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The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
Why Dain and Connolly is good news for 'Hobbit' fans

News From Bree
spymaster@theonering.net

Feb 9 2012, 6:03pm

Post #1 of 16 (4043 views)
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Why Dain and Connolly is good news for 'Hobbit' fans Can't Post

The release and news arrived yesterday that Billy Connolly will play Dain II Ironfoot in the two forthcoming Hobbit movies, directed by Peter Jackson, and with that, all the pieces of the films are in place.

Here in the underground labyrinth that serves as TORn's offices (with doors leading to L.A., Atlanta, Kenosha and Wellington among other places) a big sigh of relief could audibly heard. Dain II Ironfoot will be included; a talented actor, somebody who already looks like a Middle-earth dwarf, and is a skilled performer will be handling the role. Awesome.

We have full confidence in Connolly — who is best known for his comedy — in what might be inspired casting. His credibility comes from small, dramatic roles (The Last Samurai) which he handles just fine but more from independent films, playing larger parts and lead roles, giving him a lot of experience in front of the camera. General audiences may only think of comedy (and there may be plenty of that in The Hobbit anyway) but they should recognize his considerable talent.

Much more central the sigh of relief was the clarity that the Dain character is in. The complete absence of this important dwarven hero from news or casting announcement was a genuine concern among those trying to piece everything together. It was a glaring omission.

Speculation ranged from him being either a very minor character or being played by a minor actor that didn’t need an introduction for a non-speaking role.

Those who don’t recall, or haven’t read the source material, may not realize how important Dain was not only to events in The Hobbit but just off screen in the Lord of the Rings and the War of the Ring, as detailed in Appendix A. He played a key role in the history of the dwarves at least three times according to Tolkien’s writings and is, without doubt, one of the greatest dwarves who ever lived. (You can visit the details on our Dain character page in our FAQ section.)

From a purely cinematic standpoint, we just hope we get to see the Weta-designed red ax that he is famous for. Thinking solely about The Hobbit: There and Back Again due in December 2013, Dain’s inclusion gives us assurances that the lead up and execution of The Battle of Five Armies will include hoards of dwarves coming from the Iron Hills — an event in Middle-earth that we haven’t seen before from Peter Jackson. Previously we only glimpsed Gimli but now we will see a dwarf army in all its military might.

He also was key to a pre-Hobbit battle where, at a tender age, he faces Azog, the killer of his own father and the killer and desecrator of Thorin's forefather. There are some around here hoping fervently that Jackson finds a way to get a good deal of that on film.

Dain was probably announced last because the production that is taking place in New Zealand is heading into its last stretch of filming that will last several months and, obviously will include now include Dain and is believed to be much of the content for the second film, including much of climatic showdown.



Lissuin
Doriath


Feb 10 2012, 3:59am

Post #2 of 16 (1829 views)
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How about acknowledging chopsta123 [In reply to] Can't Post

who, I believe, did the excellent photo manipulation for the previous thread on Dain/Connolly today? And it might be mentioned on the home page article and the Dain character page as well, where it just says TBD under the photo. Does that mean To Be Determined? Now you know.
Wink


Chopsta123
Mithlond


Feb 10 2012, 7:55am

Post #3 of 16 (1787 views)
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thank you for the compliment [In reply to] Can't Post

 


(This post was edited by Chopsta123 on Feb 10 2012, 7:56am)


DeadRabbits
Nargothrond


Feb 10 2012, 2:38pm

Post #4 of 16 (1691 views)
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That image has not been manipulated... [In reply to] Can't Post

... it's from a Weta Decipher character card.

Now now Bill, you swore this was a battle between warriors, not a bunch of miss nancies, so warriors is what I brought


Chopsta123
Mithlond


Feb 10 2012, 3:25pm

Post #5 of 16 (1638 views)
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DeadRabbit is right [In reply to] Can't Post

I used the gamecard pic as the basis for the manipulation. So no need to credit me on the Dain character page. I know they both look similar. But mines got Connolly's face in it.


DanielLB
Elvenhome


Feb 10 2012, 9:14pm

Post #6 of 16 (1551 views)
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Already posted in the main Dain thread [In reply to] Can't Post

But in case anyone misses it, Last Samurai has just started on Channel 5 in the UK. It features Billy Connolly so may be a good film to watch if not familiar with the actor (me included!) What a coincidence


Moahunter
Nargothrond


Feb 11 2012, 10:06pm

Post #7 of 16 (1518 views)
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A controversial blog from the UK Guardian newspaper. [In reply to] Can't Post

The Hobbit: Could famous faces kill Peter Jackson's return to Middle-earth?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/...ckson-billy-connolly


DanielLB
Elvenhome


Feb 11 2012, 10:14pm

Post #8 of 16 (1461 views)
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I read a similar article from another newspaper (can't find it at the moment) [In reply to] Can't Post

But I think it's is absolute rubbish. When I watch LOTR, I see Bilbo, Gandalf and Elrond. Not Ian Holm, Ian Mckellan or Hugo Weaving. When I watch the Hobbit I will see Dain, the Master of Laketown and Bilbo. Not their respective actors.

If you aren't drawn into the action and to busy thinking of who the actor is, then you need a slap.


DanielLB
Elvenhome


Feb 11 2012, 10:40pm

Post #9 of 16 (1496 views)
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Metaphorically, not physically of course [In reply to] Can't Post


In Reply To
If you aren't drawn into the action and to busy thinking of who the actor is, then you need a slap.


I shouldn't condone violence.

I would think that the majority of people would say that they think it would be a distraction. But as soon as you are watching the film, you become so engrossed and involved with what us happening, that you forget. Combined with the costumes, make-up, amazing scenery, sets, acting, music, weapons and props (and possibly changes in voice/s) it is very unlikely to ruin the film for the audience.


Thorins_apprentice
Nargothrond

Feb 12 2012, 5:31am

Post #10 of 16 (1457 views)
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Bill connely (Dain) has leadership skills as well. [In reply to] Can't Post

Bear Witness to this clip.Bill Connely(Dain) is a B.A for sure.
http://www.youtube.com/...&feature=related
I have a new respect for Mr Connely.I can;t believe how fitting he is for Dain.This clip will show he is not only good at comedy but can also be riveting when he wants to.

We are more connected than ever before, more able to spread our ideas and beliefs, our anger and fears. As we exercise the right to advocate our views, and as we animate our supporters, we must all assume responsibility for our words and actions before they enter a vast echo chamber and reach those both serious and delirious, connected and unhinged.



(This post was edited by Thorins_apprentice on Feb 12 2012, 5:39am)


Thorins_apprentice
Nargothrond

Feb 12 2012, 5:59am

Post #11 of 16 (1451 views)
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Will Pj ignore Dains Design in The lotr fellowship of the ring.?? [In reply to] Can't Post

http://www.google.com.au/...;ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0

This picture is of Dain Ironfoot in the Fellowship of the ring.Do you think PJ will just start from scratch with Dains design for the Hobbit,>>??Crazy

We are more connected than ever before, more able to spread our ideas and beliefs, our anger and fears. As we exercise the right to advocate our views, and as we animate our supporters, we must all assume responsibility for our words and actions before they enter a vast echo chamber and reach those both serious and delirious, connected and unhinged.



(This post was edited by Thorins_apprentice on Feb 12 2012, 6:00am)


DanielLB
Elvenhome


Feb 12 2012, 10:32am

Post #12 of 16 (1430 views)
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Start from scratch [In reply to] Can't Post

Aren't there Decipher cards out there of Gloin and other Dwarves that don't look like the new designs for the Hobbit?
How about this for Dain:
http://www.google.co.uk/...&tx=71&ty=84

Definitely different from Gimli Cool


Thorins_apprentice
Nargothrond

Feb 12 2012, 11:45am

Post #13 of 16 (1421 views)
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What are some of Dain's dialogue?? [In reply to] Can't Post

Anyone care to share a piece of his dialogue.

We are more connected than ever before, more able to spread our ideas and beliefs, our anger and fears. As we exercise the right to advocate our views, and as we animate our supporters, we must all assume responsibility for our words and actions before they enter a vast echo chamber and reach those both serious and delirious, connected and unhinged.



QuackingTroll
Doriath


Feb 12 2012, 11:57am

Post #14 of 16 (1390 views)
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Someone didn't click on the Character Page... [In reply to] Can't Post

Here's the quote TORn's used...

Quote
“You are the father of our Folk, and we have bled for you, and will again. But we will not enter Khazad-dum. You will not enter Khazad-dum. Only I have looked through the shadow of the Gate. Beyond the shadow it waits for you still: Durin’s Bane. The world must change and some other power than ours must come before Durin’s Folk walk again in Moria.” (to Thrain after killing Azog)


Click Here: http://www.theonering.net/...bit/characters/dain/

"...For if joyful is the fountain that rises in the sun, its springs are in the wells of sorrow unfathomed at the foundations of the Earth"


Thorins_apprentice
Nargothrond

Feb 12 2012, 12:11pm

Post #15 of 16 (1414 views)
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Great ,Thanks.??? [In reply to] Can't Post

SmileHowever, i have seen this piece but surely it;s not the only thing he'll say this throughout the whole movie.???
Any others?.I mean he is signed up for both parts.Wink

We are more connected than ever before, more able to spread our ideas and beliefs, our anger and fears. As we exercise the right to advocate our views, and as we animate our supporters, we must all assume responsibility for our words and actions before they enter a vast echo chamber and reach those both serious and delirious, connected and unhinged.



QuackingTroll
Doriath


Feb 12 2012, 10:05pm

Post #16 of 16 (1855 views)
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A few details from skim-reading The Clouds Burst... [In reply to] Can't Post

There's a pretty detailed description of Dain's army...


Quote
"Each one of his folk was clad in a hauberk of steel mail that hung to his knees, and his legs were covered with hose of a fine and flexible metal mesh, the secret of whose making was possessed by Dain's people.

The dwarves are exceedingly strong for their height, but most of these were strong even for dwarves. In battle they wielded heavy two-handed mattocks; but each of them had also a short broad sword at his side and a round shield slung at his back. Their beards were forked and plaited and thrust into their belts. Their caps were of iron and they were shod with iron, and their faces were grim."


The only quote I can find in haste is about Thorin's burial...

Quote
"We will honour the agreement of the dead, and he has now the Arkenstone in his keeping."


He also gives Bilbo a necklace of silver and pearls, if that says anything about his character? (Bilbo then gives this necklace to Thranduil. Which is ungrateful in my opinion).

"...For if joyful is the fountain that rises in the sun, its springs are in the wells of sorrow unfathomed at the foundations of the Earth"

 
 

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