First off, in case you didn't already know, it isn't "you shall not pass" at least not in the book. It's one of those changes that I don't really care about, but also don't particularly understand. It's the same number of syllables either way, and they would both sound great in the Gandalf voice in that moment. Just imagine him saying 'cannot', it sounds great.
While I don't really mind the change, I do think it is important to note the difference between 'shall not' and 'cannot'. 'Shall not' implies more power in Gandalf himself, whereas 'cannot' is more like the child saying to a friend 'we cannot go into that room, because mom said so.' There is no other reason. The balrog simply can't pass.
That word shows Gandalf surrendering himself to the powers that be. He doesn't know that 'he will make sure the balrog doesn't go one, because he is a powerful wizard', he knows that the balrog cannot go on, and that he is the tool that is going to stop it. "I don't know how I'm supposed stop you, I don't know what is going to happen next, all I know is you cannot go any further. I honestly don't know why you can't, I mean you have wings so you could just fly, but you can't go over there."
It's a small and subtle difference, but it's there for a reason (in my opinion).
Now then, the real purpose of this post is to talk about an unexplained...thing, in the movie. It's not really a plot hole, it's just one of those moments where everyone said "but, why?". Specifically: "why didn't Aragorn just pull him up?"
A moment where, had the movie stuck with the book, they wouldn't have created a question.
MOVIE: Gandalf falls, and clings to the edge of a bridge which is not crumbling at all, and stays there long enough for someone to come help him up, and then lets go, for no particular reason."
BOOK: Gandalf breaks the bridge, the balrog falls, and as it plummets downward, swings its whip, wrapping it around Gandalf's knees. In a small space of time, not long enough for anyone to help the wizard, Gandalf "staggered and fell, grasped vainly at the stone, and slid into the abyss." In that last second, he cries 'fly, you fools!' and is gone. There is no time for anyone to save him. He doesn't catch himself on the stone and hang out (pun intended) for a chat with the fellowship.
So there you go, yet another moment where everything would have made much more sense if they had just stuck to the book.
Everything would have been so much better if they had just stuck to the book! :)
ReplyDeleteThe book is always better. But I love those movies. But also...there are so many places where there was really no reason to turn away from the book. sigh.
DeleteAgreed. So this has nothing to do with this post, but I was curious: where do you find the information about LotR events corresponding to our calendar? (E.G., how do you know that Hobbit Day is September 22?) Thanks!
DeleteIn the appendix, found in every copy of The Return of the King, at the end. There is a section called the "tale of Years" and it has the events of LOTR listed by day. As for Hobbit Day itself, that is merely a result of Frodo and Bilbo's birthday being on September 22. Technically all the days are off, because in the Shire calendar there are 30 days in February, but everyone kind of just ignores that and takes the days as they are listed :D
Delete