae govannen
Dor-Lomin
Jul 11 2008, 5:09am
Post #24 of 29
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Exactly right, I would say!... //
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'Is everything sad going to come untrue?'
(Sam, 'The Field of Cormallen', in 'The Return of the King'.)
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luvgabe
Lindon
Jul 11 2008, 3:09pm
Post #25 of 29
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they show he is not oriented only towards monsters and horror films, but he feels about true spirituality too. It makes me more confident that he will use those coming films to bring out the spiritual dimension of those stories, rather than pull them toward the horror-fiction kind that his previous films seem to tend to (but I still have to see any of them, as I am living in the international township of Auroville, located in India, and this kind of films is not coming here). ...Now when he says what he says in these quotes of yours, I really rejoice!..."
I too was skeptical, mae govannen. I've seen 2 of GDT's movies: Pan's Labyrinth (which I really really hated) &, when news came that he was selected to direct The Hobbit, I rented Hellboy from Netflix. So, his quotes from the interview also gave me heart that he will respect Tolkien's worldview and spirituality.
Sorry you have limited access in Auroville. 
"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." --Gandalf the Grey
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