Eledh's Journey
   Elvenkind's Thoughts
   Into the West Photo Gallery

 

Eledhwen Wanders Into the West

This tale has to begin at the end, with “And the winner for Best Director is… ”.

Hollywood on Oscar Night

If Peter Jackson had never conceived of making the Lord of the Rings into a movie, none of it would have been possible. Yes, we would have had Tolkien communities. Yes, we would have had events. We would even have had many parties and celebrations. But, we would NOT have had such a galvanized community of fans. We would not have had the kind of events we have now. And we would never have been in Hollywood on Oscar weekend.

As I sailed into the West (well, flew actually), I had no idea what to expect. What should I make of Los Angeles? How would the party go? How many Oscars would RotK score? And most importantly, could I stay awake for it all?

To say that the weeks leading up to the Into the West party were hectic is a huge understatement. I marvelled at the level of sacrifice and dedication all of the planners had. I couldn’t help but be completely awed by their collective energy and optimism. To put on an Oscar event in Hollywood is an incredibly gutsy thing to do and they were going for it, no holds barred. It was amazing. I felt quite privileged to be able to support and assist them in this incredible feat. It was a true adventure.

It’s hard to collect ALL of my thoughts on that weekend; most of it seems blurred. One of the highlights from my first day was driving down Sunset Boulevard at … sunset. There was magic in that moment. Then there was checking out the Sunset strip. I made a special note of The Viper Room, whose patron is my own fairytale prince (hands off, rest of the world!), Johnny Depp.

Beverly Hills Hotel

A huge highlight that night was being able to drive up to the Beverly Hills Hotel and getting a sneak peek at the New Zealand government’s Oscar party. We did manage to see a wonderful Maori dance, done on the red carpet for a host of journalists. We also walked past Howard Shore and Alex Funke (on the red carpet of all places, daaahling). We made sure to give the Huge Security Guards a wide berth, as we got a look inside the hotel. It is, of course, a stunning establishment with elegant floral arrangements, fireside lounge and wide, sweeping staircases. It glittered that night with VIPs in tuxedoes and gowns. You could feel their collective excitement and anticipation. With the nominations for RotK and Whale Rider, it was a remarkable year in film for New Zealand.

Outside, we managed to see a few dignitaries and Keisha Castle-Hughes’ family (although no sign of Keisha that early in the night). We could have waited for more, but a cold breeze, jet lag, hunger and severe-faced government types were getting the better of us and we made an early night of it. (Who can stand up to those withering, orc-like, Government Glares?)

I think it was all made real for me on Saturday when I saw the Kodak Theatre and THE red carpet (you know the one). That’s when I knew I was really there. The red carpet glowed in the sunlight, the hills towered up behind, the sky was the most gorgeous blue, palm trees swayed and the ocean glittered. Whoa, dude. I was in LA on Oscar weekend. We spent half the day beating a path up and down Sunset and all around Highland and Hollywood (where the Oscars are held). I got a look at the Hollywood Museum, the Egyptian Museum, and had my first look at the historic Hollywood Athletic Club.

Stuffin' goody bags

Upstairs Downstairs

The Club was a hive of activity as volunteers decorated, moved, sorted, bagged, hung and made endless trips up and down the many steps. I had been looking forward to meeting the other ITW planners face-to-face after spending weeks emailing back and forth, and it was truly a high point of my weekend. A sense of family permeated the air as these folks from many different Tolkien/LOTR communities worked together to get everything ready. Later that afternoon, I spent some time gazing at the mountain-view from my room and then took in Universal City with friends who live in LA.

Party gets started

The Blues Hobbits!

Saturday night was all excitement, as we got ready for the Hall of Fire. The Club looked fantastic when we arrived; it had changed into a corner of Middle Earth! The party was literally sparking with pre-Oscar excitement. Upstairs, everyone was enjoying the poetry and song in “The Golden Hall”. As much fun as that was, I loved being in “Imladris” which housed Tim Kirk’s and Colleen Doran’s artwork. I was able to meet George Beahm, author of The Essential Tolkien Sourcebook, as well as Tim and Colleen. There were nibbles, a gorgeous Rivendell cake, wonderful wares to buy, and plenty of ale; everything a Hobbity heart could dream of. But the best thing by far, was the company.

My Sunday plans for a quick jaunt to the beach were ruined by a migraine of mythic proportions. My wonderful roomie, Lady Coralie from TORC, gave me some migraine medication. Alright, I’ll admit that I thought I was going to die, until I dropped on the bed and the world went black. Luckily, I did wake up several hours later sans migraine, (thanx Coralie, you’re the best, doll!) in plenty of time to dress for the part-eh.

And the Winner is...

Lady A. hangs out with Leggy

There was no place I would rather have been on February 29th than with LOTR fans in Hollywood. The screams for everyone connected to the film, the collective swooning over Mr. Depp (hey, I’ll sanction that!), the heartfelt cheers for PJ… It brought tears to my eyes that night and does even now, as I remember it. There was a lot to see and do at the Into the West party with the wonderful art show, the vendors and the delicious dinner. But the real place to be was in “The Golden Hall” where the big screen was set up to watch the show and our very own Illuvatar did the honours as Master of Ceremony, along with Elvenkind. There was plenty to keep everyone entertained with raffles and giveaways during commercial breaks. It was great fun (if rather distracting) to keep rushing up to the front (I got to be the Price is Right, prize-holding girl) – and sneaking back to our seats when they were done.

Tim Kirk draws for a fan

Beautiful, talented Colleen Doran

The cheers got louder and wilder with every award ROTK scooped up. The jubilant cries of “SWEEP! SWEEP!” are still echoing through my mind. There was a very quiet moment when Annie Lennox began to sing; there were many tears as well. I was excited for Richard Taylor, for Andrew Lesnie, for Dan Hennah, and for all of the amazing and talented people they represent. I simply LOVED seeing Alan Lee with an Oscar in his hand! I was also so happy for Howard Shore and for Annie Lennox. I was especially gratified for Fran Walsh, knowing the incredible story behind the words for “Into the West”, and how she must have felt to win for that. The award that I really got excited about was Best Adapted Screenplay; to see Peter, Fran and Phillipa get the recognition they deserve for doing the work justice as they brought it to film. And of course, the crowing glory was Peter Jackson winning Best Director and the film winning Best Picture. The roar that came from inside the Club rolled out onto Sunset Boulevard to light up the night. It was a wonderful moment – a jubilant moment, and Barry Osborne made it better by sharing it with the fans.

The incredible sweep set the tone for the rest of the evening. The party continued on into the night with music and dancing, laughter and great conversation. It was so much fun to finally meet folks that I *work* with here at War of the Ring. I had a blast with Illuvatar and Lady Arien, and now I know why this site is the most incredible place to be; they are amazing! There was something there that I haven’t often felt at parties – a lot of genuine love. I have said it before and it bears repeating: Tolkien fans are simply the best in the world!

MAN OF THE HOUR

We partied 'til we were dropping, but when I got back to my room I just couldn’t shake off the excitement. So, I called folks in other realms (like Canada) while my roomies slept (or maybe they had partied themselves to unconsciousness). After a few hours of sleep, I was back on the road to drop a borrowed banner to the NZ Tourism office (Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart! It was a huge success!!) I also experienced the horrific nightmare that is traffic in LA and I resolved (700 times) never to live there …well, at rush hour anyway.

WOTR Crew *sniff*

Lifesaving Lady Coralie!

And now I’m left with my memories of this historical, once-in-a-lifetime weekend. My apologies, I know I’ve left some things out, but other reports are speeding this way. My thanks to the Into the West group for having me on board. You guys are awe-inspiring! Rosie, you rule! Much love to Illu and Lady A. And to Celebriel for doing all that driving – you’re the best hon. And to Lady Coralie and Lady Stefania from TORC who took me in as a roomie. Love also to all the fantastic fans I met over the weekend who made all of the LOTR events such a success. And in that larger sense love and thanks has to go to Peter Jackson, cast and crew who gave us the chance to have this experience.

They embraced fans in a way that hasn’t been done before, allowing us to be a real part of their quest. They encouraged a sense of fan-ownership in the films that was unique. In doing so, they forged a legend every bit as powerful as the story they were telling. So many people have been changed or touched in some way by these movies, myself included. They will have a legacy in times to come that will stand together with that of the books.

Dreamin' of LA

The City of Angels lives on in my mind and heart as that wonderful place in the West where the sun sets, lighting up a golden path to the ocean. Palm leaves sway against a cerulean sky. Mountains stand majestically, guardians of a magic land where dreams are dreamed and tales are spun. And legends are born. I stood in that place and was able to touch part of a legend.

And now (*sigh*) back to laundry … and hunting for that infernal Húrin …

Elvenkind's Thoughts