This week we discuss Galadriel, Cate Blanchett’s most iconic role. We delve into the enduring populariy of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and what diffrentiates them as excellent action adventure films, what makes Galadriel so special within Blanchett’s filmography and even ask Peter Jackson for a Boromir / Aragon rom-com. For this conversation Murtada Elfadl welcomes filmmaker Conrado Falco, co-creator of the show Wormholes and host of The Criterion Project podcast.

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Follow along the trilogy is streamig on HBO Max.

What is the film about?

 Based on J R R Tolkien’s trilogy about hobbits, elves and that one ring. In this episode we maninly discuss the first film; The Fellowship of the Ring.

From imdb: “A meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.“

Who does Cate play?

Galadriel, queen of the Elves with her pointed ears.

How is Cate introduced?

Almost immediately in voice over narrating the prologue that explains the creation of the One Ring. Her voice starts it all. Then she appears in all her blond ethereal beauty.

What year did it come out?

2001 the sequels in 2002 and 2003. The Hobbit movies came out in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Box Office: Domestic = $315 MM Int’l = $888MM

Critical Response: Metacritic : 92 RT: 91

Topics Discussed:

• Why were these films so popular?
• Why Galadriel became one of Blanchett’s most iconic roles. The look, the character and her performance.
• Well made adventure film especially when compared with mediocre output of current superhero movies. Grand old fashioned entertainment. Why does the adventure and the scale work well?
• Earnestness done well. How these films wonderfully portray friendship.
• Ian McKellen’s wonderful and equally iconic performance as Gandalf. How/ why he lost the Oscar?
• Homoeroticism between Aragon and Boromir. Their relationship has the beats of a rom-com.
• The many endings of The Return of the King. Despite their abundance they are a nice hang, as if visiting old friends one last time.
• The metaphor of the ring – what does it mean or stand for? It could mean differnt things depending on interpretation.
• Cate’s friendship with Ian Mckellen.
• Deep dive into the “all shall love me and despair‘ scene.
• Frodo as the ultimate “damsel in distress.”

Film within context of Cate’s career:

Her biggest hit and impact on popular culture. Many remember her as Galdriel. Playing this ethereal icon fed into her own iconic status as a movie star. 

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