Sir Ian McEllen deserves Supporting Actor Oscar

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 2002)

Have seen movie 5X. Read books dozens of times since middle school. So...Gandalf the Grey is now the archetype once in words, now in (movie)person. Twinkle of the eye. Butterfly fireworks for hobbit children. The dragon Smaug roaring over Bilbo's birthday guests. You Shall Not Pass! Looking @ Elrond slyly (as if to say that he was happy to see Isildur's heir taking up the quest and also his inheritance as it is linked to the Ring) as Aragorn offered his assistance and sword to Frodo. Talking with Frodo in the Mines of Moria about not choosing to be a ringerbear but that it was reassuring to know that it was meant to come to Frodo--a vote of confidence for Frodo and for his mettle). Gandalf's support in general of the smaller peoples of Middle Earth. His knowledge and affection for hobbits in particular. A Maia of great sympathy. Gandalf represents the Wizard order with such aplomb and personality. He cares. He is worried. He is magnificent. He has hidden powers. He enjoys his pipe and a joke. I've always thought that J.R.R. Tolkien created Gandalf as one of the Inklings members. Gathered at the Eagle and Child, drinking their pints, smoking pipes, enjoying poetry in languages from long-ago, song--both silly and serious, academic Oxfordian discussion with tomfoolery mixed in. He is such a perfect Gandalf--Sir Ian. Academy members---Give him the golden guy! :-)