Ian McKellan Vs. Christopher Lee... and The Last Unicorn

[celebrochirear]

I simply don't believe that Hollywood nor many, many people realize how profound an impact The Last Unicorn deserves to have when it comes out once again.

I understand that in today's society unicorns don't have as much as pull as they used to - or maybe they never did. Dragons, gryphons, montrous snakes - Balrogs, attract people so much easier. But doesn't The Last Unicorn /have/ a big, fiery demon - that is, after all, what the Red Bull is. Heck, when I was Fellowship of the Ring for the first time, the moment the Balrog appearred in all of its glory, I thought immediately that it looked like my image of the Red Bull, only with wings and standing up. [i]Two Towers[/] only served to increase that opinion. Only, instead of Mithrandir, there's a shining white being to fight the Bull.

Simple names - the Red Bull, the Unicorn, the Pirate's Cat - but the tale by Peter S. Beagle is so much more than simple. If a person really, truly reads into the story, that person will find that it is as heart-rending, tender a story as Frodo and Sam's friendship in LoTR, and every bit as thrilling and sensational as Saruman Vs. Gandalf/Lee Vs. McKellan in the same set.

Christopher Lee was long involved in The Last Unicorn - as much as he was involved in dreaming of being in a Lord of the Rings movie; years ago he, Peter S. Beagle, and Michael Pakleppa began working together various times and he brought King Haggard to life for the first time. If I recall correctly he's played a huge role in the inspiration for making it come to life as a live action movie.

Now, one may wonder why I have the title as I have it - because as I see it, there are many actors and actresses whom I would believe deserving to be a part of this movie. I rejoice that the scenes at Hagsgate from the book are in fact in the movie - even more so that many of these townsfolk are older. I see /great/ potential in having many of these deserving actors/actresses who may get passed up for the few human roles being able to still appear. But inparticular, I wish greatly to see another McKellan/Lee film. As much as many folk want Lee to become Dumbledore in Harry Potter (a role I, too, very much support), I believe that McKellan should become Mabruk - Haggard's 'master wizard'. It would be a fine treat to see them together, once again in a room much like the one that Saruman and Gandalf fought in during [i]Fellowship[/].

I'm aware that The Last Unicorn has not nearly as large a following as many of his other older, recent, and coming films, but in its own right I belive that it deserves the best in all respects. Perhaps my opinions will be seen - perhaps not. It is my hope that yes, though it was first a novel, then an anime cult classic, it will now be allowed to become a masterpiece once again, with all respect deserved.

As an afternote, I would like to know if anyone knows who is slated to compose for the movie. I highly doubt they'll be using America's songs once again (though perhaps incorporating them into the movie...). Personally, I believe that Howard Shore should be the one - John Williams has already done enough, and no one else has the touch for fantastical music. Shore proved he could do it with FoTR and TTT. Vocals? Enya.

And, I'll jump on the LoTR-elf bandwagon here and say that Craig Parker, Hugo Weaving, and Orlando Bloom deserve parts in the movie. Inparticular, Bloom as Lir. Yes, I'll be a groupie.


Have a nice evening, I would appreciate feedback.

[Sarah]

I think that once the previews start coming up on the tv and the posters and all the advertisements as per usual are out, I believe the movie will end up in the long run to be a winner. Word of mouth can make or break a movie also. I noticed that when I went to see the TT the movie theater wasn