I know playing Gandalf was a lifelong dream of Christopher's but he was fucking born to play Saruman. The single best piece of casting in the whole trilogy.
its also so good that saruman was always jealous of gandalf throughout their lives in Aman until they went to the middle earth So casting the guy who wanted to be gandalf to be saruman is perfect
Well, he got to play Gandalf. In a way, at least. When Gandalf returns as Gandalf the White, Saruman's and Gandalf’s voices are layered upon each other, so, in a way, for one of the most epic scenes in cinematographic history, he got to play Gandalf.
I like to think that Gandalf and Saruman were selling that stuff to maintain their wizard group. Saruman was pissed because Gandalf was getting high on his own supply. Bad for business especially when the boss is trying to expand into arms dealing.
I love how his own personal room in the tower looks tattered and disorganized. It makes me think that Saruman really did try researching and looking into ANY and EVERY solution and method to defeat Sauron, through logic and knowledge, but found nothing. He was too rational to consider hope, bravery, unpredictability, and cunning as advantages, and instead focused on numbers, power, and might. Like a mad scientist trying to solve an equation, he gave up, and refused to let anyone else solve it, either.
The data he was collecting from the palantir was also probably bias and unreliable because of the missing palantirs that Gandalf mentioned. Fake news is no joke.
@Vinícius Nunes alas, the same way many of our smart phones (our personal palantir’s or wizard’s glass as Stephen King would call them) are turning us mad as well.
No, the truth is he had researched all his life the black crafts of Sauron, out of fascination and envy, he even made a ring of power for himself. He didn't give up hope, he wanted to be the Master of the World and destroy and replace that which he deemed weak, unstable and chaotic, that being nature and the free peoples of Middle Earth.
@@forests.9597 Bingo. Saruman was not ways an evil character, just a jealous one. Once he discovered the ring of power he craved it. We see an ally of sauron all movie, but he was just wanting to beat sauron as well and rule in his place.
Christopher Lee IS Saruman as far as I'm concerned. Perfect voice, demeanor, bearing, and delivery. He's also a Tolkien fanatic IRL and consulted other actors on the correct way to pronounce the names from the book. Badass all the way
I think he would of made a fantastic Gandalf though if he was doing that role. But yer he does suit Saurman so well and his deep booming voice suits " the voice of Saruman" so well. I cant wait to see him as a good wizard in the final hobbit film!
Apparently he would read all three books once every year, so when Jackson asked him to take on the role, he didn't need any tips on how to bring the character to life!
@Tom Cross Not remotely accurate at all. Saruman was a very heroic figure. He was hand picked for his expertise to lead the order of Wizards and Middle Earth. It was the pressure of leadership, his insecurity in his own abilities and the temptation of power that lead to his fall. He was always insecure as to why it seemed that Gandelf was destined to surpass him despite his best efforts. It is why Gandelf returns bearing the visage of Saruman stating, "I am Saruman as he was meant to be"
@Tom Cross I'm just simply pointing out to say, "He was always mad. self centered, duplicitous, capricious, never listened to others, looked down on all those lesser than him" is inaccurate. He was not always what he became. He degenerated and was corrupted into what he became. He did not enter middle earth with the faults you list, he was at one point benevolent.
@@danmurray1996 his insecurity was from Cirdan of the Grey havens as the Istiri arrive in 1000 of the Third age proceeds to give Gandalf his own ring of the elfs, Narya which saruman witnessed and this jealousy was manifested.
Imagine being Gandalf and slowly realizing that your trusted council leader, respected for his power, wisdom, and foresight, to whom you have just confided the secret finding of the one ring, has suddenly chosen to ally with the enemy. What a psychological blow. Excellent scene!
I thoaght Gandalf should say on the nine left . Are you kidding ? And youre telling me now just like this ? And then he s like he doesent know if he s just making a very bad fun of him . Then if he s nuts . And he doesent want to believe he s the traitor . So he wanted to make him wake up . And battle started
Ah so he was referencing smoking. I thought he was referencing the Hobbits relationship with nature, trees and this fit to me because Saruman to Tolkien represented the evils of industrialisation/deforestation etc.
Usually when people make douchebag comments I ignore them and just figure out how I can get rid of them (from my life). So I'll just start waiting until I can leave the encounter. If I have to argue with someone it's usually a good sign that the guy shouldn't be in my life. "Blocked. Thanks for letting me know who you are. Bye!"
This scene shows clearly to me, that Gandalf held Saruman in great esteem and was tremendously hurt when he decided to turn bad. Its like looking up to someone that you respect and admire and finding out that they have some dark secret you never knew about. A truly sad moment, from that perspective.
@@12345678900987659101 or you learn everyone you knew were as what other people said all along like: 1) Your best friend is an ignorant moron who don't even know you.... And they were right. 2) your good neighbor who you treat as an friend want to get rid of you.... And they were right. 3) your boss who you think is an good boss turns out he's using you as an goose that lays golden eggs in which when you have no use to him he decide to get rid of you.... And they were right. 4) your parents who you thought love you turns out the reason why they left you under the care of your grandmother is because they care more about their job than you.... And they were right. 5) your favorite superheroes who were an pair of senile old man who can't even save lives let alone yours..... And they were right. They were right that you should wise up or else you will end up dead.
I love the voiceover from Saruman at the beginning. It provides a false sense of security about him (for those who don't know the story), since it's a fantasy trope to have some old/wise character narrating the movie from time to time
I think it was a nod to the power of his voice, as he was narrating but when gandalf arrives he continues his thought by speaking. Telepathy to be sure but gandalf was always known for the power of his voice.
Yeah I always interpreted the narration as happening in-universe. He's speaking to Gandalf through his power and continues normally when he's finally near him @@Michael-uf1hz
When I first watched the movies, I had no idea of LOTR (was still at grade school then) so to have the reveal that Saruman was a traitor was really a twist for me. So they did well for us who were only starting to learn about LOTR!
It’s been said a billion times, but these films are an actual miracle. For them to come out when they did and turn out the way they did is still just fucking mindblowing to me
And he just wanted to do two movies. The studio insisted that it needed 3. So, in a way, the studio believed in Peter and that easily gave him the resolve and strength to make the movies happen.
Had they been released 10-15 years before, they would have been a cringe fest with kitschy outfits and lines, probably with one of the characters talking like they came out of a Saturday morning cartoon. Had they been released 10-15 years later, they would have been packed full with moronic Marvel-like gags and an overload of CGI for nearly everything we see on the screen. Thank Eru and all the Valar that these movies happened when they did, and that they still hold so well.
I love how when Saruman shuts a door, Gandalf goes to go through another one, as though he's just saying "I'd prefer you use the door to the right. We're having a new kitchen put in and there's just stuff all over the place"
Then when they both start slipping and flipping all over the floor Sauromon's like, "Oh and I had the cleaners come over the other day to wash and wax the floors. Forgot to warn you about that. Guess we can just lay here for a little while till help comes." XD
Although I much preferred Christopher Lee in LOTR, I'm so glad that he finished his work as Saruman in The Hobbit trilogy before he passed away. R.I.P.
He actually wanted some scenes of Saruman searching for the ring and other things he took interest too at that time , but his health couldn't let him travel to NZ more then a few times
I love this scene and the acting. Gandalf clearly views Saruman with the highest respect but as their conversation lingered, he felt red flags were being raised and tried to pass it off as being paranoid. Even when he was with Frodo he was very paranoid at the mere sight of the ring. But when the doors closed all his doubts toward Saruman turned into confusion, then acceptance, then anger that an old friend would ever consider betraying the world he swore to protect.
3:05 "There are none who can" You can see in his eyes it is the very moment Gandalf realizes Saruman has turned traitor. Before, he was simply thinking Saruman was Saruman: arrogant and reckless with his use of the Palantir despite Sauron watching with one as well.
@@johan9428 I think it came even sooner around 1:25 when Sarumon is talking about Sauron, he does so very matter of factly even kind of passionately while Gandalf is disheartened. Its like Sarumon is giving his pitch right then and there that Sauron is unstoppable and very powerful. As someone else pointed out Sarumon had done a lot of research on how to beat Sauron and realized it was impossible, its likely he used the Pilantir out of blind desperation and was corrupted by Saurons gaze.
@@krel3358 Here, he is most likely remembering his time with Sauron at Dol Guldur. Gandalf and Saruman were friends, so Gandalf would never think that Saruman would betray their mission. Until 3:05 where he is looking at Saruman as if the friend he knew had been replaced by a complete stranger.
It’s really fitting as well with the progression of Saruman being a mentor and guide for Middle Earth, only to betray everyone for Sauron and the industries of war, destroying the environment in the process.
@@Indervallervooooooo in the books theres a reason why they were scared of that fire in particular. Earlier they encountered Gandalf and he used a magical spreading fire against them which shook the nazgul up because they didn't expect someone so powerful against them on their initial search for the ring. (Gandalf, a maiar is technically the same level of a god as sauron but weaker obv.) When aragon used fire again they basically got ptsd from that incident.
@@shaunakmitra963 Also the Morghul Dagger was supposed to finish the job. It's also bullshit that the Witch King broke Gandalf's staff in the extended version, when a Grey, Gandalf defeated the 9 together AT NIGHT on Weathertop...
@@ripstein86 True, though I think the idea was that as Sauron's power was so immense by the time of the third film, the Witch King's power was at its greatest. Perhaps Sauron lent some of his power to the Witch King, meaning the WK was essentially stronger than even Gandalf the White. Just my speculation though
@@rossstewart9284 Possible but I doubt it. Considering Gandalf was a maia, and as such a higher being than the Witch King, though balrogs were killed by elves in the first age, so who knows... This confrontation did not happen in the books so I think they added it for dramatic effect...
I love how Gandalf is actively in denial when doors shut close around him. Trying another one, and another one, only to find himself locked with a mad man.
Surprised when he told Gandalf the nine left they crossed the river . Surprised Gandalf didnt start in horror yelling . Are you joking and youre just telling me now just like that . Why didnt you say just when i came
Wow... I can only imagine how Gandalf must have felt in this scene, to see not only an old friend but one of the most powerful beings in Middle Earth and the leader of his order on top of it all allying with the enemy...
Saruman was wanting to find the ring for his own, in so doing, trying to defeat Sauron & rule all himself. He had great fear of Sauron and he foresaw the huge armies of Mordor rallying (and Sauron can manipulate you via the Palantir, but against more powerful beings such as Saruman it has lesser potential) and so he made a alliance out of fear & hoping to stave off any attack towards him (though most likely Sauron would conquer him & his area too, should they succeed in invading Middle-Earth). But his true goal was obtaining the ring for himself.
That moment when you have read into the legendarium and you realize this is a fight between two angels fighting at a fraction of their power instead of two old dudes fighting with sticks
1:18 Love how Gandalfs got a sherry and how he's holding it. It implies a whole scene where Saruman's offering drinks from his cabinet before they continue their conversation about the ring.
@@jokersbane321 Apparently, Saruman actually held a lot of contempt for Gandalf, and had held this contempt ever since they were elected and crossed into Middle Earth. So much of the niceties he presents to Gandalf are merely trinkets to placate him, as he tries to corrupt Gandalf as he has been corrupted.
@@IMbirdieful And Saruman's contempt and envy only increased when he discovered that it was Gandalf, not him, who was given the Ring of Fire by Cirdan.
Jackson, and Co. couldn't have picked a better actor to portray Saruman than the late Sir Christopher Lee! He totally owns the role of Saruman here. Notice when Lee has closeups, that he never blinks, which makes for an awesome effect. It kind of gives him the "hypnotic" edge over Gandalf here.
Whether it was a conscious character choice by Lee or simply what came naturally to him, the unwavering gaze pairs well with Saruman’s speciality in voice and persuasion
"Your love for the halflings' leaf has clearly slowed your mind" "... But we still have time, time to stop Sauron if we act quickly" LOL don't try to change the subject, Gandalf xd
It's so cool that there's absolutely no visual effects during the fight. No beams of lightning or shockwaves of power, just really well-used sound design, editing, and cinematography
Makes total sense too, given what we know about how a lot of spirit stuff in Middle-Earth is invisible to normal people (same reason the Nazgul's true forms can't be seen normally). I like to imagine Gandalf and Saruman are probably throwing some pretty flashy blasts of power at each other, but unless you were a Maia like they are or have the One Ring on this is how the fight would look.
@@sonokawaray "flashy blasts of power at each other" That's a fight Saruman's twin, and also evil brother, had in a galaxy far away against Dobby's dad.
After Gandalf touches the Palantir and realizes that Sauron was watching "Oh Shit then that means..." *looks at Saruman who was exposed to the Palantir* "....I gotta get out of here!!!" XD
@@jwmoon1989 No, Saruman was poisoned by his long exposure to the palantir. Same as Denathor. Aragorn barely managed when confronted Sauron after the battle of Minas Tirith. Saruman was speaking the truth when he said that you cannot contend with the will of Sauron.
@@peterpalermo2542 in Denethor's case though he actually suceeded in weathering Sauron's mental assault and unlike Saruman never submitted to Sauron. He was only broken after the Dark Lord pushed him over the edge with visions of despair, and even then it took Faramir's 'death' to complete the process.
RIP Sir Christopher Lee. This was a role of a lifetime. If you watched the behind the scenes, you could clearly see how much respect he had for the character.
2:18 I love how at that moment, right when Gandalf says you never know who is watching you through the Palantir, and he sees Sauron when he touches it, he realizes what Saruman has done
Sir Christopher Lee had the most amazing, powerful mastery of language. I met him in real life and can confirm the deep-ness and authority in his voice. What a man and what a performance as Saruman. Rest in peace. People don’t possess mastery of language like this any more and I doubt ever will.
This scene is so great. Christopher Lee's slightly monotone delivery, like he's in a zombie-like state under Sauron's evil spell, but still like he's cautiously testing Gandalf's loyalty and anticipating resistance. Ian's fearful and deferential body language , which transitions to contempt and defiance after he learns of Saruman's betrayal. Masterful stuff
I can remember seeing this in the theater. No one had seen fantasy treated seriously on film before. Folks who didn't read it didn't even know it could be. This scene was genuinely startling, so well constructed, left a lot of people stunned. Still gets me.
I was never a fantasy guy, and still not, for the most part. But it was this scene that really grabbed me. The movie was obviously incredibly transporting until this point, but there was something so creepy, so visceral about this meeting and fight. Tolkien's impeccable worldbuilding and Peter Jackson pushing to make an historical instead of fantastical trilogy can't be understated.
@@ironcladnomad5639 My brother was pretty much the same as you, and had the same kind of startled reaction to the whole thing. At the prologue when that toothy ork growls and the the arrows fly and the camera makes that dizzying sweep over the battle, he said. "Jesus. Looks like hell." Then when they're in Lorien he leaned over and asked me curiously, "Why do all the elves look like David Bowie?"
He also made Count Dooku the coolest Sith to date. He had a commanding voice a very distinguishable voice.He stole every scene he was in Lord of the rings and Starwars
His most iconic villain role is Dracula in the Hammer Horror films. Interesting, his foil Dr. Van Helsing was usually played by Peter Cushing who, of course, also has Star Wars connections as Governor Tarkin.
This whole scene was just amazing. Gives you the suspicions of a friend up to no good when Saruman is sharing all his intel of Sauron to Gandalf and tinkering with the dangerous artifact... all to be confirmed when Saruman spills his fear and hopelessness to Gandalf about the need to join Sauron. At no point did Saruman feel really prideful of his allegiance to Sauron in this, he just felt like it needed doing and he wanted to get his friend Gandalf in on the new order he figured was a guarantee. Sad but intensely a heart to heart moment. Also, the wizard fight was top notch.
Every time I hear Saruman tell him, "The hour is later than you think." I just feel my heart drop. One line, and you realize just how serious the situation is about to become. Gandalf trusted him, and Saruman betrayed that trust by telling an alliance with The Dark Lord. Not only that, but delivering the bold faced threat that anyone who stands in his way will be killed.
The entire Movie is a masterpiece, this film is indeed the sevenths art. Movies like Ben Hur, or The Ten Commandments at least have historical data as to how the world was in those times. But here everyone working on designing any thing from clothing, to the elvish cities like Rivendell, Moria, Gondor, Helms Deep, or how the nazgul and orcs would look like; definitely was a great work of imagination.
I always found it curious how you can see the rapport they had from when they first met in this scene. It could've convinced me that Saruman was a good guy. But it spiralled quickly
Actually, there's a whole load of detail on that in some of the SW novels and comics. Palpatine/Darth Sidious actually wanted Dooku to kill Obi Wan, but Dooku wanted to recruit him instead because he had been trained by Qui Gonn Jinn, who by turn was Dooku's former Jedi Padawan. There's also some speculation he wanted to do so as a deliberate act of defiance because he never forgave Sidious for the death of Qui Gonn, who was his also his good friend. Although, he basically murdered Sifo Dyas himself, who was also a close friend.
Goosebumps at: "i gave you the chance of ... aiding me ... willingly" especially the pauses in between are so well done. Like he's out of breath from the fight and pain.
This is the best soundtrack of all time, challenged only by John Williams' work on Star Wars. Howard wins by the virtue of LOTR being a much better film series.
The tower of Isengard, built by the men of Numenor many years ago. When Saruman died, King Aragorn and his companions searched the tower and found many trinkets, including the chain Isildur wore to keep the ring and also the stars of Elendil, which where believe to have perished at the Gladden Fields.
You mean guild by gondor when they are still powerfull and mighty Even fortress of helms deep and watchtower of cirith ingol is built by gondorian , gondorian during its heyday are awesome !! To bad they suffered from massive depopulation
Gandalf as the grey was kinda defeated in the first film but honestly it made it feel all the better in his come back as the white facing saruman again and casting him out of theoden and then being the cause of victory at helm's deep then breaking saruman's staff and casting him out of the order and so much more. Simply the best character come back
Yeah just watching him get beat to shit sucked. It was a bad feeling to watch his whole body get whooped and tossed around. IT TWER NOT a welcome sight to see an old boy get his ABSOLUTELY DECKED and given ALL THE SMOKE. Yes I agree
"The Nine have left Minas Morgul. They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black..." Impeccable disguise. I'm sure nobody suspected a thing.
to be fair, it would of killed off a lot of their mystique if disguised as a band of roaming dentists...no matter how much more concealment and determent that would have granted them.
they where invisible without the cloak, so instead of being a terrifying feeling that talked, they wore cloaks to be more... personified, thus making interactions easier, if i'm not mistaken.
@@wolfyboyexactly, the corrupting power of Sauron's rings had rendered them mere undead spirits at that point, that's why when Frodo puts the ring in Weathertop Hill during the first film, he enters the undead world and is able to see them.
If only Saruman actually joined Gandalf and the fellowship. He said that there was no victory, but didn't realize that with the combined might of the fellowship, his power and Gandalf's, the journey would have been so much easier and they would have destroyed Sauron a lot quicker.
@Billy B With that kind of logic, I suppose it's okay to let the world slip into ruin. I mean, because that's the way the universe is headed. Lol Seriously? Do you hear yourself? How is it unreasonable to steer the world back from the precipice? 😂😂
@@bradydavis5791 He uses logic, which can be consistent even within an insane thought system. Reason, however, can only be used for truth. "When did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?" asks Gandalph. If you can understand “A Course in Miracles", the meaning of LOTR is clear as a bell.
Saruman knew the Nine were after Frodo and presumed they would get him. Logically they should have, considering their power against a Hobbit's. So he joined sauron under the belief Sauron would have the Ring already and be unstoppable
Gandalf hides from Saruman the fact that Bilbo has the one ring. Saruman hides the fact that Sauron has awakaned. This proves that they dont trust each other
Well saruman has always kinda been second fiddle to gandalf. The people of middle earth trust and respect gandalf maybe because he walks among them more hell he has so many names the people call him by. Gandalf was even asked to lead the white council first. Saruman afterwards. So I think saruman has always resented gandalf a bit
Gandalf did not know that the ring Bilbo had was the 'one ring'. He knew he had a magical ring, but no suspicion of what it was. In fact, in the books Gandalf spends a LONG period of time researching the ring after speaking with Frodo. Bear in mind that Gandalf was not around during the war of the last alliance
@@aa-.-477 Saruman, but I do believe Sauron can funnel his powers through The Witch King, thus making it more of a even fight. But The Witch King alone isn't stronger than Saruman.
+gods laws on man peace Well,first I am showing him the view from orthanc and he takes a freaking eagle and jumps off then he has a fear of birds and thinks they are "spies" after that he takes a hair cut comes and steals one of my robes and pretends to be me. These are just a few of examples he is worst than that creep Sauron !!
After watching the hobbit and coming back to these films, its great. I tell myself Gandalf never learns but in a good way. He knows the risk when facing an opponent, he takes the risk and comes back ready to fight some more. There are many scenes where he is about to meet his death or he did and comes back. He faces Sauron, The Goblin King, Saruman, the Balrog, The Witch King of Angmar and takes command of 1,000 men to fight off 200,000 orcs. Ian McKellen did a sensational job portraying a character who goes down and will go down in cinema history.
I think my favorite quote in all the books is when Saruman reveals himself to be evil and he declares himself as "Saruman of many colors." Saruman's robe starts to shimmer like a rainbow as he tries to threaten and tempt Gandalf, but Gandalf simply replies, "I liked white better." That's the book Gandalf for you.
"I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly, but you have elected.. the way of PAIN!" I love the way he slowly walks forward menacingly and how the camera zooms to his face at the very end. LOL 4:18
Saruman in the Hobbit: "The enemy is defeated. He can never regain his strength." Saruman in the LOTR: "Against the power of Mordor, there can be no victory."
Vilém Říha Well, he wasn't alone in thinking that Sauron would no longer be a threat, though one would think that "Saruman the Wise" would not overlook what Sauron could do if you give him about two and a half thousand years.
Preston Thompson He screwed up predicting the future of ME several times, at least in the movies. I clearly recall him saying something along the lines that the race of Men is finished and that it will begin with the downfall of Rohan, that Aragorn will never become the king of Gondor (although that might not have been a real prediction, but rather an attempt to bring down the spirits of his counterparts in his final parley atop Orthanc), yadda-yadda.
+Vilém Říha No he doesn't. He was always after the One ring. He claimed the enemy was defeated so the White Council would decide against attackingt Dol Guldur. Saruman's real intention was to permit Sauron to build up his strength.
This must be one of the most epic scenes in film history. The look of dawning horror on Gandalf's face when he realizes his old friend has gone to the dark side.
Damn...the cinematography is so awesome in this movie. The shot dollying through into the Chamber where Saruman and Gandalf are discussing the Eye of Sauron, perfectly lining up with the rays coming from the windows behind Saruman- so perfect.
RIP Christopher Lee. He was a truly legendary actor. He actually met Tolkien! He has the best experience out of playing Shakespearean style villains (I even like him in the prequel Star Wars movies) and he portrayed Saruman perfectly more than any actor I can think of ever would. His role as a very powerful villain will be recognizable till then end of film history. This performance was legendary.
-“smoke rises from the mountain of doom, the hour grows late, and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my counsel.” My favorite line. PS: -“the friendship of Saruman is not likely thrown aside.” and -“one heel turn deserves another.” I just love Saruman’s deep, intimidating voice. He is brilliant. It’s very sad that Christopher Lee is no longer alive. He was/is a legend. R.I.P. Christopher Lee. 🙏🏽❤️
I love the detail of Saruman being able to snatch Gandalf's staff away from him. This implies that Saruman is above him in the ranking of their order, the Istari. And he is: Saruman is the White, chief and head. Gandalf is merely the Gray. So Saruman is ranked above Gandalf. This will be reversed in The Two Towers: Gandalf becomes the White, and becomes the rightful head of all the Istari, including Saruman. This is why Gandalf can order Saruman around in the confrontation in The Two Towers, and why Gandalf can break Saruman's staff. When Gandalf is brought back as Gandalf the White, he surpasses Saruman in authority.
Saruman by the time of the two towers is described as being of many colors. Like constantly shifting depending on who is viewing him and what he wanted you to see.
As part of his betrayal Saruman abandons (/broken) his identity as ‘The White’ to become Saruman ‘of Many Colours’. In his mind this places him above entire order of the Istari, but as Gandalf says “He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom“
This explains perfectly the scene of Gandalf breaking Théoden's posession in The Two Towers (my favourite scene of all). When Gandalf first tries to cure him, disguised under his old grey cloak, the king possesed by Saruman tells him "you have no power here" and laughs. Then Gandalf removes the grey cloak and reveals his new white robes, which startles Théoden/Saruman and reveals his power is now greater than before, allowing him to draw Saruman out of Théoden's mind and liberate his body.
I love how the wizards actually go at each other pretty "physically"..."they are punching each other with their staffs" (so to speak).... they could have ruined this having them saying spells in some unknown language, I am glad they did not. It is pretty intense..and awesome (3:34 saruman expression as he already knows he is going to hit gandalf)
Sir Cristopher Lee as Saruman is the most perfect casting ever. EVER. In the books Saruman’s appearance is exactly the how SCL looks, plus his voice is special, deep and melodious. Sir Cristopher Lee did a phenomenal job.
Such great acting here by both- Mckellen's disposition as Saruman's pupil/ lesser here is so transparent and obvious, without having to be overstated- such incredible acting
Two titanic veteran actors chewing up the scenery and playing magnificently off of one another. I've seen it a dozen times and it still thrills me and is a high point in the series! Excellent performances from these two greats! RIP Sir Christopher Lee. You have shown your quality sir and it is of the highest kind. God rest your soul.
"You have elected the way of PAIN!!" And that's only a fraction of his vocal power. Sir Christopher Lee wanted to play Gandalf, but this was superbly cast.
@@scottwarren4998 Then you are lucky friend.....although how could you not know? It used to be quite popular with the lady folk when it was in the movies.
I love the moment where Saruman is describing the eye of Sauron to Gandalf and Galdalf looks scared as hell. It really shows how afraid Gandalf was of Sauron
Only one man in the world could pull off this scene perfectly in every bit of him. And he did. The sound, the look, the moves, the power. Like you watched the general of Sauron itself.
Ian McKellens and Christopher Lees acting was phenomenal in this scene . You could feel the betrayal when Gandalf realised Saruman allied with Sauron .. ” Tell me friend . When Did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for Madness ?! ”
I’m so pleased that Christopher Lee got to play this part. He was such a huge fan of the books and to get to be a part of the films just have been one of the highlights of his career. The fact that he played the part flawlessly is just icing.
I just love the movement of this entire sequence. There is an urgency and energy to each cut, each camera movement, each line delivered. It is perfect!
Lord of the Rings only had one wizard fight, but damn was it awesome. All the wizard fights in Harry Potter couldn't compare to the brutal match Gandalf and Saruman had.
3:40 how he snakes out of his chair to strike at gandalf like a viper, very good symbolic acting and directing there, throughout the whole duel both of them throw each other around and genuinely look in pain the entire time, particularly ian. its probably the best fight you'll ever see between to old people
![Lord of the Rings - Gandalf vs Balrog [Entire Battle HD 1080p]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Y2fwe0rnHak/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Hobbit (2014) - Clash of Immortals [4K]](/img/1.gif)
"Tell me…friend. When did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?"
And then shit hit the fan.
Euron Crow's Eye Hot, fresh, dripping shit.
Gandalf became the fan. XD
never call a magician mad, they got mad!
“.....NYEHHHH!!!”
uhm I beleive you mean shit just got real ?
I know playing Gandalf was a lifelong dream of Christopher's but he was fucking born to play Saruman. The single best piece of casting in the whole trilogy.
He looks too evil to play Gandalf lol god bless him
its also so good that saruman was always jealous of gandalf throughout their lives in Aman until they went to the middle earth
So casting the guy who wanted to be gandalf to be saruman is perfect
Well, he got to play Gandalf. In a way, at least.
When Gandalf returns as Gandalf the White, Saruman's and Gandalf’s voices are layered upon each other, so, in a way, for one of the most epic scenes in cinematographic history, he got to play Gandalf.
@@Wingedmagician it's that nose and strong brows. Aquiline noses look really evil lol
He ultimately turned the role down because it required a lot of horseback riding, which he felt he was too old to do.
Saruman: "Your love of the Halfling's leaf has clearly slowed your mind."
Also Saruman: *has barrels of Halfling's leaf in his storeroom*
He speaks from experience
Hey, that's for medicinal reasons.😌
I like to think that Gandalf and Saruman were selling that stuff to maintain their wizard group. Saruman was pissed because Gandalf was getting high on his own supply. Bad for business especially when the boss is trying to expand into arms dealing.
Gotta keep his human soldiers happy.
@@jaketheberge1970 lmao 😂
I love how his own personal room in the tower looks tattered and disorganized. It makes me think that Saruman really did try researching and looking into ANY and EVERY solution and method to defeat Sauron, through logic and knowledge, but found nothing. He was too rational to consider hope, bravery, unpredictability, and cunning as advantages, and instead focused on numbers, power, and might. Like a mad scientist trying to solve an equation, he gave up, and refused to let anyone else solve it, either.
The data he was collecting from the palantir was also probably bias and unreliable because of the missing palantirs that Gandalf mentioned. Fake news is no joke.
@Vinícius Nunes alas, the same way many of our smart phones (our personal palantir’s or wizard’s glass as Stephen King would call them) are turning us mad as well.
No, the truth is he had researched all his life the black crafts of Sauron, out of fascination and envy, he even made a ring of power for himself. He didn't give up hope, he wanted to be the Master of the World and destroy and replace that which he deemed weak, unstable and chaotic, that being nature and the free peoples of Middle Earth.
@@forests.9597 Bingo. Saruman was not ways an evil character, just a jealous one. Once he discovered the ring of power he craved it. We see an ally of sauron all movie, but he was just wanting to beat sauron as well and rule in his place.
@@jaredmello but mine is pretty and had a teletubby case, so there.
When u become The White, you'll get premium shampoo and conditioner.
Saruman should have said that to Gandalf when he asked him to join him
Saruman The White
Yes, my Master.
When you become a talking testicle, you gain the power of super regeneration.
And anti aging cream.
Christopher Lee IS Saruman as far as I'm concerned. Perfect voice, demeanor, bearing, and delivery.
He's also a Tolkien fanatic IRL and consulted other actors on the correct way to pronounce the names from the book.
Badass all the way
He's also the only one in the entire LOTR cast and crew to have actually met Tolkien.
Whenever I read any lines by Saruman in LOTR, I hear it in Christopher Lee's voice.
I think he would of made a fantastic Gandalf though if he was doing that role. But yer he does suit Saurman so well and his deep booming voice suits " the voice of Saruman" so well. I cant wait to see him as a good wizard in the final hobbit film!
Apparently he would read all three books once every year, so when Jackson asked him to take on the role, he didn't need any tips on how to bring the character to life!
I believe the two of them actually fought together in World War 1 many years before!
"Tell me...friend. When did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?!?" One of my favorite lines from the movie
never !!
@Tom Cross Not remotely accurate at all. Saruman was a very heroic figure. He was hand picked for his expertise to lead the order of Wizards and Middle Earth. It was the pressure of leadership, his insecurity in his own abilities and the temptation of power that lead to his fall. He was always insecure as to why it seemed that Gandelf was destined to surpass him despite his best efforts. It is why Gandelf returns bearing the visage of Saruman stating, "I am Saruman as he was meant to be"
@Tom Cross I'm just simply pointing out to say, "He was always mad. self centered, duplicitous, capricious, never listened to others, looked down on all those lesser than him" is inaccurate. He was not always what he became. He degenerated and was corrupted into what he became. He did not enter middle earth with the faults you list, he was at one point benevolent.
This is the line i should say when someone says, "i like lotr but i like GoT more".
@@danmurray1996 his insecurity was from Cirdan of the Grey havens as the Istiri arrive in 1000 of the Third age proceeds to give Gandalf his own ring of the elfs, Narya which saruman witnessed and this jealousy was manifested.
Imagine being Gandalf and slowly realizing that your trusted council leader, respected for his power, wisdom, and foresight, to whom you have just confided the secret finding of the one ring, has suddenly chosen to ally with the enemy. What a psychological blow. Excellent scene!
I thoaght Gandalf should say on the nine left . Are you kidding ? And youre telling me now just like this ? And then he s like he doesent know if he s just making a very bad fun of him . Then if he s nuts . And he doesent want to believe he s the traitor . So he wanted to make him wake up . And battle started
It's the fantasy equivalent of finding out the hard way that Yoda is evil. That must've been truly frightening for Gandalf.
@@PajafromPraguehave you recovered yet from your stroke?
@@HolyknightVader999I heard Yoda was into beastiality with humans.
Odds stacked aganst him Gandalf could not be corrupted
"As you can see Gandalf, my Jedi powers are far beyond yours."
Now, leave...
@@bsnf-5 k
"You must join me Gandalf, and together we will destroy the Sith!"
"It may be difficult to secure your release..."
"I will fight for my fellow mutants to the very end"
Christopher Lee already showing off his Sith-Skills.
Disappointed Turtle love the profile pic
"We must join with Darth Sidious. It would be wise"
"Tell me. When did Dooku the Wise abandon reason for MADNESS"
It is clear that this contest cannot be decided by our knowledge of magic. But by our skills with a light saber.
Christopher lee like to act as bad guy
Since Gandalf was the grey at the Time, Saruman is stronger than him due to his superior status.
Haha, "Your love of the Halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind."
Gotta stop smoking that good stuff, Gandalf!
Ah so he was referencing smoking. I thought he was referencing the Hobbits relationship with nature, trees and this fit to me because Saruman to Tolkien represented the evils of industrialisation/deforestation etc.
Parasmunt Tolkien has declared himself that LOTR is no allegory or metaphor for anything in the real world. And thank god for that.
Yet it is an apt story for our times with many parallels to our current world & human problems.
Some 1 Azn The funny thing is that Saruman himself has some weed hidden in a chamber which can be seen in the extended edition of the second movie.
Dank AF!
I like how Gandalf doesn't even try to defend himself against the halflings' leaf jab. He's just like "Yeah okay maybe but we still have time"
Yeah I smoke that shit bruh fym
Usually when people make douchebag comments I ignore them and just figure out how I can get rid of them (from my life). So I'll just start waiting until I can leave the encounter. If I have to argue with someone it's usually a good sign that the guy shouldn't be in my life. "Blocked. Thanks for letting me know who you are. Bye!"
@@pupper5580 You sound like one sorry individual with all that pride and arrogance.
@@failedabortion1894 Saruman fanboy zinged.
The best part is when Merry and Pippin roast him for us when they find his own stash in the two towers 😂
This scene shows clearly to me, that Gandalf held Saruman in great esteem and was tremendously hurt when he decided to turn bad. Its like looking up to someone that you respect and admire and finding out that they have some dark secret you never knew about. A truly sad moment, from that perspective.
Yeah, Gandalf considered him a friend and always took council with him when he needed help. His Betrayel is like if your parents sell you into slavery
He even still called him friend after he knew of sarumans plot to side with Sauron.
@@12345678900987659101 or you learn everyone you knew were as what other people said all along like:
1) Your best friend is an ignorant moron who don't even know you....
And they were right.
2) your good neighbor who you treat as an friend want to get rid of you....
And they were right.
3) your boss who you think is an good boss turns out he's using you as an goose that lays golden eggs in which when you have no use to him he decide to get rid of you....
And they were right.
4) your parents who you thought love you turns out the reason why they left you under the care of your grandmother is because they care more about their job than you....
And they were right.
5) your favorite superheroes who were an pair of senile old man who can't even save lives let alone yours.....
And they were right.
They were right that you should wise up or else you will end up dead.
As a fan of lord of the rings , this comment hit the feelz
:o
like ZeRo? man.. smash community is really messing with my head. I’ve watched him for years and I’m still shocked to hear what he’d done.
"A Great Eye...Lidless, wreathed in flame"
I love this line so much
yes.
Love the first line of description so much.
...
Coincidentally as I read comments, I heard him say that line right as I came across your comment.
BIG DATA & POLICE STATE
I love the voiceover from Saruman at the beginning. It provides a false sense of security about him (for those who don't know the story), since it's a fantasy trope to have some old/wise character narrating the movie from time to time
like Galadriel or Gandalf himself in the very same movie
Nice point!
I think it was a nod to the power of his voice, as he was narrating but when gandalf arrives he continues his thought by speaking. Telepathy to be sure but gandalf was always known for the power of his voice.
Yeah I always interpreted the narration as happening in-universe. He's speaking to Gandalf through his power and continues normally when he's finally near him @@Michael-uf1hz
When I first watched the movies, I had no idea of LOTR (was still at grade school then) so to have the reveal that Saruman was a traitor was really a twist for me. So they did well for us who were only starting to learn about LOTR!
It’s been said a billion times, but these films are an actual miracle. For them to come out when they did and turn out the way they did is still just fucking mindblowing to me
We are very very lucky that Peter Jackson went for it and never gave up.
Probably the greatest movies ever made.
And he just wanted to do two movies. The studio insisted that it needed 3. So, in a way, the studio believed in Peter and that easily gave him the resolve and strength to make the movies happen.
Had they been released 10-15 years before, they would have been a cringe fest with kitschy outfits and lines, probably with one of the characters talking like they came out of a Saturday morning cartoon. Had they been released 10-15 years later, they would have been packed full with moronic Marvel-like gags and an overload of CGI for nearly everything we see on the screen.
Thank Eru and all the Valar that these movies happened when they did, and that they still hold so well.
@@jpnihil5868 Exactly. As lame as movies can be today, they also would have been complete *shit* had they been made in the 80’s lmao
I love how when Saruman shuts a door, Gandalf goes to go through another one, as though he's just saying "I'd prefer you use the door to the right. We're having a new kitchen put in and there's just stuff all over the place"
Oh no, not that way either one of my servants had a little accident earlier and we're currently working to clean it up.
I love the fact that I'm reading these in Christopher Lee's voice
Lol
@@HeyItsNate2 me too lol
Then when they both start slipping and flipping all over the floor Sauromon's like, "Oh and I had the cleaners come over the other day to wash and wax the floors. Forgot to warn you about that. Guess we can just lay here for a little while till help comes." XD
Although I much preferred Christopher Lee in LOTR, I'm so glad that he finished his work as Saruman in The Hobbit trilogy before he passed away. R.I.P.
He actually wanted some scenes of Saruman searching for the ring and other things he took interest too at that time , but his health couldn't let him travel to NZ more then a few times
Scenes with him were shoted in England actually.
Indeed, they were "shoted".
SJMJ91 shooted omg... How many languages are you able to speak without mistakes oh great one.
Enough to notice them. Like without adding a question mark when being asked a question.
"Tell me, friend, when did Saruman the wise abandon reason for madness?!" - One of my favorite lines of all time.
Goosebumps over 20 years later. That is how you know Mr Lee and sir Ian did it phenomenal
That hits Saruman right in the nail.
Munk
E..
People like you mutz are nothing but a joke.
I love this scene and the acting. Gandalf clearly views Saruman with the highest respect but as their conversation lingered, he felt red flags were being raised and tried to pass it off as being paranoid.
Even when he was with Frodo he was very paranoid at the mere sight of the ring. But when the doors closed all his doubts toward Saruman turned into confusion, then acceptance, then anger that an old friend would ever consider betraying the world he swore to protect.
Ciao, potresti dirmi che capitolo è questo🎞️?
3:05 "There are none who can" You can see in his eyes it is the very moment Gandalf realizes Saruman has turned traitor. Before, he was simply thinking Saruman was Saruman: arrogant and reckless with his use of the Palantir despite Sauron watching with one as well.
Ian deserved the Oscar 100%
@@johan9428 I think it came even sooner around 1:25 when Sarumon is talking about Sauron, he does so very matter of factly even kind of passionately while Gandalf is disheartened. Its like Sarumon is giving his pitch right then and there that Sauron is unstoppable and very powerful. As someone else pointed out Sarumon had done a lot of research on how to beat Sauron and realized it was impossible, its likely he used the Pilantir out of blind desperation and was corrupted by Saurons gaze.
@@krel3358 Here, he is most likely remembering his time with Sauron at Dol Guldur. Gandalf and Saruman were friends, so Gandalf would never think that Saruman would betray their mission. Until 3:05 where he is looking at Saruman as if the friend he knew had been replaced by a complete stranger.
It always makes me sad seeing them walk the beautiful gardens of Isengard, knowing that all that beauty was about to meet a terrible fate.
It’s really fitting as well with the progression of Saruman being a mentor and guide for Middle Earth, only to betray everyone for Sauron and the industries of war, destroying the environment in the process.
A wizard should know better.
@@russ254Given economics is a hobby of mine for 20 years I laughed far too loud at your comment.
The landscaping wasn't that good in that phase. The evil version was way more badass. I should know, I'm a youtube commentator.
Yeah and Gandalf thinks he s with his friend and gets betrayed
Just want to take a moment to appreciates two legends on screen at the same time. Sir Ian Mckellen and Sir Christopher Lee.
Magneto and count dooku
3 legends...yourself being in ...busted plumbers part 3 lol
a knightly duel
If only we had Dumbledore prime there
They're British, unfortunately
Referring to the Nazgul as “the Nine” just makes them even more badass
They could have Just decided the war if they just took the ring, they were right there but they punked out and did nothing. Aragorn chased em away 😂
@@Indervallervooooooo in the books theres a reason why they were scared of that fire in particular. Earlier they encountered Gandalf and he used a magical spreading fire against them which shook the nazgul up because they didn't expect someone so powerful against them on their initial search for the ring. (Gandalf, a maiar is technically the same level of a god as sauron but weaker obv.) When aragon used fire again they basically got ptsd from that incident.
@@shaunakmitra963 Also the Morghul Dagger was supposed to finish the job. It's also bullshit that the Witch King broke Gandalf's staff in the extended version, when a Grey, Gandalf defeated the 9 together AT NIGHT on Weathertop...
@@ripstein86 True, though I think the idea was that as Sauron's power was so immense by the time of the third film, the Witch King's power was at its greatest. Perhaps Sauron lent some of his power to the Witch King, meaning the WK was essentially stronger than even Gandalf the White. Just my speculation though
@@rossstewart9284 Possible but I doubt it. Considering Gandalf was a maia, and as such a higher being than the Witch King, though balrogs were killed by elves in the first age, so who knows... This confrontation did not happen in the books so I think they added it for dramatic effect...
I love how Gandalf is actively in denial when doors shut close around him. Trying another one, and another one, only to find himself locked with a mad man.
And then realizes he s a traitor or thinks he s just joking or he s mad . So tryed to wake him up and then the truth revelead he s really a traitor
Surprised when he told Gandalf the nine left they crossed the river . Surprised Gandalf didnt start in horror yelling . Are you joking and youre just telling me now just like that . Why didnt you say just when i came
What if the floor is just slippery and they are trying to stand up?
+Archronos Timewalker Ha ha! You ruined this scene for me forever! Hilarious!
+CABAL lmao. was about to make same comment.
A fregona.
There's a blooper where Saruman had hard time walking to his chair. He almost fell.
hahahahahahahaha
Wow... I can only imagine how Gandalf must have felt in this scene, to see not only an old friend but one of the most powerful beings in Middle Earth and the leader of his order on top of it all allying with the enemy...
Saruman was wanting to find the ring for his own, in so doing, trying to defeat Sauron & rule all himself. He had great fear of Sauron and he foresaw the huge armies of Mordor rallying (and Sauron can manipulate you via the Palantir, but against more powerful beings such as Saruman it has lesser potential) and so he made a alliance out of fear & hoping to stave off any attack towards him (though most likely Sauron would conquer him & his area too, should they succeed in invading Middle-Earth). But his true goal was obtaining the ring for himself.
It's always sad for a light bearer to see a friend fall into the darkness.
He's thinking, "fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck."
Not to mention his face being slammed into orthacs ceiling ouch.
MJSpiritual who is the most powerful aside from Sauron? Galadriel or Saruman?
That moment when you have read into the legendarium and you realize this is a fight between two angels fighting at a fraction of their power instead of two old dudes fighting with sticks
Imagine them at 30%. That battle would be legendary.
@@austinkersey2445 The last time a maia came to middle earth with his full power, he sunk a continent
@@GaimeGuy I know. And that's the scary part.
Lol having a pillowfight
@@IronicSonics I would pay to see that.
1:18 Love how Gandalfs got a sherry and how he's holding it. It implies a whole scene where Saruman's offering drinks from his cabinet before they continue their conversation about the ring.
Really adds to the idea that they genuinely like each other, which makes the dynamic way more interesting.
Explains why he couldn’t stand up properly 🙂
@@jokersbane321 Apparently, Saruman actually held a lot of contempt for Gandalf, and had held this contempt ever since they were elected and crossed into Middle Earth. So much of the niceties he presents to Gandalf are merely trinkets to placate him, as he tries to corrupt Gandalf as he has been corrupted.
@@jokersbane321 But they didn't and never did.
@@IMbirdieful And Saruman's contempt and envy only increased when he discovered that it was Gandalf, not him, who was given the Ring of Fire by Cirdan.
Jackson, and Co. couldn't have picked a better actor to portray Saruman than the late Sir Christopher Lee! He totally owns the role of Saruman here. Notice when Lee has closeups, that he never blinks, which makes for an awesome effect. It kind of gives him the "hypnotic" edge over Gandalf here.
His years of playing Dracula in the 70's Hammer Horror films is where he probably perfected his "hypnotic" stare.
Late? Damn that was a quick four years
@@thegorn68 I'm inclined to think it was his time in the Special Air Service that let him learn to gaze uncannily.
Whether it was a conscious character choice by Lee or simply what came naturally to him, the unwavering gaze pairs well with Saruman’s speciality in voice and persuasion
"Your love for the halflings' leaf has clearly slowed your mind"
"... But we still have time, time to stop Sauron if we act quickly"
LOL don't try to change the subject, Gandalf xd
Strange for saruman to scold Gandalf for that, considering his own considerable store of leaf.
@Tom Cross well it kinda was his business since Saruman was their superior
@@nicolas.p331 shhh
2:46 "You can not fast travel when enemies are nearby...."
Underrated
Gandalf: Enemies? But there are no enemies her... oh shit
You just made my day.
@ I think Skyrim
Fallout and Skyrim!
This is one of the best scenes in the entire trilogy. Both actors were incredible.
They are not all accounted for the last seeing stones
Make me think. Why gandalf doesnt use his magnetic power? He can bending metals right?
Ian McKellen and Christopher Lee are 2 of the greatest actors of all time so it's not surprising.
I love when two great actors get a chance to demolish the scenery together.
Magneto vs. Count Dooku
It's so cool that there's absolutely no visual effects during the fight. No beams of lightning or shockwaves of power, just really well-used sound design, editing, and cinematography
Makes total sense too, given what we know about how a lot of spirit stuff in Middle-Earth is invisible to normal people (same reason the Nazgul's true forms can't be seen normally). I like to imagine Gandalf and Saruman are probably throwing some pretty flashy blasts of power at each other, but unless you were a Maia like they are or have the One Ring on this is how the fight would look.
@@sonokawaray "flashy blasts of power at each other"
That's a fight Saruman's twin, and also evil brother, had in a galaxy far away against Dobby's dad.
In my head this is how wizards fight, their staffs are merely a tool to channel their energy.
I think it made this scene better.
This is how movies should be made now
Dracula, Saruman, Count Dooku, Lee played great characters.
I. Th. i didn't see those movies. but i'll keep those in mind.
Also the dentist / Willy Wonka’s dad
also was the head villain in a Chuck Norris movie An Eye For An Eye
He was Dracula?
Always the evil one
After Gandalf touches the Palantir and realizes that Sauron was watching "Oh Shit then that means..." *looks at Saruman who was exposed to the Palantir* "....I gotta get out of here!!!" XD
oh! so that's why it showed the eye!
i thought it was simply a jump scare of some sort..put there for some reason
Wizards aren't affected by the palantir, saruman was talking directly to sauron using it.
@@jwmoon1989 No, Saruman was poisoned by his long exposure to the palantir. Same as Denathor. Aragorn barely managed when confronted Sauron after the battle of Minas Tirith. Saruman was speaking the truth when he said that you cannot contend with the will of Sauron.
@@peterpalermo2542 in Denethor's case though he actually suceeded in weathering Sauron's mental assault and unlike Saruman never submitted to Sauron. He was only broken after the Dark Lord pushed him over the edge with visions of despair, and even then it took Faramir's 'death' to complete the process.
@G E T R E K T 905 he would likely fail anyway. But the simple fact Saruman even thought of replacing Sauron is exactly how Sauron's deception works.
RIP Sir Christopher Lee. This was a role of a lifetime. If you watched the behind the scenes, you could clearly see how much respect he had for the character.
R.I.P Christopher Lee the Legendary actor :(
+The Eater Of Worlds Don't worry, he simply returned to his coffin for a hundred years to gather power, he'll be back.
+The Eater Of Worlds R.I.P
+Scarface92511 The best actor, rest in peace.
+The Eater Of Worlds he also use to be a soldier of World War.
It's okay he's a Maiar, he didn't truly die
2:18 I love how at that moment, right when Gandalf says you never know who is watching you through the Palantir, and he sees Sauron when he touches it, he realizes what Saruman has done
I don’t think he fully accepts it until 3:05. You can see it from his change of expression.
@@stellarwind1946 That's because his love of the halfling's weed has clearly slowed his mind
@@stellarwind1946 I think he knows, but refuses to believe it and second-guesses himself until that point.
@@matthewbibby8921 no doubt it was probably in the back of his mind.
"Why should we fear to use it??" Use it on who? the bad guy has already corrupted you with it
“His gaze pierces clouds, shadows, earth, and fleshhhh.” Such a chilling line, perfectly delivered
Sir Christopher Lee had the most amazing, powerful mastery of language. I met him in real life and can confirm the deep-ness and authority in his voice. What a man and what a performance as Saruman. Rest in peace. People don’t possess mastery of language like this any more and I doubt ever will.
That’s really neat. How did you get so lucky to meet Sir Christopher Lee?
@@Sweeneh I was working for John Lewis as an interior designer in Chelsea and attended an appointment and he opened the door. I was gob smacked lol
Speaks proper Received Pronunciation, a dying tongue.
modern language is a joke. if i were a director i'd force people to speak Trans-Atlantic, just to add some class to the movie
@@613-shadow9That should depend on the context.
This scene is so great. Christopher Lee's slightly monotone delivery, like he's in a zombie-like state under Sauron's evil spell, but still like he's cautiously testing Gandalf's loyalty and anticipating resistance. Ian's fearful and deferential body language , which transitions to contempt and defiance after he learns of Saruman's betrayal. Masterful stuff
4:22 They always said Gandalf was killer on the dance floor.
lmao
Gandalf was ROFL.
Lmfao!
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lmao
I can remember seeing this in the theater. No one had seen fantasy treated seriously on film before. Folks who didn't read it didn't even know it could be. This scene was genuinely startling, so well constructed, left a lot of people stunned. Still gets me.
Yes! Exactly this. I still get goosebumps watching it.
I was never a fantasy guy, and still not, for the most part. But it was this scene that really grabbed me. The movie was obviously incredibly transporting until this point, but there was something so creepy, so visceral about this meeting and fight. Tolkien's impeccable worldbuilding and Peter Jackson pushing to make an historical instead of fantastical trilogy can't be understated.
@@ironcladnomad5639 My brother was pretty much the same as you, and had the same kind of startled reaction to the whole thing. At the prologue when that toothy ork growls and the the arrows fly and the camera makes that dizzying sweep over the battle, he said. "Jesus. Looks like hell."
Then when they're in Lorien he leaned over and asked me curiously, "Why do all the elves look like David Bowie?"
@@liquidmorpheme lol @ "Why do all the elves look like David Bowie?"
Whenever the eye of Sauron appears & fades quickly, it gives me goosebumps.
No part of Middle Earth has privacy without the watcher.
0:53 saruman "Your love of the Halflings leaf has clearly slowed your mind"
gandalf "so your my therapist now"
RYTY THE TRIPOD MAN LLA LLA i'd love to see LOTR redone with 110% more cynicism
RYTY THE TRIPOD MAN LLA LLA lol
And then Saruman said "You have elected the way of pain!"
Yeah he calls Gandalf a Junkie Gandalf responds you're crazy etc.
Saruman: Your love of the halfling's leaf has clearly slowed your mind.
Gandalf: So I like to wake and bake man, what of it?
Old Toby b-b-b-blaze it!
RIFFTRAX!
17 people have elected the way of pain
Or they abandoned reason for madness.
No... they have become wise, my friend.
Ian Torre AARRRGHHH
18 are suffering now my friend. :)
Gavin Mackie Build me an army worth of Mordor
Hearing Tolkien’s words spoken by such
world-class actors really shows the English language at its absolute best.
You know, Gandalf, why the boat floats and the stone sinks?
Saruman will be a fitting legacy for Christopher Lee. Another masterful performance in villainy.
Count Dracula ,Count Dooku ,Saruman the white
Not to mention the plethora of films he left behind indeed a full life
He also made Count Dooku the coolest Sith to date. He had a commanding voice a very distinguishable voice.He stole every scene he was in Lord of the rings and Starwars
Pat Gogan Don't forget Sherlock Holmes as well. And he's the 1st actor who ever played as Sherlock & Mycroft in a lifetime.
GamerOverflowException absolutely agree 👍
His most iconic villain role is Dracula in the Hammer Horror films. Interesting, his foil Dr. Van Helsing was usually played by Peter Cushing who, of course, also has Star Wars connections as Governor Tarkin.
This whole scene was just amazing. Gives you the suspicions of a friend up to no good when Saruman is sharing all his intel of Sauron to Gandalf and tinkering with the dangerous artifact... all to be confirmed when Saruman spills his fear and hopelessness to Gandalf about the need to join Sauron. At no point did Saruman feel really prideful of his allegiance to Sauron in this, he just felt like it needed doing and he wanted to get his friend Gandalf in on the new order he figured was a guarantee. Sad but intensely a heart to heart moment. Also, the wizard fight was top notch.
Every time I hear Saruman tell him, "The hour is later than you think." I just feel my heart drop. One line, and you realize just how serious the situation is about to become. Gandalf trusted him, and Saruman betrayed that trust by telling an alliance with The Dark Lord. Not only that, but delivering the bold faced threat that anyone who stands in his way will be killed.
The entire Movie is a masterpiece, this film is indeed the sevenths art. Movies like Ben Hur, or The Ten Commandments at least have historical data as to how the world was in those times. But here everyone working on designing any thing from clothing, to the elvish cities like Rivendell, Moria, Gondor, Helms Deep, or how the nazgul and orcs would look like; definitely was a great work of imagination.
I always found it curious how you can see the rapport they had from when they first met in this scene. It could've convinced me that Saruman was a good guy. But it spiralled quickly
Well said! Great analysis
Yes
We must join him Obi wan.... I mean, Gandalf!
Kaizerdramon ....Wait...seriously? From the first movie? A new hope?
@@zwergnase4315 It's a quote from Attack of the Clones.
It maybe difficult to secure your release... 5 minutes later, an eagle secures his release
Obi Wan was played by Ewan Mcgregor (of "Trainspotting" fame) in the prequels and Alec McGuiness in "A New Hope". Not Ian McKellen.
Actually, there's a whole load of detail on that in some of the SW novels and comics. Palpatine/Darth Sidious actually wanted Dooku to kill Obi Wan, but Dooku wanted to recruit him instead because he had been trained by Qui Gonn Jinn, who by turn was Dooku's former Jedi Padawan.
There's also some speculation he wanted to do so as a deliberate act of defiance because he never forgave Sidious for the death of Qui Gonn, who was his also his good friend. Although, he basically murdered Sifo Dyas himself, who was also a close friend.
Goosebumps at: "i gave you the chance of ... aiding me ... willingly" especially the pauses in between are so well done. Like he's out of breath from the fight and pain.
The music really makes the fight scene, specially when the choir comes in at 3:55. Howard did a tremendous job.
Gui Porto do you know this music name man?
Elgun Sultanov Sultanov name of the song is Eye of Sauron. This section is played in the last 30 seconds of the track.
Peripherony its called "The Treason of Isengard"
EL AHMED could be, i just remember hearing this bit in some mordor theme compilation
This is the best soundtrack of all time, challenged only by John Williams' work on Star Wars. Howard wins by the virtue of LOTR being a much better film series.
The tower of Isengard, built by the men of Numenor many years ago.
When Saruman died, King Aragorn and his companions searched the tower and found many trinkets, including the chain Isildur wore to keep the ring and also the stars of Elendil, which where believe to have perished at the Gladden Fields.
So you're saying, that after beating the boss of the tower they were able to split the loot?
WrathOfThePharaoh lmao
Numenorain built the best places. Isengard, Helms deep, Minas Morgul, Minas Tirith, weathertop, two otwers in black gate, cirith ungol ,much more
You mean guild by gondor when they are still powerfull and mighty
Even fortress of helms deep and watchtower of cirith ingol is built by gondorian , gondorian during its heyday are awesome !! To bad they suffered from massive depopulation
@@alfianprabowo48 big number of gondorian were numenorian at those times
i always felt so bad for gandalf in this scene as a kid, seeing such a charming old man get beaten to a pulp was horrible
Saruman then became a pawn
Gandalf as the grey was kinda defeated in the first film but honestly it made it feel all the better in his come back as the white facing saruman again and casting him out of theoden and then being the cause of victory at helm's deep then breaking saruman's staff and casting him out of the order and so much more. Simply the best character come back
Yeah just watching him get beat to shit sucked. It was a bad feeling to watch his whole body get whooped and tossed around. IT TWER NOT a welcome sight to see an old boy get his ABSOLUTELY DECKED and given ALL THE SMOKE. Yes I agree
I’ll never forget how I felt as a kid when he fell with the Balrog
"The Nine have left Minas Morgul. They crossed the River Isen on Midsummer's Eve, disguised as riders in black..."
Impeccable disguise. I'm sure nobody suspected a thing.
to be fair, it would of killed off a lot of their mystique if disguised as a band of roaming dentists...no matter how much more concealment and determent that would have granted them.
they where invisible without the cloak, so instead of being a terrifying feeling that talked, they wore cloaks to be more... personified, thus making interactions easier, if i'm not mistaken.
You should see them naked
@@wolfyboyexactly, the corrupting power of Sauron's rings had rendered them mere undead spirits at that point, that's why when Frodo puts the ring in Weathertop Hill during the first film, he enters the undead world and is able to see them.
Christopher Lee had such a powerful voice. "You did not seriously think that a Hobbit could contend with the will of Sauron"
Wizard fight
There are none who can.
Bilbo: Am I a joke to you?
Against the power of Mordor, there can be no victory.
If only Saruman actually joined Gandalf and the fellowship. He said that there was no victory, but didn't realize that with the combined might of the fellowship, his power and Gandalf's, the journey would have been so much easier and they would have destroyed Sauron a lot quicker.
And we would have lost an epic story....
@Billy B With that kind of logic, I suppose it's okay to let the world slip into ruin. I mean, because that's the way the universe is headed.
Lol
Seriously? Do you hear yourself? How is it unreasonable to steer the world back from the precipice? 😂😂
The One Ring would have corrupted Saruman and put all the Fellowship in danger.
@@bradydavis5791 He uses logic, which can be consistent even within an insane thought system. Reason, however, can only be used for truth. "When did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?" asks Gandalph.
If you can understand “A Course in Miracles", the meaning of LOTR is clear as a bell.
Saruman knew the Nine were after Frodo and presumed they would get him. Logically they should have, considering their power against a Hobbit's. So he joined sauron under the belief Sauron would have the Ring already and be unstoppable
Gandalf hides from Saruman the fact that Bilbo has the one ring. Saruman hides the fact that Sauron has awakaned. This proves that they dont trust each other
Well saruman has always kinda been second fiddle to gandalf. The people of middle earth trust and respect gandalf maybe because he walks among them more hell he has so many names the people call him by. Gandalf was even asked to lead the white council first. Saruman afterwards. So I think saruman has always resented gandalf a bit
Gandalf did not know that the ring Bilbo had was the 'one ring'. He knew he had a magical ring, but no suspicion of what it was. In fact, in the books Gandalf spends a LONG period of time researching the ring after speaking with Frodo. Bear in mind that Gandalf was not around during the war of the last alliance
Who is more powerful Saruman or The witch king
@@aa-.-477 Saruman
@@aa-.-477 Saruman, but I do believe Sauron can funnel his powers through The Witch King, thus making it more of a even fight. But The Witch King alone isn't stronger than Saruman.
God bless Sir Christopher Lee for doing this, adding his considerable talent to Saruman. It would not have been nearly as good without him.
I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly but you have elected the way of PAIN!!!!!!
man that sure reminds me of something ..
Saruman The White 😊
+gods laws on man peace Gandalf was always a sneaky little bastard
Saruman The White lol tell me about😆
+gods laws on man peace Well,first I am showing him the view from orthanc and he takes a freaking eagle and jumps off then he has a fear of birds and thinks they are "spies" after that he takes a hair cut comes and steals one of my robes and pretends to be me. These are just a few of examples he is worst than that creep Sauron !!
Gandalf smoking on that good stuff
Emil C Your love for the halfling's leaf, has clearly slowed your mind.
😂😂😂
Gandalf: Oh, stop hushing my buzz.
(Gandalf smoking more)
Desmond Hume But Saruman was smoking Longbottom Leaf, not Old Toby.
“xXIsengard Straight EdgeXx”
After watching the hobbit and coming back to these films, its great. I tell myself Gandalf never learns but in a good way. He knows the risk when facing an opponent, he takes the risk and comes back ready to fight some more. There are many scenes where he is about to meet his death or he did and comes back. He faces Sauron, The Goblin King, Saruman, the Balrog, The Witch King of Angmar and takes command of 1,000 men to fight off 200,000 orcs. Ian McKellen did a sensational job portraying a character who goes down and will go down in cinema history.
Don't think the scene with sauron happened in the book. And that is why he was send to middle-earth to be or find hopes of light when needed.
I think my favorite quote in all the books is when Saruman reveals himself to be evil and he declares himself as "Saruman of many colors." Saruman's robe starts to shimmer like a rainbow as he tries to threaten and tempt Gandalf, but Gandalf simply replies, "I liked white better." That's the book Gandalf for you.
I wish they had added the shimmering robe just for a little while for fan service.
"I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly, but you have elected.. the way of PAIN!" I love the way he slowly walks forward menacingly and how the camera zooms to his face at the very end. LOL 4:18
4:21 Come on Gandalf, this isn't the time to start break dancing.
Yes, Gandalf is only exhibiting his uselessness and utter incompetence..
Saruman in the Hobbit: "The enemy is defeated. He can never regain his strength."
Saruman in the LOTR: "Against the power of Mordor, there can be no victory."
Preston Thompson Jeez, this guy plainly sucks at making prophecies.. :)
Vilém Říha Well, he wasn't alone in thinking that Sauron would no longer be a threat, though one would think that "Saruman the Wise" would not overlook what Sauron could do if you give him about two and a half thousand years.
Preston Thompson He screwed up predicting the future of ME several times, at least in the movies. I clearly recall him saying something along the lines that the race of Men is finished and that it will begin with the downfall of Rohan, that Aragorn will never become the king of Gondor (although that might not have been a real prediction, but rather an attempt to bring down the spirits of his counterparts in his final parley atop Orthanc), yadda-yadda.
Stormkråka Someone get this man a cookie!
+Vilém Říha No he doesn't. He was always after the One ring. He claimed the enemy was defeated so the White Council would decide against attackingt Dol Guldur. Saruman's real intention was to permit Sauron to build up his strength.
This must be one of the most epic scenes in film history. The look of dawning horror on Gandalf's face when he realizes his old friend has gone to the dark side.
They could not have gotten a better acting than Ian McKellen
@@chrisl1878 Supported by Christopher Lee! Two masterclass actors.
Damn...the cinematography is so awesome in this movie. The shot dollying through into the Chamber where Saruman and Gandalf are discussing the Eye of Sauron, perfectly lining up with the rays coming from the windows behind Saruman- so perfect.
And that smooth camera movement to Palantir and stopping! OMG, when I first saw that I felt like I was slapped across the face!
Yep it’s truely brilliant, RIP Andrew Lesnie
Not to mention the outside shots with the beautiful New Zealand mountains and Orthanc.
RIP Christopher Lee. He was a truly legendary actor. He actually met Tolkien! He has the best experience out of playing Shakespearean style villains (I even like him in the prequel Star Wars movies) and he portrayed Saruman perfectly more than any actor I can think of ever would. His role as a very powerful villain will be recognizable till then end of film history. This performance was legendary.
-“smoke rises from the mountain of doom, the hour grows late, and Gandalf the Grey rides to Isengard seeking my counsel.”
My favorite line.
PS: -“the friendship of Saruman is not likely thrown aside.” and -“one heel turn deserves another.”
I just love Saruman’s deep, intimidating voice. He is brilliant. It’s very sad that Christopher Lee is no longer alive. He was/is a legend. R.I.P. Christopher Lee. 🙏🏽❤️
I love the detail of Saruman being able to snatch Gandalf's staff away from him. This implies that Saruman is above him in the ranking of their order, the Istari. And he is: Saruman is the White, chief and head. Gandalf is merely the Gray. So Saruman is ranked above Gandalf.
This will be reversed in The Two Towers: Gandalf becomes the White, and becomes the rightful head of all the Istari, including Saruman. This is why Gandalf can order Saruman around in the confrontation in The Two Towers, and why Gandalf can break Saruman's staff. When Gandalf is brought back as Gandalf the White, he surpasses Saruman in authority.
Im confused, so there's two white wizards by the time Gandalf was resurrected as the White?
Saruman by the time of the two towers is described as being of many colors. Like constantly shifting depending on who is viewing him and what he wanted you to see.
As part of his betrayal Saruman abandons (/broken) his identity as ‘The White’ to become Saruman ‘of Many Colours’. In his mind this places him above entire order of the Istari, but as Gandalf says “He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom“
This explains perfectly the scene of Gandalf breaking Théoden's posession in The Two Towers (my favourite scene of all).
When Gandalf first tries to cure him, disguised under his old grey cloak, the king possesed by Saruman tells him "you have no power here" and laughs. Then Gandalf removes the grey cloak and reveals his new white robes, which startles Théoden/Saruman and reveals his power is now greater than before, allowing him to draw Saruman out of Théoden's mind and liberate his body.
"Tell me.. friend.. when did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness?" Great line!
I love how the wizards actually go at each other pretty "physically"..."they are punching each other with their staffs" (so to speak).... they could have ruined this having them saying spells in some unknown language, I am glad they did not. It is pretty intense..and awesome (3:34 saruman expression as he already knows he is going to hit gandalf)
Not only that, in many instances you can even hear the "thunk" when they land a telekinetic blow on each other.
I can’t tell if you were taking a dig at Harry Potter or not but that was funny and I agree 🤣
4:09 Damn it! Even when Lee isn't a Sith he can still use the force!
I was looking for this comment!
Sir Cristopher Lee as Saruman is the most perfect casting ever. EVER. In the books Saruman’s appearance is exactly the how SCL looks, plus his voice is special, deep and melodious. Sir Cristopher Lee did a phenomenal job.
Such great acting here by both- Mckellen's disposition as Saruman's pupil/ lesser here is so transparent and obvious, without having to be overstated- such incredible acting
So sad Saruman turned,..Isengard tower looked so elegant and majestic before he turned it into an industrial abyss.
4:22 I don't care how serious this fight is, that rotation is funny as hell.
🤣🤣🤣
I honestly think it's one of the coolest things ever
He's mopping the floor with gandalf
Two titanic veteran actors chewing up the scenery and playing magnificently off of one another. I've seen it a dozen times and it still thrills me and is a high point in the series! Excellent performances from these two greats! RIP Sir Christopher Lee. You have shown your quality sir and it is of the highest kind. God rest your soul.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, Christopher Lee's voice is PURE AWESOMENESS!
Sir Ian Mckellen and Christopher Lee. Two timeless screen legends!
4:10 Saruman still has his force powers of Count Dooku
DomsBlading It was at that moment George Lucas had found his Count Dooku
This was made before Attack of the clones
He should have at least used Force Lightning.
Dane Parsons George Lucas must have loved Lee as Saruman here.
Attack of the Clones was filmed during summer of 2000, same period as this.
When Christopher lee calls you “my old friend “ you know a great battle is about to go down 😂💪🏾
"You have elected the way of PAIN!!"
And that's only a fraction of his vocal power. Sir Christopher Lee wanted to play Gandalf, but this was superbly cast.
Actually He says: But you have an exit. The way of pain.
@@scottwarren4998 That is totally NOT what he said, and if it was, that would be cheese on a level that would make even Twilight fans cringe
@@filipinowhiteboy hmmm? I don't know what twilight is. sorry.
@@scottwarren4998 Then you are lucky friend.....although how could you not know? It used to be quite popular with the lady folk when it was in the movies.
Just realized Gandalf be walking around with his pipe in his staff.... pause at 3:26
Toke on the go.
NEVER NOTICED THAT !!
He lost it when Saruman took his staff. Poor Gandalf.
Haha what a stoner
Epic
Boy, Sir Christopher Lee is pure epicness. Both on screen and his private life
That was one of gandalf's best lines. How could he not win the oscar for this?
I love the moment where Saruman is describing the eye of Sauron to Gandalf and Galdalf looks scared as hell. It really shows how afraid Gandalf was of Sauron
Only one man in the world could pull off this scene perfectly in every bit of him. And he did. The sound, the look, the moves, the power. Like you watched the general of Sauron itself.
1:41 Given that in desolation of Smaug Gandalf got his ass handed to him by that eye this scene gets a brand new meaning
Alucard BloodyVampire SUPER TRUE
LMAO. COLD! He was no match for Sauron.
I never realized when I was younger just how absolutely outstanding the cinematography, sound design, and editing is
Ian McKellens and Christopher Lees acting was phenomenal in this scene . You could feel the betrayal when Gandalf realised Saruman allied with Sauron ..
” Tell me friend . When Did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for Madness ?! ”
One of the best acted scenes in film history not just fantasy genres
I’m so pleased that Christopher Lee got to play this part. He was such a huge fan of the books and to get to be a part of the films just have been one of the highlights of his career. The fact that he played the part flawlessly is just icing.
Ughh the acting skills between these two are impeccable. I could listen to the two of their voices all day.
I just love the movement of this entire sequence. There is an urgency and energy to each cut, each camera movement, each line delivered. It is perfect!
The Queen of England must be disappointed that 2 sir's she knighted are fighting each other.
Fighting is what knights are FOR!
Lord of the Rings only had one wizard fight, but damn was it awesome. All the wizard fights in Harry Potter couldn't compare to the brutal match Gandalf and Saruman had.
Harry Potter itself couldn't compare to the Lord of the rings.
i’d suggest the fight between dumbledore and voldemort, but pretty much every other fight in the films is shit
One might see Gandalf's reactions as naïve, but I don't think that he believe in a million years that Saruman would turn to evil.
3:40 how he snakes out of his chair to strike at gandalf like a viper, very good symbolic acting and directing there, throughout the whole duel both of them throw each other around and genuinely look in pain the entire time, particularly ian. its probably the best fight you'll ever see between to old people