Elijah Wood MSN Chat
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| ©MSN Live. Edited for clarity. Originally Webcast December 12, 2002 Digital Dish Diva says: Welcome to MSN Live! This afternoon we are pleased to welcome Elijah
Wood (Frodo) who stars in the new film "The Lord of the Rings: The Two
Towers." Elijah Wood says: Hello everyone around the world. There aren't many opportunities to say
something like that! (laughs) Digital Dish Diva says: Elijah, this film has become such a phenomenon. When you first accepted
this role did you have any idea it would become this worldwide hit? Elijah Wood says: I didn't. I think I assumed it would have a pretty wide appeal, but I
didn't expect it to become as massive as it's become. I don't think any of
us did. I think part of it came from immersing ourselves in the land of
New Zealand. It took us all slightly by surprise. It is definitely
gratifying. farseanean in Onstage_1 asks: Hi. This is so great to get to talk to you. I'm a big fan for a long
time. You must receive a lot of scripts for movies to consider. How do you
choose which movie you want to do next? What kinds of movies/characters
are you looking for in future roles? Elijah Wood says: It's always difficult to choose scripts. I'm pretty picky and
opinionated when it comes to movies because there is a lack of really good
scripts that come along often. They only came along once in a while. For
me, I just want to grow as an actor, choose things that are different than
I've done in the past. Maybe older, darker roles. Star7707 in Onstage_1 asks: What was is like working with people like Sean and Orlando? Especially
Orlando? Was he really as crazy as he appeared to be in the extra footage?
Was “YM” the first time you were on the cover of a magazine? Elijah Wood says: (laughs) Orlando is crazy! He's probably one of the most
impulsive/energetic people I know. He can't sit still for a finite period
of time. He was constantly trying to talk us into buying bikes or go
bungee jumping. (laughs. He is really funny. The ideas just kept flowing.
He's always fun to be out with because you never know where you'll end up.
It's like a spinning top. You pull the string and off he goes! (laughs) Elijah Wood says: It wasn't the first cover. I can't remember my first cover but that
wasn't my first cover. Incidentally I shared that cover with Orlando. They
did two covers and Orlando did the other one. Elanor-Marina in Onstage_1 asks: Are you Elijah Wood? The one and only? Elijah Wood says: (laughs) I guess. I am me and I don't know anyone else that is me, so I
guess in that sense I'm the one and only, but not in any kind of
egotistical way. Melyndie in Onstage_1 asks: “The Lord of the Rings” story often contains a sense of hopelessness,
especially for your character. Did filming the movies ever contain this
feeling for you since you had to "get into" your character? Elijah Wood says: No, it actually wasn't. Even though we were there for so long and
involved with the characters, we were able to still turn it off at the end
of the day. We could leave the set and focus on something else. Not only
to leave our character, but leave work. Elijah Wood says: We would go to work, go home, sleep a little, and dream about work,
then wake up and go back to work. So it was important to be able to leave
for a bit. I've always been able to leave my character, which is good
because if Frodo stayed with me it could have been dark there. Digital Dish Diva says: I heard the weather in New Zealand was a challenge. Elijah Wood says: It was very cold. But it's part of the journey and I wouldn't have it
any other way. coldbloodkittie in Onstage_1 asks: Hi Elijah I heard that You and the other nine members of the
"fellowship" got tattoos of the elven nine where did you get yours? Elijah Wood says: I got mine on my hip, lower hip. AlmightyPlum in Onstage_1 asks: Most of us have heard that you loved to play loud music at the early
hours of the morning but I'm just wondering what type of music it is that
you're into? Elijah Wood says: I love music and I'm incredibly passionate about it. It's difficult to
answer because I love so much about music, it's so wide spread it's hard
to answer. In terms to what I'm listening to now, Spoon, The Kinks, Roots,
Coldplay, White Stripes, The Hives and Led Zeppelin. So it's all over the
place. Elijah Wood says: I'm kind of insane when it comes to music, a little obsessed. Elijah Wood says: I get to host about an hour of music videos tomorrow on MTV. I get to
choose the videos, I'm very lucky. Digital Dish Diva says: Do you know any of the videos that you will play? Elijah Wood says: Yeah, I will be playing Smashing Pumpkins, "Only You" by Portoisehead
and Queens of the Stone Age. вagel in Onstage_1 asks: Who do you think would win in a fight, a Dark Orc or a stick wielding
goblin? Elijah Wood says: I'd say probably an Orc actually. Although goblins tend to be with bow
and arrows, so maybe a goblin. Elijah Wood says: Goblins are a little bit more flexible. Digital Dish Diva says: I hear you love films. Do you have any favorite movies? Elijah Wood says: I have LOTS of favorite movies. I don't have one favorite. I like
"Delicatessen," "Harvey," "Night of the Hunter” and "The Graduate." wannabeMegWhite in Onstage_1 asks: What makes you feel self-confident when you're at a set? What makes you
feel that you're doing the right thing? Elijah Wood says: I don't always feel confident. In the early days of filming you are
getting your feet on the ground and trying out your character. I think in
those early days it's good to have the confirmation from the director
helps, and after that knowing you are doing what you want for you and for
the director, the comfort level increases, and you can concentrate on the
rest of the movie. Also getting to know everyone you are working with and
developing a camaraderie, then I feel most comfortable on the set with
them. Elijah Wood says: We're all working for the same goal. I love that process. CeleM in Onstage_1 asks: What kind of cultural differences are there between you and your
British costars? Elijah Wood says: That's a good question. The music, television, movies. . .Those are all
kinds of differences that they knew things I didn't know because I wasn't
exposed to the same television or music. There were plenty of
recommendations from the actors on the movie for music and movies. There's
a massive pop culture in England. I was aware of it because I've spent
time there, but I really integrated myself into that perspective when I
got there. A beer and a pub become very important especially with friends. SleeplessMarea in Onstage_1 asks: This is for my daughter: What is your favorite line from Fellowship?
(We already know Billy's!) Elijah Wood says: One of my favorite lines is when Galadriel says, "Even the smallest
person can have an effect on the rest of the world" which is what she says
to Frodo when he's alone and feels the burden of wearing the ring. You
have within you the ability to have an effect on the world around you. sgchik in Onstage_1 asks: You said you were into film editing, how about one day directing? Elijah Wood says: I would absolutely love to do that. I'm just scratching the surface of
film editing. I feel so lucky to have been working as long as I have. it's
like being in film school for 12 years. I love all the departments that
pour out their heart to create a collective effort. To be part of "Lord of
the Ring" and see the process, it's fascinating. I would love to be a part
of the process from a different perspective. UtilityPorpoise in Onstage_1 asks: I've heard there will be five months of reshoots or pick-ups next year
for ROTK. What all will that entail? Elijah Wood says: There will be pick ups next year. I don't know how long it will take or
entail. I don't think they know yet, it will be determined the first few
months of next year when they look at the rough edit of the film and what
they think they can improve on what we've already done. They are talking
about us returning in June, and we'll know then what we have to shoot. I'm
looking forward to going back. SwedishSuzy2 in Onstage_1 asks: We're all excited to meet you. Is there a person YOU would love to have
a chat with? Elijah Wood says: There are so many people I'd love to chat with. Tom York from Radiohead
because I find him fascinating and incredibly talented. I always think of
people in music because I gravitate to music and musical artists. Prince
would be interesting. I'm ridiculously curious about what his perspective
is. Also directors like Lars Von Trier and Spike Jonze. There's tons of
people. Digital Dish Diva says: Have you met Steven Spielberg? Elijah Wood says: Yes. Have you heard of his Shoah Foundation? He’s got a foundation that
educates people on the Holocaust. He put together this project. There are
about 80 survivors and they talk about what they experienced. I had the
honor to do some narration and they did interviews with older people who
were children at the time and their perspective. IndieDontCare in Onstage_1 asks: I just got turned down for the part of Lady Macbeth in the school play.
How do you react if you don’t get a part that you really wanted? Elijah Wood says: First off, I'm really sorry you got turned down. That's awful. I think
if you're looking forward to a role and it doesn't work out, it can be
disappointing at the moment but I think what's meant to be will be. I look
back on movies I couldn't be a part of that I really wanted to do but it
left me open to do something else that I really enjoyed doing. It can be
disappointing, but there's always something else, hopefully. It can be. I
don't know. I feel like if I'm not cast in something and they don't want
me to be a part of it, then that's ok. They want someone else, and they'll
do good. I wanted to be a part of "Rushmore" and I'm glad now that I
wasn't in it because Jason was awesome. Màrr¡_Xmৠin Onstage_1 asks: Hi Elijah. Did you read "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy when you were
younger and if so, what were your emotions when you found out you had a
role in the film? gigaladriel in MSN_AoVivo1 asks: Did you already know the J.R.R.TOLKIEN books before the invitation for
the movie? Elijah Wood says: Yes, I read "The Hobbit" but not "Lord of the Rings" until I got there.
The excitement of getting the role was pure and I didn't need the
emotional connection with the book to have the profound connection I had.
I wanted to work with Peter Jackson. I also really wanted to play Frodo,
and to go to New Zealand. RogerRoque in MSN_AoVivo1 asks: In which ways do you resemble Frodo? Elijah Wood says: That's a difficult question, equating qualities or yourself and
character. I relate to him because he has a worldliness coming from
stories from Bilbo. So I related to that being able to travel around and
learn from people. Also what makes him a hobbit--love of food and land,
and I apply that to my life as well. Digital Dish Diva says: For all you girls out there. . . Crazy_Sexy_Cool88 in Onstage_1 asks: We hear that you're a real romantic. What sort of thing do you do to
make a girl feel loved? Elijah Wood says: I don't know. I am a real romantic, not in the classical, or cliché way
like flowers all the time, but I think I'm romantic in the sense I believe
in passion and the moment, and words that mean something in a special way.
I guess I'm really tactile and I love the sense of touch from someone you
care about. Expressing one's emotion in an honest way and that can be
romantic. I think one of the most romantic things is waking up to someone
in the morning. I find that beautiful. Digital Dish Diva says: Wow. OK! Mariand6 in Onstage_1 asks: What gift would you like to have? Elijah Wood says: It's funny. This year has been difficult to think of one thing I want.
I enjoy DVDs and books. This year I want a Palm Pilot. I'm a bit of a pack
rat and lose things easily so to have something to organize my life would
be beneficial. Or a new video camera. Mine is a bit out of date. Digital Dish Diva says: Elijah, thank you for joining us tonight on MSN Live! Digital Dish Diva says: From all of your fans from around the world best of luck with "Lord of
the Rings: The Two Towers." Elijah Wood says: Good night. Good morning. Good afternoon. Thank you so much for waiting so long to chat with me. It's been so much fun for me and brilliant and a nice respite from the normal junket questions. I appreciate your love and support.
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