moving in slow motion

[bryiarrose]

i'm still reeling. i had the chance to sneak back in and see it again for free, and didn't because i knew i couldn't handle it. that i had to let it settle. needed distance before seeing it again. breathtaking. beautiful. unquestionably epic. i shivered, and laughed, and smiled and cried. the same as everyone.

the last time i read the books was about six months before the first film came out. on purpose, i haven't read them since, though i will again. i think it's served me well. i've been able to appreciate the movies in ways i wouldn't have if i'd re-read the books close to seeing them for the first time. i've seen them with fresh eyes, fresh imagination. even though i know the story, know the ending, know the tale, i'm able to lose myself in the screen and forget what happens next... at least until peter jackson reminds me. so many moments where i think one thing may happen, and then something triggers my memory--usually something on the screen--and i remember what's to come. i love these films. the power in them. the passion. the soul. the detail.

one of my oddities, and most people who have ever seen a movie with me know it, i grew up watching the credits of every movie i went to with my parents. they insisted on staying and eventually i understood why. now i insist on staying until the screen goes blank and the lights come fully up, and others don't understand--or do--but i wait anyhow. i've had the projector stopped on me before because i was the only one in the theater still watching, and it infuriated me. until the credits end, the movie hasn't ended. and return of the king agreed with that idea in me. watching the credits was closure. the beautiful artwork worth staying to see, if nothing else. the final shot of the film, a drawing of the ring... the music swells and everything fades... i got chills again. i can say with absolute certainty that that moment was the final moment of the film. not of the credits, but of the film. and it was worth staying for.

i'm still swept up in the magic of it, obviously. i will be for awhile i'm sure. who won't?
the only thing i wondered about, was the subtitling. because i only saw one subtitle right at the very end, and i swear there was more said that wasn't in english and wasn't subtitled. either that or i've started listening in some language other than english again. does anyone know for sure? was i hearing things? or was there dialogue left unsubtitled? and if so, was it on purpose, and why? because we all know that if it was done on purpose, it was purpose with reason behind it.

on a note of less brilliance and enthrallment, the previews were few and mostly unremarkable. though the viggo movie with horse might have promise. the only really stunning one was for troy. there's a movie i can't wait to see, both because i'm a classics geek and because it could be brilliant. we'll have to see.

now the icicles out side my windows are crashing into the snow on the roof below it. the sound keeps startling me, being unlike anything i'm usually expecting to hear. in a way it's nice. it makes me think about the icicles, and thinking about icicles is always good.

eta: i don't think i've said anything terribly spoiler-esque, but i appreciate wanting to see it with as little outside opinion as possible. the only thing i think everyone should know is that the artwork in the credits is lovely, so at least consider staying for them.

Comments

[almejor.livejournal.com]

I didn't read anything under the cut tag. I merely want to say, so jealous. Want hobbits and elves and Uruk-hai, oh my! Just 3 more days...

[bryiarrose.livejournal.com]

i don't think i said anything terribly spoiler-y, but i understand wanting to go in with as little outside influence as possible and therefore the cut.

the only thing i'll say is when you do go, the artwork in the credits is lovely and (i think) worth staying for.

and three days really isn't very long. it will be wonderful no matter when you see it.

(reply posted with hott!orli just for you.)

[almejor.livejournal.com]

Yay hot Orli! He looks so cute in that picture. Almost sad.

[bryiarrose.livejournal.com]

i really couldn't resist that icon. it sat on my hard drive for quite awhile waiting for extra icon space to open up.

you should really go look at the rest. i really think they're among the prettiest shots i've seen of him.

On staying through the credits

[g-m-s.livejournal.com]

YES!!!!

This is why I hate going to see movies in groups. (Other than the fact that I usually get stuck trying to hold seats for people in our group who can't tell time and don't show up until 5 minutes before the movie starts. And I *hate* those types of people who hold seats in the movie theater.)

I am always being dragged out of the theater by people who don't want to sit and "watch those lighting people". I think the credits give a sense of appreciation for *everyone* involved in the movie, but more importantly, a sense of closure and moment of reflection before heading back out into the real world.

[margotdarko.livejournal.com]

I just found your journal, so I'm commenting a little late and you may know this by now. One part in particular (in the tent with Elrond and Aragorn) was definitely NOT subtitled the first time I saw it, which was opening weekend. But on the second time, there were subtitles! It was crazy. Elrond says, "I bring hope to men." And Aragorn says, "I keep none for myself." (or something like that...)

[bryiarrose.livejournal.com]

you're absolutely right and had perfect timing with your comment. i came home from the theater after seeing it the second time still insisting to the boy that those subtitles hadn't been there the first time. he claims they were and i hold fast that while they may have been on his reel, they certainly weren't on mine. and there you were to back me up. *grin* sorry about not responding sooner... being out of town and all put me behind in replying. also, you seem awfully cool. mind if i friend you?

[margotdarko.livejournal.com]

I don't mind at all. I always like having new friends. :)