Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield: The Man, The Myth, The Mystery, The Magnificence! 12/29/11 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #90)

I have logged many hours writing Facebook comments or writing blog essays about how wonderful the exquisitely talented British actor Richard Armitage will be portraying Thorin Oakenshield in the upcoming The Hobbit films–An Unexpected Journey (2012), and There and Back Again (2013).  Mr. Armitage exudes the fierce warrior like and regal qualities of Thorin, even in his photo shoots. [(1) right]

My previous comments were solely based on my knowing and appreciating the range of Mr. Armitage’s transformative acting and story telling talents from experiencing his earlier artistic projects–since we had no Hobbit film footage to go on, just production stills mostly.   For other essays of mine detailing some of Mr. Armitage’s artistic projects and his other searing character portrayals, just type his name into my blog’s search engine to find dozens of examples of his varied character portrayals and his prolific body of work.

But even my words failed me when I viewed The Hobbit movie trailer  last week in stunned awe for  how lushly painterly the movie appears in general and how vivid Richard Armitage as the mythic leader of the Dwarfs Thorin Oakenshield and the cast appear in particular.  Could another man with hair longer than mine, fur battle clothes, and looking back from astride his horse stun us with our first glimpse of him more than Richard Armitage did in The Hobbit movie trailer last week?  I think not. Simply put, Richard Armitage looks commanding and magnificent as Thorin Oakenshield! [(2) below]

Once again Richard Armitage has immersed himself in a role so completely that we only see the character he is portraying, and not the man/Richard behind it.  This talent of Mr. Armitage’s to transform himself into his characters as embodiments of real human beings–or Dwarfs in this case–is remarkable and mysterious. Few actors and storytellers can achieve the level of authenticity that Richard Armitage does with his character portrayals–and we marvel at his chameleon like acting abilities.

To get a fore taste of Thorin and the rest of the cast of characters featured in The Hobbit movie trailer, here is that movie trailer link again, courtesy of bccmee2 [(3) below]:

And be sure to visit her blog page bccmee’s Richard Armitage Vids & Graphics about The Hobbit movie trailer, because her blog also contains a transcript of it at [(4) below]

The Hobbit Trailer, 20 December 2011

When I listen again and again to the Misty Mountains Cold song that leads off with Richard Armitage’s velvety deep baritone voice, my heart stops and time stands still with the beautiful hymn like tone of the Dwarfs singing.  It is so mesmirizing.  I have listened to the song so many times now, I have lost count.

Bccmee also created a beautiful music video showcasing the Misty Mountain song and visualizing its imagery for us.  She shared her video with everyone on her blog bccmee’s Richard Armitage Vids & Graphics yesterday (12/28/11).  But she made such a wonderful video, it deserves to be shared again.  So, here is Bccmee’s video “The Hobbit – Misty Mountain Song Music Video with Lyrics”.  Enjoy! [(5) below]

I can’t wait to have Mr. Armitage, Sir Peter Jackson, and all of the cast, crew, and production team tell us the story of, The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey December 2012), and The Hobbit:  There and Back Again (December 2013). [(6) below]

And Richard Armitage will be brilliant portraying Thorin Oakenshield–redefining the character for us for all time–shock and awe people, shock and awe. [(7) below]

References

(1)      Portrait of the British actor Richard Armitage from the July 2011 Project Magazine photoshoot was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Richard/Promos/ProjectMagJuly2011/album/slides/MattHolyoak-07.html

(2)     Image of Thorin Oakenshield (as portrayed by Richard Armitage), in the movie trailer for “The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey” found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Hobbit/HobbitTrailer/album/slides/HobbitTrailer03.html

(3)     Link to The Hobbit movie trailer courtesy of bccmee was found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuuZWsY3s8c&feature=player_embedded

(4)     Transcript for The Hobbit movie trailer courtesy of Bccmee was found at her blog bccmee’s Richard Armitage Vids & Graphics http://fanvideos.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/the-hobbit-trailer-20-december-2011/

(5)     The Hobbit – Misty Mountain Song Music video with Lyrics, video edited by Bccmee was found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xpv1CzCt5ro

(6)     Image of the band of Dwarfs in Bilbo’s home, Bag End–with Thorin Oakenshield (as portrayed by Richard Armitage) far left in the RANet screen cap that was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Hobbit/HobbitTrailer/album/slides/HobbitTrailer19.html

(7)     Image of Thorin Oakenshield (as portrayed by Richard Armitage), RANet screen cap from The Hobbit movie trailer was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Hobbit/HobbitTrailer/album/slides/HobbitTrailer12.html

About Gratiana Lovelace

Gratiana Lovelace is my nom de plume for my creative writing and blogging. I write romantic stories in different sub genres. The stories just tumble out of me. My resurgence in creative writing occurred when I viewed the BBC miniseries of Elizabeth Gaskell's novel North & South in February 2010. The exquisitely talented British actor portraying the male lead John Thornton in North & South--Richard Crispin Armitage--became my unofficial muse. I have written over 50 script stories about love--some are fan fiction, but most are original stories--that I am just beginning to share with others on private writer sites, and here on my blog. And as you know, my blog here is also relatively new--since August 2011. But, I'm having fun and I hope you enjoy reading my blog essays and my stories. Cheers! Grati ;-> upd 12/18/11
This entry was posted in Richard Armitage, The Hobbit, Thorin and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

29 Responses to Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield: The Man, The Myth, The Mystery, The Magnificence! 12/29/11 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #90)

  1. Kitty says:

    Shock and awe indeed.

    Like

  2. DarkJackal says:

    For those of us who had the faith well before the trailer hit, it really is great to have all your expectations for the character met so eloquently. I think it is all about the contrasts. As Richard has said, he finds the unexpected in each character. The trailer shows the opposite side of Thorin from the impatient sword swinging warrior. Knowing Richard’s style, I figured he would try to bring this to the fore somehow, but I’m delighted that Peter Jackson has allowed it to be so prominent already.
    I simply could not be more pleased with how this vision is shaping up.

    Like

    • Hi DarkJackal,

      Thanks for your kind note. And you write insightfully about your assessment of Richard Armitage’s acting style. Mr. Armitage’s searing character portrayals are always multi-layered and fully faceted. Sir Peter Jackson certainly knew what he was doing when he cast Richard Armitage in the role of Thorin Oakenshield.

      Thorin Oakenshield will be forever etched in our psyches as fierce, regal, commanding, and flawed–due to his wish for revenge of the devil dragon Smaug consuming his focus–amongst other character traits, through Richard Armitage’s defining portrayal of him. Thorin Oakenshield will be brought to life for us by Mr. Armitage.

      And Richard Armitage’s Thorin, as a middle aged Dwarf at only 197 years, will be a Lion in Summer, not in Winter–as I have written before. It is perhaps prosaic that Richard Armitage is himself “middle aged”–as he described himself–Mr. Armitage having turned 40 years old last Summer. And this man Richard–just as Thorin does–has a lot of “fight” left in him.

      Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      P.S. And we can hope for many more wonderful characters to be brought to life by Richard Armitage in his future films–after he has completed The Hobbit films.

      Like

  3. bccmee says:

    What other surprises are in store for us? I’m so excited about this movie. Peter Jackson certainly does know what he’s doing. He’s going to tease us all until we can’t take it anymore and then we’ll still see be amazed and awed in the theater. Love the word “awe” so I’m using it too, LOL!

    Like

    • Dear Bccmee,
      Thanks for your kind note. I am breathless with anticipation for “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” to be released in December 2012. But, the the countdown ticker over in my Hobbit resources listing, we have 350 days to go. Or, to be more specific:
      350 days
      8418 hours
      505094 minutes
      30305602 seconds

      I am trying to make patience my middle name. Sighhh!
      Thanks for visiting and commenting and sharing your amazing video with us!
      Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      Like

  4. Kate Patrick says:

    I am enjoying your blog. My dearest friend suggested I visit the site,and I am so glad I did. I couldn’t agree more with you about Richard’s ability to totally immerse himself in a character until the lines do “blur” between character and man. It will be a long year awaiting the release of this particular film! Considering how blown away I was with the trailer alone, I can easily see that I will not get out of my seat until the last word of the credits rolls off the screen. I’m sure I’ll be stunned and speechless, needing to sort it out in my head for a while. Thankfully, I believe my sister will be in the same boat seated beside me, so I won’t be rushed and can savor the afterglow! I’m thinking we shouldn’t be surprised at all if RA’s performance gets an Oscar nod. The days of “Richard who?” are numbered.

    Like

    • Dear Kate,

      Thanks for your lovely note about my little blog. That’s very kind of you. I feel so grateful for the many individuals–such as yourself–who visit and read my blog and comment. Feedback is so important. The site stats tell me that people like my essays and stories. But, those stats become personal for me when I hear from my readers individually through their comments.

      And I love your suggestion that Richard Armitage’s portrayal of Thorin Oakenshield might elicit an Oscar nomination for him! I couldn’t agree with you more. I just haven’t wanted to write it for fear of jinxing it. Ha!

      Richard Armitage will soon be esteemed as one of the finest actors of his generation–or any generation. And since you have ventured there already–to the accolades that he will undoubtedly receive–might I also hope for a “Sir Richard” in his future?

      And, of course, Richard Armitage has long hoped to bring a retelling of the King Richard III tale to the screen–with a fresh perpective on how that king should be viewed, outside of the bashing KR3 usually receives from Shakespeare.

      Thanks for visiting and commenting. Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      P.S. And we can also fervently hope that one day Richard Armitage might venture into some lighthearted fare again with a romantic comedy film–as was his singular Harry Kennedy role in The Vicar of Dibley 2006 Christmas Specials. Mr. Armitage has a deft comedic sensibility–which his prevalence for dramatic roles doesn’t allow us to experience very often. I and others would so like to see Richard Armitage in a role where he has a nice uncomplicated girl to love and be loved by, isn’t chased by personal demons, and he doesn’t have to use weapons of any kind. As I had stated elsewhere, we RA Fangurls like our happy endings now and again. Ha!

      Like

    • Jane says:

      Ian McKellen was the only one who was nominated for an Oscar once from the LOTR trilogy and didn’t win. So chances are not good that any of the actors will get an Oscar nod. With things like this, the movie is the star, not the actors. With luck, RA might catch the attention of another famous director in the future that gives him an award worthy part.

      Like

      • Ah, but Jane, we can dream good things for Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield–such as an award nod by the Oscars, or perhaps, the Golden Globes.

        And I agree with you that Richard Armitage will be sought after by other directors for future film projects–one or more roles of which might hold the possibility of recognition by his peers, in the form of awards and accolades in the future.

        But if anything, Richard Armitage has proven himself a “team player” based on his prior character portrayals in long running television ensemble projects–such as his role as Sir Guy of Gisborne in Robin Hood and his role as Lucas North in Spooks come to my mind. Serving the story and plot and not seeking to outshine his costars is one of the hallmarks of Mr. Armitage’s professionalism as an exquisitely talented actor and storyteller–though the very fact of Richard Armitage becoming invisible within his character portrayals makes them so memorable. Mr. Armitage’s character portrayals shine brightly for the authenticity he embues them with, as I suggested in my essay above. And The Hobbit has got to be the behemoth of ensemble projects. Ha!

        Thanks for visiting and commenting. Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

        Like

        • Jane says:

          You may have noticed that I’m not a fan of dreaming, out of fear to get my hopes up too high and be disappointed. There is a thread about Oscar chances at TORn and they are not optimistic, because fantasy rarely gets recognition and the Hobbit is not something new but more of the LOTR stuff that already got it’s share of awards. Not being something new and fresh and innovative but essentially milking the same cow again to make more money out of the franchise it certainly something that will be held against The Hobbit by critics and award people. It may well be that it won’t more than just another Harry Potter, POTC or Twilight movie.

          And I while I sincerely hope that being a supporting actor in a blockbuster fantasy movie is enough to bring RA to the attention of other directors, I’m not at all convinced it will happen. Many of the LOTR actors didn’t had fantastic careers after it. I’m not sure we can count on RA being so outstanding that he will break with that.

          Like

          • HI Jane,
            Thanks for your note. I haven’t read the TORN web site much in the last few weeks. So, I haven’t seen the Thorin Oscar discussion you’re referring to. There are a few links on TORN pondering if Andy Serkis as Gollum might get a Best Supporting Actor nod–despite his character being motion capture. However, were Mr. Armitage to be nominated for an Oscar for The Hobbit, surely it would be in the Lead Actor category–not supporting.

            I understand and appreciate your viewpoint about not wanting to be disappointed. But, if we don’t dream a little bit we get no where. I’m the nauseatingly cheerful girl who believes in trying and hoping. In my view, an unfulfilled wish, dream, or hope of mine is better than not wishing, dreaming, or hoping at all. Yes, sometimes I’m disappointed, but that is only a small part of the total picture.

            And though fantasy and folklore films might not have received tons of Oscar nominations–let alone wins–in the past, there is always a first time for everything. Though Sir Peter Jackson does have Best Picture, Directing. and Screenplay Oscars for the third LOTR film–The Return of the King in (2003). So, it is not unprecedented. Here is the Internet Movie Database blurb about him (found at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001392/bio):

            “[Sir Peter Jackson] is among an elite group of 7 directors who have won Best Picture, Best Director & Best Screenplay (Orig/Adapted) for the same film. In 2004 he won all three for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003). The other “directors are Billy Wilder, Leo McCarey, Francis Ford Coppola, James L. Brooks and Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (the brothers co-produced, co-directed and co-wrote No Country for Old Men (2007) with each other).:

            Thanks for visiting and commenting. Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

            P.S. And speaking from my own experience, it truly is an honor to be nominated for an award by one’s peers and colleagues. Knowing that my colleagues respect me and my work with educational outreach programming is humbling. To then go on and win an award is icing on the cake. And when I have won awards, or received Honorable Mention I viewed these awards as encouragement and support for that programming that I created–to help it continue. And I do not view an award as “my” achievement, though my name might be on the plaque. Because one person can’t do it all by themselves. Programming and projects are collaborative efforts and I feel fortunate to have collaborative and supportive peers and colleagues whom I work with.

            Like

          • Jane says:

            IF RA receives a nomination it will surely be supporting actor, not lead, the only lead in the Hobbit is Martin Freeman as there is no female lead. Sir Ian was nominated as supporting actor as well and one of the guys from Brokeback Mountain as lead and the other as supporting actor. Even if he is second or third with regards to screentime, he is not the lead. Whether he will “own” the movie as some say, remains to be seen. The others are pretty good as well! I just feel after the first trailer it is a bit premature for an “I have told you so” attitude. For the moment I’m content that objections to his casting and the character’s look mostly have died down.

            Like

  5. Ania says:

    When Richard Armitage was engaged for the role of Thorin, I read many negative comments on the choice has been made P. Jackson (that I’ll cite only one, and it is mild in its expression, that RA is too young). However, deep down I still believed, and repeating that all the malcontents, when they will see him on screen, literally they will be on their knees. And I think that the trailer has already showed us how splendid is RA as Thorin, and how brilliant is Sir P.Jackson. Thorin, if I remember correctly is very multi-layered character, greedy, vengeful, but on the other hand, noble, brave and greatly royal. I’m sure that Mr. Armitage will present / show perfectly every nuance of this character in TH.
    I really, really can’t wait for December 2012. (And so much I want to not be dubbed in my country because I want to see and hear him singing on the big screen).
    As for the song, I must admit that I don’t know how many times I heard this song. And frankly moves me every time. Just when I hear it, I feel sadness and longing for what lost.
    P.S.
    RA and Oscar hmmm great idea!

    Like

    • Dear Ania,

      I know what you mean. The LOTR Fanboyz were on overdrive early on trying to say that Richard Armitage’s Thorin would not meet their expectations and that Sir Peter Jackson was some how ruining Tolkien’s The Hobbit by adding female characters. After my initial shock at these LOTR Fanboyz hubris, not to mention discourtesy, I countered with my opinions via several comments on Sir Peter’s Facebook page. Then, of course, these LOTR Fanboyz ire was focused on me. Ha! I had obviously struck a chord. I can only presume that these few LOTR Fanboyz don’t get out much. Ha! Because I should add that the vast majority of avid Tolkien and LOTR are probably level headed. Or at least, I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt. Ha!

      But happily I have my own blog outlet here to state my opinions and thoughts while inviting and sharing in civil discourse with you and other commenters. The beauty of having diverse opinions is in sharing them politely. One essay I wrote over a month ago was a direct counter argument to those LOTR Fanboyz and can be found at :

      Richard Armitage As Thorin will be Magnificent! 11/17/11 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #56)

      Then more recently–before The Hobbit movie trailer was released–I had another essay on Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield that readers might enjoy because it goes into more detail about Richard Armitage’s acticing style:

      Thorin Thursday: Countdown to The Hobbit Premiere, Day 364, 12/15/11 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #78)

      Of course, readers here need merely click on Richard Armitage’s name in the tag cloud to see the full range of essays I have written about Mr. Armitage’s searing character portrayals to date.

      And I so agree with you about hearing a film in its original language and sound version–so you can hear Richard Armitage’s timberous voice as Thorin, whether speaking or singing. I feel the same way about watching non English language films. Years ago, I watched the Ingmar Bergman film “Fanny and Alexander” and read the subtitles. Oh my goodness! How much more I gained by hearing the malice, the fear, the laughter, the sorrow, and such come from the original actors performances.

      Thanks for visiting and commenting. Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      P.S. And for the record, I did not “coin” the term LOTR Fanboyz. That “honor” belongs to a friend of mine, I believe.

      Like

  6. Fabi says:

    Hi Grati,
    Peter Jackson must have been particularly inspired on that day when he chose Mr. Armitage for the important role of Thorin. Finally the talented actor will earn all fame and recognise he deserves. I wonder which direction his career will take after The Hobbit.
    In a more shallow level, before watching the trailer I was (ingenuously) thinking: “This time I will not fall for Richard’s character.” Well, in the moment he started to sing with that beautiful deep voice, my chin dropped and the magic happened again. I am utterly flabbergasted! For the whole trailer, by the way. Can’t stop watching it.
    Like Ania, I want to watch the movie with its original sound. CA only had the dubbed version here in my city, which was a little frustrating to me.
    Still 350 days to go… We can only pray for patience, and the year goes flying.

    Like

    • Hi Fabi,
      Thanks for your nice note. I agree with completely. Sir Peter Jackson was inspired to cast Richard Armitage as Thorin. And it has been mentioned by Mr. Armitage himself, that he was gratified to learn that the decision was based on his audition, rather than his past roles.

      And I think most of us share your awestruck reaction to the movie trailer and Mr. Armitage’s singing–based on the various blog essays and comments and comments on Facebook RA fan sites. After viewing the movie’s trailer, I believe that The Hobbit film–and RA as Thorin–will be breathtaking! So, let us all keep some oxygen tanks handy. Ha!

      And Richard Armitage’s August 2011 40th birthday thank you letter to his fans clearly illustrates his appreciation for his role as Thorin Oakenshield when he closed his remarks by saying “I am a very fortunate man”. Indeed. And now RA’s most recent holiday letter in December 2011 refers to his “memorable year” and “the privilege” he feels to be associated with The Hobbit. As always, Richard Armitage is unfailingly gracious and humble–a true gentleman–in light of the likelihood of his star going supernova in the coming year.

      Richard Armitage must surely feel when The Hobbit reaches theatres in December 2012 that it will be the culmination of his life’s work up to that point. And we, his fans, will look forward to many more of his artistic projects in the years to come.

      Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      Like

  7. what a wonderful post today! I think Mr. Armitage has proven, even in only a two minute and some odd seconds video, that his time has definitely come! Like you, I’ve appreciated his acting talent (not to mention fabulous looks!) for some time now, but he has managed to stay relatively under the radar to most of the world. No more. He better enjoy what little anonymity he still. I have a feeling 2012 will treat us to many movie trailers as the buzz is generated over the upcoming release, and no doubt it will be HIS performance that garners the most praise. I have really enjoyed following your blog since I recently discovered it. Keep up the good work.

    Like

    • Dear Joan,
      Thanks for you very kind remarks about my little blog. The response of my readers is quite gratifying. I just write about what interests me and I enjoy engaging in discussion with others–such as yourself–and hearing their opinions.
      I completely agree with you that Richard Armitage will be anonymous no more upon the world stage when his character portrayal of Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit films is experienced. This will mean even greater opportunities for and choice of future roles for him.

      But Mr. Armitage’s rising star will also have the concomitant effect of reducing his personal privacy, I’m afraid. And for a man who is so famously private as he–he discreetly doesn’t “put about” whom he is dating at any given time–losing some of his privacy might not be a happy tradeoff for superstardom. Happily, Mr. Armitage is a grown man about to experience the rush of superstardom, and not some unformed youth. Richard Armitage will keep a level head and make his privacy adjustments as he needs to, no doubt. But, I have assiduously refrained from trying to speculate about Mr. Armitage’s wishes or thoughts. So I will back peddle about my “guesses” now.

      I’m thrilled for him–as we all are. And perhaps, Richard Armitage having his current fans’ support and goodwill might serve as some measure of balance for him with the onslaught of mainstream media and new fan interest in him that is sure to come. Mr. Armitage is unfailingly gracious and gentlemanly–which I don’t expect to change.

      Again, let me thank you and others for your generously supportive remarks about my blog. I do so appreciate your kindness in telling me that.

      Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      P.S. As an aside, as my little blog has grown in readership since I began it a few months ago, the amount of spam comments (mostly advertisements) that I receive has increased dramatically. But that spam is happily caught by WP’s spam filters and then I review and delete them. I’ve had to “discharge” over 12 spam posts today alone. Ha!

      Hmm. If only Richard Armitage were to have a “spam filter” to aid him in the coming months as the mainstream media and new fans will no doubt begin to take interest in him as an actor and filmmaker–sparking interest from many quarters. Ha!

      Like

  8. Joanna says:

    Dear Friends!
    You are well-behaved and polite,but in my case all I want to say to malcontents is…
    .shut the f..k up! or shut your f….g pie hole! comes to mind:):) ( God I love George Carlin!)
    Yes,yes I know, I’m noughty noughty girl!

    Like

    • Dear Joanna,
      I appreciate the fervor of your beliefs, but I feel it best to maintain the “well-behaved and polite” tone for my blog–as you yourself have pointed out. So, I appreciate you not completely spelling out your choice of vulgar swear words.

      Perhaps it is my Aunt Grati hat that I’m wearing now, but we are not entirely certain of the age of the readers of these blogs. So I tend to err on the side of caution and I gently request that others do so as well. So I thank you for self editing your comment before you posted it–saving me from having to delete your comment. Whew!

      That said, I also loved George Carlin’s irreverent humor sometimes. But, I tend to appreciate more the insightful but family oriented humor of Bill Cosby.

      Thanks for visiting and commenting. Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      Like

      • Joanna says:

        I feel rightly rebuked;) Thank you Grati-you are very tactful.
        Bill Cosby is a good men,a great father and artist in every inch.
        Happy New Year!to you too:) Joanna

        Like

        • Dear Joanna,
          Thanks for your note. My comment to you was not meant as a rebuke–far from it. My apologies to you most sincerely, if you felt I did. That was not my intent at all. I appreciated your restraint in the manner of your comments.

          But rather my remarks were meant as a gentle general guideline for potential commenters to my blog–should anyone wish to hear my thoughts on the matter. As a writer, I like to paint my thoughts with words. And as a girl who owns an OED (Oxford English Dictionary)–a two volume set that has such tiny type that it came with a magnifying glass (I’m serious!)–there are lots of words to choose from.

          And, as I have said often, I am quite bowled over by the positive response of people visiting my little blog and I enjoy the give and take of exchanging our ideas with each other. So I wish more people, like yourself, would take the time to comment. I find it personalizes the viewer stats for me. Ha!

          In my own case, I tend to have a playful, humorous spirit–which doesn’t always come across with only the written word (missing my vocal inflections and impish grin). So, I’ve taken to labeling my comments as *facetious* if I am commenting on another person’s blog–so that they don’t take me literally. Ha!

          Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

          Like

          • Joanna says:

            No worries,dear Grati!:)
            Belive me,I’m flattered whenever you decide to respond .
            My looney comments are not worthy of your precious time:)
            ps: Please,send my regards to Mellisa the Mouse!:)

            Like

  9. Ana Cris says:

    Hi Gratiana,
    Congratulations for your review. I still can not express in words the full impact of teaser about me, but I never had a doubt that I would love to Thorin of Richard Armitage. Thorin was already great for me before the choice of PJ, it just became more real, as an entity with its own life, with the interpretation of Richard.
    Take Care! Happy 2012!

    Like

    • Hi Ana Cris,
      Thanks for your kind note. Seeing Thorin and company for the first time was riveting. They are bringing Tolkien’s characters to life for us–especially Thorin portrayed by Richard Armitage.
      Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

      Like

  10. Hi Again Jane,
    The comment nesting only goes to five levels–ha!–so that is why I am replying to you here. The tendency for Hollywood to “pick” which of its lead characters to nominate and support for a lead actor Oscar nomination stretches quite a way back. I remember reading about Olivia de Haviland who played Melanie in Gone With the Wind explaining why Hattie McDaniel won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar and she didn’t. Apart from Ms. McDaniel’s fine performance, Ms. de Haviland said that Ms. McDaniel was nominated for the “proper” category. Her meaning being that she/Olivia should have been nominated for the Best Actress Oscar along side Vivien Leigh, who ended up winning it.

    And though the story and film is called “The Hobbit”, the reason for their quest is because of Thorin and the Dwarfs desire to reclaim what is theirs. So I am not ruling out Richard Armitage portraying Thorin Oakenshield as one of the lead actors in “The Hobbit”–especially since TORN and others label his role as being one of the leads.

    And I hope that my delight in seeing my some of my expectations for “The Hobbit”–and what looks to be Richard Armitage’s fierce portrayal of Thorin Oakenshield–come to fruition, that no one misconstrues my tone as an “I told you so” attitude, far from it. In fact, “I” am not the focus, the film is. I’m just a humble fan.

    So though we may each have our nuanced interpretations of what we experience, no one has a crystal ball for what the future will bring. But, at least I can suggest that we agree on the larger issue–that “The Hobbit” films will be wonderful! So, I’ll save our seats in the theatre while you get us the popcorn.

    Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

    Like

  11. Hi Joanna and interested others,

    Thanks for your mention of Melissa the Mouse. Poor dear, MTM was to have a poem moussay in my blog this past Wednesday. But my technical glitches necessitating the laptop going in for virus cleaning put the kibosh on that. Melissa hinted that the doggies had something to do with the computer going down–being jealous about her having guest blogger privileges. Ha! So, as Melissa’s scribe, I had not finished typing up her notes–nor retrieving the musical inserts she required. Happily, Melissa has not got a diva like bone in her mice little body. So she cut me some slack on that one. Actually–between we humans–it took me slipping her a slice of Stilton cheese to smooth things over. Hmmm!

    But, Melissa will share her thoughts again with everyone this coming Wednesday. Actually, it’s a “co-production” with Patty the Pom–and their media production company is prosaically called …wait for it … PomMice Productions. It has a ring to it. Don’t you think? Ha!

    Cheers and Happy New Year! Grati ;->

    P.S. And Melissa was, perhaps, a little bluish gray–on top of having her moussay delayed–because she wasn’t sure if her Christmas presents had been received by all her mouse amis around the world–international mail service being suspect at times.

    Like

Comments are closed.