Legit Cool - Film Talk

089 - LOTR Special: A conversation with Oscar Winner Jamie Selkirk

The Lord of the Rings - A PODCAST SPECIAL

In this episode, River and Tony interview Jamie Selkirk, the legendary film editor and producer known for his work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. They discuss Jamie's experience at the Oscars, his early collaborations with Peter Jackson, and his involvement in the Lord of the Rings films. Jamie shares insights into the editing process and the challenges of working on a trilogy. They also touch on other films Jamie has worked on, such as Bad Taste, Heavenly Creatures, and The Frighteners. In this conversation, Jamie Selkirk, the editor of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, discusses the process of editing and the importance of performance in filmmaking. He explains how editing can enhance a performance and create a cohesive narrative. The conversation also delves into specific scenes from the films, such as the battle on Pelennor Fields, and explores the editing techniques used to build tension and emotion. Selkirk also mentions the challenges of pacing and maintaining the audience's engagement throughout the films. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the extended editions of the films and Selkirk's current projects.

 

Key Takeaways

Takeaways

Jamie Selkirk won an Academy Award for best editor on the Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
The editing process for the Lord of the Rings films involved multiple editors, with each editor working on a different film in the trilogy.
Peter Jackson's directing style involved shooting multiple takes to ensure he captured the desired performance.
The budget for the Lord of the Rings films increased as the project evolved, with the first film receiving the majority of the funding.
The editing team focused on maintaining a consistent style and performance throughout the trilogy. Editing is a process of finding the best performance and using different shots to create a cohesive narrative.
The editor must consider pacing and rhythm to maintain the audience's engagement.
Specific scenes, such as the battle on Pelennor Fields, were carefully edited to build tension and emotion.
The extended editions of the films include additional scenes that were not necessary for the theatrical release.
Jamie Selkirk is currently involved in the Miramar Creative studio and editing and sound post-production for Victoria University.

 

Read the rest of this entry »

Introduction - Exploring film with Legit Cool Podcast

The introduction that introduces.

And scene. 

088 - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Review & Recap

"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit entrusted with a powerful ring that holds the fate of Middle-earth. He embarks on a perilous journey alongside a diverse fellowship including Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and others to destroy the ring in the fires of Mount Doom. Along the way, they encounter dark forces, face internal struggles, and test their loyalty. The film explores themes of friendship, courage, and the eternal battle between good and evil in a richly imagined fantasy world.

In this episode, River and Bailey review and recap the film 'The Fellowship of the Ring' from 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. They discuss their first impressions of the film, the stunning visuals, and the immersive world-building. They also praise the talented cast, including Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen, and the iconic musical score by Howard Shore. The hosts highlight the film's ability to draw the audience into its world and set up the rest of the series. They both agree that the film deserves a 10 out of 10 rating. The conversation covers the recap of the film 'The Fellowship of the Ring' from 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The hosts discuss the efficient and smart epilogue that sets the stage for the film. The themes of innocence, loyalty, and the power of the ring are explored through the characters of Frodo, Sam, and Gandalf. The chapter titles could include 'The Efficient Epilogue', 'The Power of the Ring', and 'Innocence and Loyalty'.

Key Takeaways

The Fellowship of the Ring is a visually stunning film with immersive world-building.
The talented cast, including Christopher Lee and Ian McKellen, brings the characters to life.
The iconic musical score by Howard Shore enhances the film's emotional impact.
The film draws the audience into its world and sets up the rest of the series.
Both hosts agree that the film deserves a 10 out of 10 rating. The epilogue of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' efficiently sets the stage for the film
Force perspective is used to create the size difference between characters
The themes of innocence, loyalty, and the power of the ring are explored
The chapter titles could include 'The Efficient Epilogue', 'The Power of the Ring', and 'Innocence and Loyalty' The danger of the ring and the power it holds
The threat posed by the ringwraiths
The revelation of Saruman's betrayal
The importance of unity and sacrifice in the face of evil The Mines of Moria is a treacherous place filled with danger and the remnants of a once-great civilization.
Sam's bravery and loyalty shine through as he fights alongside the Fellowship.
Gandalf's apparent death is a shocking moment that leaves a lasting impact on the characters and the audience.
The encounter with Galadriel in Lothlórien reveals the importance of Frodo's mission and the challenges he will face.
Aragorn's leadership and compassion are demonstrated in his interactions with Boromir. The emotional scenes in the movie, particularly between Frodo and Sam, are powerful and moving.
The loyalty between Frodo and Sam is a standout aspect of the film.
Interesting facts about the movie include Viggo Mortensen chipping his tooth and Orlando Bloom getting the role of Legolas just days before completing drama school.
The hosts briefly discuss their gaming activities and provide information on how to follow the podcast on social media.

 

Read the rest of this entry »

087 - LOTR Special: A conversation with Gino Acevedo & Shane Rangi

The Lord of the Rings - A PODCAST SPECIAL

In this episode of the Legit Cool Podcast, Shane Rangi and Gino Acevedo delve into their experiences working on the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy. They share insights into their roles as actors and visual effects artists, discussing the challenges and rewards of bringing Middle-earth to life on the big screen. Shane reflects on his portrayal of the Witch-King and other characters, while Gino sheds light on the intricate process of creating visual effects and prosthetics for the films. Together, they offer a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on the making of these cinematic masterpieces, highlighting the passion and dedication that went into crafting the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's imagination. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual moviegoer, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the magic of filmmaking and the enduring legacy of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Overall, the conversation highlights the passion and dedication of the cast and crew in bringing Middle-earth to life.

 

Key Takeaways

The Lord of the Rings trilogy had a significant impact on New Zealand's film industry and put the country on the map as a major filmmaking destination.
Peter Jackson's vision and determination were instrumental in bringing the films to life and opening doors for other filmmakers.
The production of the films involved a massive amount of prosthetics and special effects work, showcasing the talent and creativity of the Weta Workshop team.
The cast and crew formed a close-knit family during the production, united by their passion for the project and their love for filmmaking.
The success of the Lord of the Rings trilogy paved the way for future epic film franchises and raised the bar for fantasy filmmaking. Creating prosthetics for the Lord of the Rings trilogy was a challenging and detailed process.
The use of prosthetics helped transform actors into different characters and bring the creatures to life.
The collaboration between digital and physical effects was crucial in creating realistic and detailed prosthetics.
The attention to detail in the makeup, even if it wasn't always visible on screen, was important for the overall authenticity of the film.
Working with actors wearing prosthetics required patience and understanding, but some actors embraced the transformation and brought their characters to life. Working on the Lord of the Rings trilogy was a memorable and transformative experience for Gino and Shane.
They faced challenges with prosthetics and makeup, but overall, they were proud of the final outcome.
Both Gino and Shane have a deep appreciation for the Lord of the Rings films and the impact they have had on their lives.
Gino enjoys watching horror and thriller movies, while Shane has a diverse film collection that includes underdog stories and classics.
Shane's career trajectory was shaped by his experiences on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, leading him to work in various roles in the film industry.
The hosts reminisce about their experiences on the Lord of the Rings set and express their gratitude for the film's impact.
Shane shares his recent projects, including an independent zombie film and the TV show Time Bandits.
Passion is essential in the film industry, and the hosts emphasize the importance of loving what they do.
They express their gratitude for the opportunity to be on the podcast and their excitement for future collaborations.

 

 

Read the rest of this entry »

086 - Godzilla (2014) - Review & Recap

Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a Navy bomb expert, has just reunited with his family in San Francisco when he is forced to go to Japan to help his estranged father, Joe (Bryan Cranston). Soon, both men are swept up in an escalating crisis when Godzilla, King of the Monsters, arises from the sea to combat malevolent adversaries that threaten the survival of humanity. The creatures leave colossal destruction in their wake, as they make their way toward their final battleground: San Francisco.

 

In this episode of the Legit Cool Podcast, the host reviews and recaps the 2014 film Godzilla. The host praises the film for its underrated greatness and the betrayal of expectations in a monster film. He discusses the director, Gareth Edwards, and his previous work, as well as the cast and their performances. The host highlights the brilliant storytelling, emotional grounding of the characters, and the masterful cinematography and visual effects. They also mention some minor negatives, such as overacting and a lack of exposition. The recap covers the plot of the film, including the discovery of Godzilla, the nuclear plant disaster, and the protagonist's journey. In this part of the conversation, River recaps the final act of the movie Godzilla (2014). He highlights the epic battles between the monsters and the impact on the human characters. River praises the visual effects, cinematography, and storytelling of the film. He rates it a strong 9 out of 10 and encourages listeners to check out other episodes of the podcast. River also announces a special Lord of the Rings series with guest interviews coming up.

 

Key Takeaways

Godzilla (2014) is an underrated and great film that defies expectations for a monster film
The director, Gareth Edwards, showcases brilliant storytelling and masterful cinematography
The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen
The film effectively establishes emotional grounding for the characters
The visual effects by MPC are outstanding and contribute to the film's success
Minor negatives include overacting and a lack of exposition The final act of Godzilla (2014) features epic battles between the monsters and showcases the impact on the human characters.
The visual effects, cinematography, and storytelling of the film are highly praised.
River rates the movie a strong 9 out of 10.
Listeners are encouraged to check out other episodes of the podcast and follow on social media.
A special Lord of the Rings series with guest interviews is announced.

Read the rest of this entry »

085 - Civil War - Review & Recap

From filmmaker Alex Garland comes a journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House. 

 

"In this dystopian thriller, the premise lacked emotional impact and the narrative's purpose felt unclear. Character motivations were muddled, leading to a disjointed experience."

 

This is our review and recap of Civil War.

Read the rest of this entry »

084 - Dune: Part 2 - Review & Recap

"Dune: Part Two" will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

 

In short:

"Dune: Part Two" stuns with visuals and technical prowess. However, the plot feels lackluster, leaving me bored. Despite epic action, the story's predictability disappoints. While Paul seeks revenge, emotional depth is lacking. Nonetheless, the film's technical achievements shine, showcasing top-tier filmmaking.

 

This is our review and recap of Dune: Part 2.

Read the rest of this entry »

083 - Saving Private Ryan - Review & Recap ft. Mr Movie Maniac

The special guest on the cast today is movie enthusiast Mr Movie Maniac.

In the harrowing aftermath of D-Day, a group of American soldiers ventures deep into enemy territory to locate and rescue Private James Ryan, the last surviving brother of four servicemen. Led by Captain John Miller (Tom Hanks), the squad faces the horrors of war while navigating the moral complexities of their mission. Alongside Hanks, the stellar ensemble cast includes Matt Damon as Private Ryan, and notable performances from Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, and Giovanni Ribisi. As they journey through the chaos of battle, they confront their own humanity, loyalty, and the ultimate price of valor.

This is our review and recap of Saving Private Ryan.

Read the rest of this entry »

082 - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - Review & Recap

Former scientist Galen Erso lives on a farm with his wife and young daughter, Jyn. His peaceful existence comes crashing down when the evil Orson Krennic takes him away from his beloved family. Many years later, Galen becomes the Empire's lead engineer for the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, the Death Star. Knowing that her father holds the key to its destruction, Jyn joins forces with a spy and other resistance fighters to steal the space station's plans for the Rebel Alliance.

This is our review and recap for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Read the rest of this entry »

081 - War for the Planet of the Apes - Review & Recap

Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his apes are forced into a deadly conflict with an army of humans led by a ruthless colonel (Woody Harrelson). After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his mythic quest to avenge his kind. As the journey finally brings them face to face, Caesar and the colonel are pitted against each other in an epic battle that will determine the fate of both their species and the planet's future.

This is our review and recap for War for the Planet of the Apes.

Read the rest of this entry »