S1 • EP8 ➤ In the Forge: Lighting and Film Blocking
I think this shot is one of the story-defining shots of s1. It's often and rightfully praised because of the shadow of a chain leading to Celebrimbor. I think the entire scene is worth revisiting. It's one of Wayne Che Yip's strongest directed scenes.
This scene begins with a close-up on the mithril ore because its use is the source of conflict. I think it's a great choice to have Gil-galad hold the ore because it looks rather ordinary compared to his accessories and clothing jewels. Yet, the ore will change the course of their world.
Yip follows up the shot with this a low angle middle shot. This particular angle helps the tiny ore stand out. The lighting only falls on Gil-galad's body and hands. Yip also uses the set's arches to further frame his hands.
Yip has done this before in a Numenor scene between Pharazon and Kemen.
Now we get to film blocking. Blocking is how and where both the actors and cameras are positioned and moves, in relation to other actors, sets or props. This helps guide the audience's attention to important moments. Blocking helps create those beautiful cinematic shots. It is key to visual storytelling.
Generally, I think blocking in ROP is inconsistent, which is unfortunately more common in media now and not exclusive to the show. However, when it's done well in ROP, it is noticeable.
In this scene, the actors are positioned two on each side with the second actor standing slightly behind. So instead of cutting to a close-up, Yip changed lens focus depending on who is talking. To me, this is neater. This is also setting up Galadriel's revelation later.
The scene progresses to the first of many four-person shots. Elrond, Gil-Galad and Celebrimbor are standing in the shadows. Galadriel is the only one standing closest to the light but only half of her is in the light, which is important when the camera later changes angles. There's also a small light column hovering over Elrond, which will come into play later.
For this particular camera angle, where Gil-galad stands is important—between Elrond, Galadriel and Celebrimbor, who purposes how to use the mithril and that its craft would be placed in Gil-galad's charge. Gil-galad is uneased at the idea of one person wielding that much power. He also believes their time is up.
I also want to point out the costumes. I think the color palette of the costumes mostly match. However, the Lindon gold looks so much stronger in this lighting and it works well with Gil-galad opposing the other three.
We also see the red in Celebrimbor's costume. I believe Celebrimbor wore this costume at the Lindon feast scene with the dwarves but it is striking that this particular costume is worn again after he met with Halbrand. This costume returns in s2 when red is further used as the color of decay and corruption.
When we finally get individual close-ups of Celebrimbor and Gil-galad, the dramatic lighting emphasizes the darkness in Celebrimbor's proposal and Gil-galad's unease.
Then Yip follows up with *the* shot but I think the lighting here reveals even more.
With how Galadriel is blocked in this scene, she also casts a shadow onto Celebrimbor—which I think reflects her choice in bringing Sauron to Eregion. Here we clearly see that half of her is covered in shadow.
This is the most light we see on Gil-galad in this scene. He also looks to be standing closer to Galadriel and Celebrimbor, whereas Elrond is tucked away in the shadows, at the edge of light.
I think there's a status element. In ep1, when Elrond hid in the trees to write, a courtier tells him that he's not invited to an upcoming session with the High-King because only Elf Lords were invited.
So even though the elves needed Elrond to get mithril and now they have it, Elrond is still on the outside but not for long.
This shot marks the first major movement of the scene. Emotions escalate quickly when Gil-galad rejects Celebrimbor's proposal.
Gil-galad's movement now reveals a full light column on Elrond. It's literally his time to shine.
Elrond steps forward to convince Gil-galad. The blocking changes the power dynamic of this shot. Celebrimbor is the closest to the camera but is disempowered by Gil-galad's decision. He also looks further from the other three. We don't even see his face.
The lighting and blocking here also breaks up the group into 3 sections. I think it reflects the separate narratives for Elrond & Gil-Galad, Celebrimbor and Galadriel.
Celebrimbor argues his case (left) and finally mentioned the Unseen World, which grabs Galadriel's attention (right). Yip uses camera lens focus transition and then zooms in on Galadriel—highlighting her concerning revelation.
We go back to a four shot. Now, Gil-Galad stands furthest left and Elrond is closer to Galadriel and Celebrimbor—all three aligned to use the ore.
Except, again Yip uses the set arches in this composition. Elrond is separated from Galadriel and Celebrimbor's shared arch, which is foreshadowing Elrond's mistrust of the Elven rings.
Galadriel is the most illuminated character here because of her revelation from Celebrimbor's words.
Gil-galad orders them to shut down the forge and return to Lindon. When he exits the scene, he walks in front of Elrond. I think this the most practical choice for the audience. He is the High-King and visually, his Lindon gold cuts through the union of the other three.
But, we're not done here. The two harsh light columns on Galadriel and Celebrimbor highlights what we're anticipating.
Galadriel carefully asks Celebrimbor about 'power over flesh.' She stands in the light, trying to unveil the truth but he's in the shadows.
At first, they're facing the same direction but when Galadriel presses further, we get this close-up and Celebrimbor's close-up remains like this until he walks away:
This shot is short-sided—a character's face (and eyeline) is close to one side of a frame.
It can be used to show disconnect between characters or unease, shown here. Celebrimbor is flustered and annoyed at Gil-galad's decision that he can't even look at Galadriel.
Our final shot of this scene is a lingering wide-shot of Galadriel. She is alone in her thoughts. I think it's a great way to use space and lighting to show Galadriel's mental and emotional state without using a close-up. She started the season feeling alone, but certain, in her pursuit of Sauron and this moment brings her back to that.
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