22. The running wounded
So now you’re aware of exactly how many injuries took place during the filming period, you should also know details of the actors’ suffering…
Run, run, run, as fast as you can…
When an injury happens, if an actor is well enough to continue filming, they carry on.
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This was the case for Viggo, Orlando and Gimli’s stunt double, Brett Beattie. When it came to filming the scene in The Two Towers where the three run across the land chasing the two hobbits, Merry and Pippin, they were all injured.
The three actors had to run across the country
Viggo had of course broken his toes after kicking the Orc helmet, Orlando had cracked his rib after falling off his horse, and Brett had dislocated his knee.
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Despite this, the filming had to go ahead. They spent hours running over New Zealand’s lush countryside for a few days, all spent in pain.
They look amazing in the shots – you’d never know!
Nevertheless, Peter Jackson commended them for their fortitude in the DVD commentary – especially since it was his favourite moment from the books. If you wanted the definition of “soldiering on” – look no further than this.
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