This time, when I watched the Two Towers extended version, the performance that shone like a jewel for me was that of Bernard Hill as Theoden, King of Rohan. Every part of this character's role is interesting, and gives plenty of room for an actor to fill it. Bernard Hill not only gives us Theoden the character in the trilogy, he shows us the king that Theoden was, with all the shadings and nuances, as well as the bold strokes. The transformation of the Saruman-ridden aged Theoden into a strong mature king is well-handled not only as a cinematic effect but as a fine piece of acting; but a far stronger moment comes a little later. Aragorn has brought news to Helm's Deep of an advancing horde of orcs from Isengard. Theoden tells him that this keep can be defended, and that if crops need to be resown or houses rebuilt, they can be, but at least his people will be safe inside the Deep. Aragorn, following Theoden around the meagrely manned defenses, points out that the enemy's target is not the crops and houses but the destruction of the people of Rohan -- an outcome that at that moment seems likely, given the few and mostly unskilled defenders available.
And here we have one of Theoden's greatest, most revealing moments: he rounds on Aragorn, grabs his arm and says with lowered voice and barely-controlled intensity, "What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread! If this is to be our end, then I would make it such an end as to be worthy of remembrance!" Hill as Theoden shows us, with his delivery of this speech, the king inside the man -- shows us why Theoden's realm has lasted as long as it has, and prospered, despite Saruman's invidious workings over many years, and despite many previous battles. It is the king who speaks there: not just a man dressed up in fancy clothes who happened to be born into the right family, not just the chief executive of a corporation with extensive land holdings and a certain amount of livestock and feisty riders, but a king. Hill shows us at that moment who is the King of Rohan, and who is just visiting, however welcome Aragorn's fighting skill and experience may be in the battle to come.
Every time we see Theoden, Hill gives us a splendid, finely-balanced performance, showing us Theoden's deep tints and pale shades as well as his bright colors. In the scene where Theoden's armor is put on Hill gives us all Theoden's doubts, guilt, burdens -- a king reawakened barely in time to face a seemingly hopeless battle. It is a scene which will either succeed wonderfully or fail completely, depending entirely on the skill of the actor. Great skill, and great actor.
7:46:28 AM 
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