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Dwarewien
Nargothrond
Nov 27 2013, 10:56pm
Post #1 of 7
(830 views)
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Character of the Week: Dwalin
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I would have posted this yesterday, but the picture I chose was a little too big lengthwise. I hope it's okay to have two characters in the picture, because I couldn't resist using one with Thorin in as well (for obvious reasons).
Let's get this show on the road, shall we (I'll try to answer some of my own questions)?
1. What do you think of Dwalin's character development throughout the movie so far?
2. What is the most memorable moment of Dwalin for you?
The most memorable moment for me was when Dwalin was willing to save Thorin's life during Azog's attack but had to leave it up to Bilbo, or else he would have fallen out of the tree.
3. What do you like most about Dwalin and what do you not like?
4. What do you think of Dwalin's relationship with his brother, Balin? And what about Thorin and Bilbo?
I like that Balin and Dwalin head butt each other (similar to what Viggo did to the cast at the end of filming Return of the King) when they greet each other in Bag End. With Thorin, it's a little more respect, since the two obviously grew up together, and I'm uncertain how he feels about Bilbo. I think like most of the dwarves, Dwalin thinks that Bilbo is too soft a person for this kind of mission, since it will become quite dangerous, especially during the encounter with Smaug in upcoming movies.
5. What do you like the best about Dwalin's appearance? Did you expect the filmmakers to go this route, or were you expecting something else entirely? I like that they gave him a mohawk haircut for the flashback sequence to the Battle of Azanulbizar (I'm finally spelling that right), since I wasn't expecting a dwarf to have this kind of hairstyle. I also like the fact that he named his axes and had the names inscribed on them in dwarvish. I thought that was kind of cool. I also like the fact that he's covered in tattoos. I saw someone in my local library that had the same kind of tattoos on his head and the first character I thought of when I saw this was Dwalin.
6. What do you think of Dwalin's style of fighting? Was there anything that stood out for you that you liked or you disliked?
7. Where do you think the filmmakers will further develop Dwalin's character in the upcoming movies? Is there something you're hoping to see developed further than we've seen in AUJ so far?
8. Do you like how Graham McTavish portrayed the character of Dwalin, or would you have preferred another actor?
Far over the Misty Mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away, ere break of day
To find our long-forgotten gold.
(This post was edited by Queen of Erebor on Nov 27 2013, 10:59pm)
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Glorfindela
Doriath
Nov 27 2013, 11:25pm
Post #2 of 7
(633 views)
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1. What do you think of Dwalin's character development throughout the movie so far?
I like it. I can see the character clearly and I like his attitude, as well as his accent! He is a strong character.
2. What is the most memorable moment of Dwalin for you?
Probably the moments when he whacks creatures, displaying great strength. Also liked the 'Evening, brother' moment.
3. What do you like most about Dwalin and what do you not like?
I like his loyalty to Thorin, primarily, and there isn't anything that I dislike about him.
4. What do you think of Dwalin's relationship with his brother, Balin? And what about Thorin and Bilbo?
I think his closeness to Balin is well put across. He is absolutely loyal to Thorin, but doesn't quite trust Bilbo and certainly wouldn't put his relationship with Thorin in jeopardy for the sake of Bilbo. He doesn't feel particularly close to Bilbo.
That's a great picture you've posted there.
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Kim
Doriath
Nov 28 2013, 12:59am
Post #3 of 7
(584 views)
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Nice pic. Shows that Dwalin is always at Thorin’s side, ready to defend him. I’m sure that’s why you chose it, right? 
1. What do you think of Dwalin's character development throughout the movie so far?
Well, I don’t think we’ve seen a whole lot of development – Dwalin is pretty much a tough warrior from start to finish.
One random little bit: when they were in the troll cave and Thorin discovered the weapons, I would have expected Dwalin to be looking through them as well instead of just standing there looking at everyone disapprovingly. Or maybe it’s just that he had his axes and didn’t need any other weapons?
2. What is the most memorable moment of Dwalin for you?
For me, it was when he jumped off the mountain path to rescue Thorin after Thorin rescued Bilbo. Second was when he chomped down on the fish head when eating Bilbo's dinner. 
3. What do you like most about Dwalin and what do you not like?
I like that he’s a tough dwarf – you don’t want to mess with him. One thing I didn’t like was during the warg chase when they lost track of Gandalf and Dwalin said, “He’s abandoned us!” It seemed like he jumped to conclusions really fast.
4. What do you think of Dwalin's relationship with his brother, Balin? And what about Thorin and Bilbo?
I too like the easy way Dwalin and Balin greeted each other in Bag End, but after that, we really didn’t see any further interaction between the two. Well, except for the flashback in the aftermath of the battlefield – that was touching. With Thorin, he’s the loyal lieutenant, always ready to get Thorin’s back. And with Bilbo, I think he pretty much says it with, “the wild is no place for gentle folk who can neither fight nor fend for themselves.” Pretty much doesn’t think too much of the small Hobbit.
5. What do you like the best about Dwalin's appearance? Did you expect the filmmakers to go this route, or were you expecting something else entirely?
I didn’t have any expectations about his appearance. I really like his look, he looks like a bada$$. It was interesting to see how his look evolved in the AUJ EE, giving him the bare arms and knuckle dusters. And I love that he named his axes and knuckle dusters. And I liked the Mohawk in the flashback.
6. What do you think of Dwalin's style of fighting? Was there anything that stood out for you that you liked or you disliked?
Seems pretty darn tough and to the point. Quite impressive when he smashed the troll’s teeth out! And seemed quite the beserker in the Battle of Azanulbizar.
7. Where do you think the filmmakers will further develop Dwalin's character in the upcoming movies? Is there something you're hoping to see developed further than we've seen in AUJ so far?
I’d certainly like to see more development, but don’t really have any expectations. It will be interesting to see if he remains firmly loyal to Thorin when things start to go downhill.
8. Do you like how Graham McTavish portrayed the character of Dwalin, or would you have preferred another actor?
Yes, I like Graham’s portrayal, I thought he did a great job.
Thanks for the post (and the photo!)
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Angharad73
Nargothrond
Nov 28 2013, 10:15am
Post #4 of 7
(524 views)
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Dwalin is one of my favourite Dwarves...
[In reply to]
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...so I just have to comment on this 
1. What do you think of Dwalin's character development throughout the movie so far?
Not sure if there is any development, really. He pretty much stays the same type of character throughout.
2. What is the most memorable moment of Dwalin for you?
His arrival at Bag End, when Bilbo asks if they know each other - The way Dwalin says 'No'. And then the face when he has his hand in the cookie jar as Balin arrives.
3. What do you like most about Dwalin and what do you not like?
His accent, I love the accent and his voice.
4. What do you think of Dwalin's relationship with his brother, Balin? And what about Thorin and Bilbo?
He and Bilbo are pretty much oposites. They have nothing in common, so I don't think that Dwalin even bothers all that much with having any sort of relationship with Bilbo beyond keeping him alive (like in the Stone Giants scene, when he grabs Bilbo and pulls him back against the rock). Balin and Dwalin are brothers, but beyond their greeting at Bag End there really isn't much interaction between them, so it's hard to judge what sort of relationship they have. Dwalin and Thorin, though, seem to have a close relationship. Dwalin has Thorin's back, and I suspect that it's the other way round, too, if necessary. Thorin is undeniably the leader, and Dwalin follows where Thorin leads.
5. What do you like the best about Dwalin's appearance? Did you expect the filmmakers to go this route, or were you expecting something else entirely?
I had no expectations at all, and I do like his look. The mohawk at the battle of Azanulbizar was a nice touch.
6. What do you think of Dwalin's style of fighting? Was there anything that stood out for you that you liked or you disliked?
He is definitely the kind of guy who goes for brute strength rather than tactics and finesse. He uses his head more for headbutting than for thinking, I guess It suits his looks and overall character portrayal, though.
7. Where do you think the filmmakers will further develop Dwalin's character in the upcoming movies? Is there something you're hoping to see developed further than we've seen in AUJ so far?
I hope that Dwalin will be shown to gain some respect for Bilbo now, after Bilbo showed great courage defending Thorin when no one else could. And also, when the bad things start to happen with Thorin, I would hope that Dwalin does not follow blindly but perhaps starts to question Thorin's behaviour.
8. Do you like how Graham McTavish portrayed the character of Dwalin, or would you have preferred another actor?
Can't think of any actor I would have rather seen as Dwalin.
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Salmacis81
Dor-Lomin
Nov 28 2013, 2:55pm
Post #5 of 7
(484 views)
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I generally liked Dwalin's character and appearance, although the one issue I have with him is the same issue I have with many of the other Dwarves - the beard is too damn short!! Long beards are supposed to be a sort of status symbol to the Dwarves.
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Macfeast
Nargothrond
Nov 28 2013, 5:13pm
Post #6 of 7
(478 views)
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"Dwalin, at your service." *cue unexpected party*
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1. What do you think of Dwalin's character development throughout the movie so far?
I didn't notice much development to his character, really; He basically stays the same all the way through. Not that that's bad, mind you; He stays the same, but in doing so also remains an effective character. For the first film of a trilogy, not every character needs to change dramatically.
That said, going forward, I hope to see him develop a little more.
2. What is the most memorable moment of Dwalin for you?
"And what did the Dwarves of the Iron Hills say? Is Dáin with us?", followed by a disappointed look. A tiny hint of vulnerability that found its way through his otherwise rock-hard exterior.
Honorable mention goes to his answer to Bilbo's "do we know each other"; "No". It's a question that Bilbo had all the reason, and all the justification in the world asking, yet Dwalin answers as if its the dumbest possible question that could have been asked.
While I'm at the topic of Dwalin's introduction, I must say that I do like that they kept the "at your service", complete with a bow, even for a rough dwarf like Dwalin; Not even he is above the traditional dwarf-greeting.
4. What do you think of Dwalin's relationship with his brother, Balin? And what about Thorin and Bilbo?
I have mentioned it before, but I do love the solemn headbutt Dwalin and Balin share at Azanulbizar (and I will likewise mention again, that I find it funny that there now is such a thing as a "solemn headbutt"). A very interesting, and poignant callback to their cheerful greeting at Bag End.
With Thorin, it's a very, very discrete relationship, but also effective. They don't share a lot of lines, but Dwalin is often there to physically back Thorin up. Theirs is a relationship that doesn't need many words.
With Bilbo, it's almost as if there isn't a relationship; Like Angharad73 suggests, Dwalin seemingly does not bother with it, beyond keeping Bilbo, due to him now being a member of the company, alive.
5. What do you like the best about Dwalin's appearance? Did you expect the filmmakers to go this route, or were you expecting something else entirely?
A bit unexpected, but overall, I like it. His beard is a bit on the short side, and I do miss the visual of a beard so long that it has to be tucked into a belt (a design I hope, but don't expect, to see on Dáin), but it's hard to get upset about Dwalin's beard when we've got Kíli and Thorin.
6. What do you think of Dwalin's style of fighting? Was there anything that stood out for you that you liked or you disliked?
Quick, effective, and to-the-point. Much better than the pirouettes we see from other characters.
7. Where do you think the filmmakers will further develop Dwalin's character in the upcoming movies? Is there something you're hoping to see developed further than we've seen in AUJ so far?
I want to see his relationship with Balin developed further, and particularly how it will be affected by Thorin's descent into madness. Will they find themselves divided, Dwalin siding with Thorin, or will Dwalin come to question Thorin's leadership (that would actually be quite dramatic, if Dwalin of all dwarves takes offense to Thorin's actions)?
I would also like to see some sort of flashback to the glory days of Erebor, before the dragon, with the two interacting in some way. Perhaps the two exploring a desolate and empty Erebor and remembering what it used to be like?
8. Do you like how Graham McTavish portrayed the character of Dwalin, or would you have preferred another actor?
Graham McTavish did very well, and was a great choice for a rock-hard, badass warrior-dwarf with a no-nonsense attitude.
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Old Toby
Hithlum
Nov 28 2013, 5:20pm
Post #7 of 7
(474 views)
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1. What do you think of Dwalin's character development throughout the movie so far?
I love what's been done with Dwalin. For the time we've had him on screen, he comes through as heroic, brave, loyal, a fierce and skilled fighter, but without the ego that sometimes goes with those qualities.
2. What is the most memorable moment of Dwalin for you?
You know, this may be silly, but I absolutely LOVE the moment in the beginning at Bag End when Balin arrives and we see Dwalin with his hand in Bilbo's cookie jar!!! LOL!!! I think he's adorable at that moment!
3. What do you like most about Dwalin and what do you not like?
What I like most is his unflagging loyalty to Thorin, how he always has Thorin's back and is there for him in times of need. What I don't like is....um....can't think of anything I don't like about this character!
4. What do you think of Dwalin's relationship with his brother, Balin? And what about Thorin and Bilbo?
I love his relationship with Balin. You can see the mutual respect and love just by their head butt! (Okay, that was a strange sentence!) And it seems that although Dwalin is the stronger physically, it's Balin who is the older and wiser and therefore more authoritative than Dwalin. His relationship with Thorin I've stated before. I look at him as Thorin's right hand man in a fight, and one Thorin trusts with his life. As far as Bilbo goes, we've only seen Dwalin say he thinks Bilbo is too soft for this type of undertaking. I don't detect any disdain on his part, just an apprehension.
5. What do you like the best about Dwalin's appearance? Did you expect the filmmakers to go this route, or were you expecting something else entirely?
His appearance at first took me aback. I don't go for the heavy duty biker look, and that's how it struck me initially. As it went on though, I started to appreciate his look and now I find it totally appropriate for his persona and what he does. And I, too, liked the mohawk at Azanulbizar that morphed into what we see now. Things change, and so did Dwalin. One of the things I love most about these filmmakers is their ability to surprise and astound me with something I've never expected. Love it!
8. Do you like how Graham McTavish portrayed the character of Dwalin, or would you have preferred another actor?
I think McTavish is utterly perfect for this role! I never imagined actors in particular roles to begin with, so had no expectations one way or the other. And I think, just thinking about what has been said about PJ's method of developing characters by welcoming input by the actors, probably McTavish had a lot to do with Dwalin as we see him. It's a give and take, I think, with the actors and the characters and how PJ imagines them. It makes for a really nice working relationship, I would imagine.
"Age is always advancing and I'm fairly sure it's up to no good." Harry Dresden (Jim Butcher)
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