CM Simpson: Writer & Gamer

“It’s working!” “I know it’s working. Run!” Merry and Pippin (played by Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd), Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 2002 There is something about this scene that always grabs at my heart. Even having watched it more times than I care to admit, I still feel that familiar constriction as these two hobbits draw harm away from their friend. As reckless as they are, if it had been anyone other than Frodo, or perhaps, Sam, would have they made this sacrifice? It’s hard to say, but watching them forgo their chance to accompany their friend, or even bid him goodbye, pulls at my emotions. It’s a memorable scene, and one that makes me laugh, even as I gasp at the risk they take to enable Frodo’s escape. It’s also balanced by the high tension and drama of the scenes that follow. Boromir’s sacrifice and redemption, and the sadness of his passing, the poignancy of his oath to Strider and Strider’s oath in return. This i...

"Nika, stop talking or I'll put you back in the trunk." 47 (played by Timothy Oliphant), Hitman, 2007 I love this line, or rather, I love the interaction between the two characters that leads up to it, and the interaction that occurs directly after it. If you watch the scene from where 47 says "I brought you breakfast" to Nika, to where he closes his eyes in an attempt to find sleep in the car, you will see some interesting character interaction. Take note of the way the old men observe 47 and Nika, and then the exchange of glances between 47 and the old men. It says a lot about their view of women, and their understanding of the presumed relationship between the hitman and Belacof's ex-mistress. How do you put that unspoken dialogue in a book without it becoming a drag? It's a writer's challenge, don't you think? My favourite interchange occurs just after 47 has threatened to put Nika in the trunk. Watch the play of emotion on their ...