The White Council

Re: Fantasy Films

Tolkien and Inklings Discussion

: : What about Dragonheart. *Tries to dodge the flames surrounding him*

: : Much to your disgust, I am sure, I must say that I have never actually seen Dragonheart. I think that this was because I look at Fantasy as a very serious matter. You'd have to really after having read LotR. Dragonheart seemed to be to have a lot of comic elements, though not having seen it (he holds up his hands) I don't suppose I'm in much of a position to comment.

I agree. Fantasy is a great passion of mine and seeing people screw it up is annoying. On the basis of what you have said I would avoid Dragonheart. The Dragon looks good but the plot and acting leave a lot to be desired. Dennis Quaid, comedy actor, hmmmmmm. Even the great Hagis himself can't save this movie.

: As I said previously I believe Conan the Barbarian is top notch. Mainly, I guess, because it was the story of one of those original fantasy characters - Conan himself. Arnie's acting ability didn't have to be good since he has so few lines. It did become a problem in the second movie for he had far too much script to read. But Barbarian had all the qualities which made a real good fantasy movie.

: A hero, overflowing with musles and weapons, the equally (in his own way) leathal and heroic side kick, the romance factor (though not too laboured), the enemy with powers beyond the hero's understanding and huge fight scenes. Totally cool.

Don't get me wrong Pad m8. I loved Conan and it had all the ingredients you could want but bad hammy acting sends me into convulsive spasms and this has lots of it. Acting is important in this type of film. You could compare this genre of film to many historical films (Cromwell, Richard III etc..) with there noble kings and big battles. Any of these films with bad acting would have been awful. As they stand they are classics.

: Now not all these aspects apply to LotR, but then I suppose I should say all those aspects were necessary for a really good Conan movie. LotR deffinately requires a more delicate and refined touch.

Absofrigginglotely. But the ACTING has to be good.

: Now Conan was real good! But there is one film I neglected to mention, due to the fact I forgot about it (how I don't know). I feel somewhat dubious about bringing it up, for it was made by a film company whom, I am sure, we all wish to have nothing to do with LotR. Disney.

: Disney's film 'Dragonslayer' to fantastic. If you haven't seen it, then do so, it is brilliant and I am gutted that it isn't on video! At least not in the UK that I can find. Has anyone noticed that Raplph Richardson always sounded half drunk in his latter years?

Please tell me more about Dragonslayer. I haven't heard of it. Sounds great.

What about Highlander. A classic. I would class that more Fantasy than Sci-fi.

TreeBeard......

: Padster