Chapter 129
"Your Majesty, when should we set off?" Legolas asked, looking at King Elrond.
Originally, this line was meant to be spoken by Frodo, but Peter Jackson had decided to transfer it to Legolas. There were many such changes in the script.
"Within seven days," King Elrond replied. "But before that, I must attend to something. The holy sword, broken for countless years, is now ready to shine in the hands of its rightful owner. For this task, we will need the help of Aragorn, Gimli, and Glorfindel."
While this was meant to focus on Aragorn, Gimli, and Glorfindel, the attention here was squarely on Legolas.
What else could be said? This was the power of the main character—poor Frodo, and poor all the other actors in this movie...
Peter Jackson felt no guilt at all about these changes. Well, perhaps a little, but after seeing Martin's scenes, he knew there would be no turning back.
"Whoever dares to stop me from creating a classic will regret it!" Peter thought.
Martin, naturally, felt no guilt. He had invested in this movie to make money and build his fame. He was determined to make The Lord of the Rings the most visually captivating film ever. With his face and those carefully crafted movements, he was confident that when the movie was released, he could drain every cent from the wallets of admiring women.
Each of Martin's scenes seemed to attract admiration and awe.
"Wow, Martin's dining movements are surprisingly graceful. This is how elves should eat!"
"How did Martin manage to draw the sword so coolly?"
"Why does Martin's posture while riding feel so different? His is just... better!"
"God, Martin is sparkling, I literally want to knock him to the ground!"
Brush!
Everyone turned to look.
Liv Tyler's face flushed slightly, but her eyes remained locked on Martin. A proud smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.
I've already slept with him... what's the big deal?
Orlando Bloom, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. He wondered if he could ever be as brilliant in the role of an elf.
The answer was clear: Impossible. He would never have the same radiance as Martin.
What confused everyone, though, was how Martin, at just thirteen years old, could portray the timeless wisdom of an elf who had lived for millennia.
Some even started to think that Martin's portrayal was the epitome of what an elf should look like.
And they were right. Martin had successfully embodied it.
The first day of shooting had been incredibly successful.
That night, a jubilant Peter Jackson hosted a bonfire party. Martin sang "That Girl 1" live, and it made everyone drunk with excitement.
Back at the hotel, Liv Tyler, not satisfied with Martin's performance, decided to have a private karaoke session with him.
She couldn't wait and dragged him into her room.
What followed was an eruption of high-pitched dolphin-like sounds that echoed throughout the hall. This time, it wasn't Martin singing, but Liv Tyler, who seemed to lose herself in the moment. From the corner, Cate Blanchett overheard and, feeling both amused and intrigued, found herself unable to resist joining in.
The night ended with Cate collapsed into a puddle of exhaustion, as Liv's singing became so intense it nearly overwhelmed her.
But then, something unexpected happened.
When Cate heard the door close next door, a strange pull stirred within her. Without a second thought, she jumped out of bed, ran to the door, and opened it slightly.
She saw Martin's back as he walked toward his room.
This is it, she thought, gritting her teeth. I'll give it a go!
She swung open the door and rushed out.
Martin had just reached his room when something stirred in his chest. He stopped for a moment.
Before he knew it, a figure hugged him from behind. The familiar scent of shower gel mixed with a faint, almost imperceptible fishy scent filled the air.
"Martin, I... I can—"
"Come in!" Martin's voice was calm and confident, interrupting her.
Before Cate could say another word, Martin had already swept her up, carrying her into his room. He kicked the door shut behind them with a swift motion.
A "Symphony of Destiny" began to play in Martin's room.
The sounds of a cello, violin, and piano echoed throughout the space, building in intensity as the night wore on.
An hour later, a weary Cate Blanchett stumbled out of Martin's room. She was exhausted, unable to move much after their... private concert.
When she finally laid down in her bed, she could still feel the effects of the night lingering—her smile spoke of the experience she would never forget.
And across the hall, Liv Tyler shared the same dream of Martin, galloping on horseback.
The next day, filming resumed, with a focus on Martin's scenes once again.
The first scene involved the elf princess and prince galloping together on horseback.
Liv Tyler mounted her horse gracefully, looking over at Martin with a proud smile.
But Martin, standing off to the side, only needed one hand to press the saddle before lifting his body effortlessly onto the horse. He swung his leg over and settled onto the saddle with fluid grace.
His movements were impeccable—he never seemed stiff. Instead, he exuded the nobility and elegance that defined the royal elves.
Damn, Liv Tyler thought. How can he be so cool?!
A tinge of jealousy crept up within her.
Meanwhile, our protagonist, Elijah Wood, seemed to struggle as he climbed onto his horse with the help of the crew, muttering under his breath.
"Why can't we just use a stunt horse?"
Peter Jackson, unfazed by the complaints, merely shook his head. He was the biggest name on the set, the one in charge—well, except for Martin.
This was precisely why Peter had avoided casting big stars—well, except for Martin.
After all, Elijah Wood wasn't the true protagonist. Even if he were, the limelight would still be stolen by the Elf Prince.
"Start!" Peter called, waving his hand vigorously.
The cameras were ready, and the action began.
Liv Tyler lowered her body, pressing her legs firmly into the horse's sides. The white steed let out a roar and charged toward the beach.
Liv, a skilled equestrian since childhood, was eager to compete with Martin.
In the wide shot, Liv Tyler looked heroic as she rode, but Peter noticed something was off in the close-up.
"Cut! Not good," Peter shouted.
He trotted over to Liv and explained, "Your expression shows urgency, but you need to convey worry, disgust, and anger. Remember, you're an elf—detached from dark creatures. You need to show a more complex range of emotions."
Liv blinked, surprised. "Wow, director, do you think too highly of me? How should I express all that?"
She wasn't angry—just a bit taken aback. Isn't this supposed to be a fantasy film? Why is acting so demanding?