I love you, PJ. (Video Blog 9 now at FB)

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151345300446807

My favorite cuddly-looking, cardigan-wearing movie director has posted another video blog at his Facebook page. This entry deals with post-production of The Hobbit and proves not only very informative, but highly entertaining. Love the Beard Hair Unit. Pity the poor guy who gets to look at code on a computer screen all day.

And the glimpses of Thorin are quick but plentiful, with screencaps promised by Ali at www.richardarmitagenet.com  later today.

My favorite moment? A glimpse of Richard with his headphones on, dubbing in some of Thorin’s dialogue. “Elves!” Richard says, with a growl of distinct disdain.  Love it.

Once again I love how we get to see more of the village of talents it takes to make a complex film like The Hobbit. Dedicated talents who put in a lot of long hours to make the movie magic happen for us on screen.  But it definitely looks like it isn’t all work and no play under PJ. I love the sense of humor and the feeling of community that seems to pervade in Jackson’s domain.

Thank you, Peter Jackson, for taking us along and giving us so many fascinating and fun glimpses behind the scenes on this incredible journey. And now you are promising another vlog from the premieres! Cool.

I love you, PJ.

The recreation of the entrance to Bilbo’s home at Bag End and a giant Gandalf figure in place for the film’s Wellington premiere. It seems the production staff for The Hobbit are working almost right down to the wire to make the magic happen.

Related articles

• 150 Behind the Scenes Photos from ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’ (slashfilm.com)
• Passion, Pride, Attitude: A media blogger’s view of RA as Thorin (thearmitageeffect.wordpress.com)
• A Complete Video Preparation for ‘The Hobbit’ (urbantimes.co)
• “An Experience Like This . . .” (thearmitageeffect.wordpress.com)

Mr. Armitage, you are a prime specimen of masculinity.

Manly and masculine without feeling the need to be “macho.” Strength without the need to “throw your weight around.”

Confidence without cockiness. A keen intelligence seen in those eyes. Intelligence and that glint of mischief.

“I take my craft seriously. Myself? Not so much,” they seem to say.

There’s the hint of a smile playing about those well-shaped lips.  The smile of a man who handles life’s challenges with grace, aplomb and good humor.

A man easy to admire, adore and desire.

And I never grow tired of looking at you, listening to you, reading your words, Richard Armitage.

(Oh, and thank you for those biceps. The world somehow feels safer when I see those biceps.)

He’s downright balsamaceous, that boy: TAE Word for the Day

(And I’d like to hear him say that word, too.)

Balsamaceous: (adjective): Possessing healing or restorative properties.

The word derives from the Latin balsamum, “resin of the balm tree.” The substance is historically celebrated for its aroma and healing properties.

Dr. Track is a healer by profession, and with his steadfast dedication and delightful bedside manner, he certainly makes us feel better.

And whilst John Porter is a tough soldier by trade with kickass skills, his gentleness and compassion helped Katie through the trauma of her captivity even as he worked to free her. This balsamaceous hero is tops in our books.

Our Victorian hero, Mr. Thornton, restores our belief in foolish passion and sweet romance. Surely he’s been a balm to many a troubled spirit.

Dear Harry Kennedy. His sweet, sunny, nurturing nature–perhaps a reflection of his CReAtor’s own lovely character?–cannot fail to bring a smile to our faces and a warm tug on our hearts.

Just a few examples of Mr. A’s balsamaceous characters. But of course, the most balsamaceous of them all is the man himself.

Lovely, funny, brilliant, modest, insightful, endearing, charismatic . . . how you touch our hearts, minds and souls, Richard Armitage.