Now I understand why our daughter named her pet Guinea Pig, Tyrion! P.S. She never takes Tyrion to Ecuador.
4
Just one question for GOT'ers.
How exactly do you explain those forests in the near-arctic climate of the far north in this fantasy world?
How exactly do you explain those forests in the near-arctic climate of the far north in this fantasy world?
6
Thanks. Maureen. Nice change of pace. Here, you don't just turn it on and subscribe. For people like me, there is finally good news. It's called "much more good entertainment on TV" and "the satellite free zone". I'll look for this fellow. He sounds sometimes weary and often wary, most definitely my type.
Don't you love this big world we live in?
Don't you love this big world we live in?
1
As we leave, I reflexively repeat my standard goodbye line for women and men who are very charming in interviews.
“Thanks,” I say. “You’re a doll.”
He shoots me a look and I freeze.
---------------------------------------------
Aren't you going weak-kneed, Mo?
Lately, you find all those you interviewed charming, and you must have said, "You're a doll" to Trump too.
Soon, people like Dink will have no role to play because the computer generated pre-vis(ualization) that replaced storyboard will become the VIS, the visualization.
Actors and actresses will go the way tellers and checkout clerks are going. Out.
“Thanks,” I say. “You’re a doll.”
He shoots me a look and I freeze.
---------------------------------------------
Aren't you going weak-kneed, Mo?
Lately, you find all those you interviewed charming, and you must have said, "You're a doll" to Trump too.
Soon, people like Dink will have no role to play because the computer generated pre-vis(ualization) that replaced storyboard will become the VIS, the visualization.
Actors and actresses will go the way tellers and checkout clerks are going. Out.
5
My recollection is that this is Ms Dowd's second piece produced in a year about The Game of Thrones. The earlier piece being a "Hey look at me -- I visited the set of TGOT."
What's next? Another hard hitting ode to the "much beloved $35 McCarthy salad" at the Beverly Hills Hotel?
What's next? Another hard hitting ode to the "much beloved $35 McCarthy salad" at the Beverly Hills Hotel?
25
Just so you know Moe, Zelig is the german word for blessed.
10
Great interview with one of GOT's most compelling characters without a trace of the infamous Dowd GOTcha! What a doll!!
9
There is absolutely nothing ordinary about Peter Dinklage. When he is in a scene you know it's going to be good.
18
Tyrion is definitely the protagonist. He is my favorite character. (I would love to see a mashup of Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead. Just kiddin.) But Daenerys Targaryen is my favorite character to watch.
We need fiction just like our brain needs to dream at night: it recharges our emotional batteries.
The reason we love Dinklage's character is that he is the moral giant in the show.
I identify with Peter because he grew up not far from me and my kids.
G.O.T. has another Jersey tie-in: author George R. R. Martin is from Bayonne.
We need fiction just like our brain needs to dream at night: it recharges our emotional batteries.
The reason we love Dinklage's character is that he is the moral giant in the show.
I identify with Peter because he grew up not far from me and my kids.
G.O.T. has another Jersey tie-in: author George R. R. Martin is from Bayonne.
4
Dink was superb in the movie, "The Station Agent", and I think his true talent is being watered down by making him watch previsualization of scenes. The storyboard would bring out the best in this fine actor, who is no dwarf among fine actors.
8
From interviewing Donald Trump to interviewing Peter Dinklage, now that is a contrast in "stature" Maureen, and I don't mean of the physical kind.
8
How unfortunate that an alleged feminist like Dowd is a superfan of a show that has definitively broken one of the last remaining sensibilities on TV, turning the graphic, gratuitous sexual degradation and rape of women into standard entertainment. Of course, if we point this out, the media has created a trope by which we are prudes, bourgeois, regressive, and to be mocked as un-hip conservatives who "don't get it."
Don't be taken in by it. Many of us are liberal, educated, and modern, and able to see the gratuitous sadism for what it is: lazy writing. Dinklage's comment that "If it doesn’t boil the blood, especially in this genre, then we’re not doing our jobs" implies that these scenes are an especially necessary part of the show. He deliberately misses the point: that intelligent writing can make the blood boil without relying so much on sexually exploitative shock-sadism.
Don't be taken in by it. Many of us are liberal, educated, and modern, and able to see the gratuitous sadism for what it is: lazy writing. Dinklage's comment that "If it doesn’t boil the blood, especially in this genre, then we’re not doing our jobs" implies that these scenes are an especially necessary part of the show. He deliberately misses the point: that intelligent writing can make the blood boil without relying so much on sexually exploitative shock-sadism.
43
Good interview. For those here who dismiss GOT, or watched part of an episode and found it too gory, explicit, etc. you are depriving yourselves of some great entertainment. Like any epic saga or dramatic series, it has to be watched from the beginning and the stories of each character, family and their interrelations in the struggle for power is the Shakespeare of our era.
It is not a coincidence that, like Shakespeare, George R.R. Martin based his novels on detailed research of life in the high medieval period and actual historical events like the struggles of the royal families in "The War of the Roses" ("Lannister" = "Lancaster", "Stark = "York").
Martin's books and the GOT series depending mostly on actual historical themes and personalities and also avoid what Martin has disparaged as "medieval theme park" literature like Tolkein by subordinating the fantasy elements, like dragons.
GOT and the other cable/Netflix series like GOT, House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders, to name a few, will definitely be seen in the future as a golden age of cinematic drama, with their huge budgets, superb actors, writers, directors and producers, and the ability to play out a drama and story arc over many seasons and not just a single 150 minute film.
It is not a coincidence that, like Shakespeare, George R.R. Martin based his novels on detailed research of life in the high medieval period and actual historical events like the struggles of the royal families in "The War of the Roses" ("Lannister" = "Lancaster", "Stark = "York").
Martin's books and the GOT series depending mostly on actual historical themes and personalities and also avoid what Martin has disparaged as "medieval theme park" literature like Tolkein by subordinating the fantasy elements, like dragons.
GOT and the other cable/Netflix series like GOT, House of Cards, Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders, to name a few, will definitely be seen in the future as a golden age of cinematic drama, with their huge budgets, superb actors, writers, directors and producers, and the ability to play out a drama and story arc over many seasons and not just a single 150 minute film.
11
I thought the Station Agent was a very good movie. I have never watched The Game of Thrones, or read the books. From what I understand, who needs to when one has human history to peruse?
3
Enjoyed 'The Station Agent' greatly, less so 'Game of Thrones' but Dinkage, IMHO, towers over his scenes in many ways, I suppose because he seems real when all else seems so unreal.
5
Good comment: “That’s why in certain cultures, they send teenagers out into the woods for periods of time.”
In Finland that is called "The Army". Finnish teenagers (18-20 year olds) get to spend 6-12 months roaming around the forested areas of Finland playing soldier. Very character building. And gives young men/boys the opportunity to shoot guns so that they have had enough of it for the rest of their lives.
About life imitating art (or visa versa): One would think that after all that war and mayhem people in Westeros would finally have had enough and realize that enough is enough and do something about it. The same to people living in the MENA countries (middle-East and North Africa). This is what happened in Europe after WWII, and we have not had wars since (touch wood) apart from Yugoslavia, but those countries have had hopefully enough as well.
In Finland that is called "The Army". Finnish teenagers (18-20 year olds) get to spend 6-12 months roaming around the forested areas of Finland playing soldier. Very character building. And gives young men/boys the opportunity to shoot guns so that they have had enough of it for the rest of their lives.
About life imitating art (or visa versa): One would think that after all that war and mayhem people in Westeros would finally have had enough and realize that enough is enough and do something about it. The same to people living in the MENA countries (middle-East and North Africa). This is what happened in Europe after WWII, and we have not had wars since (touch wood) apart from Yugoslavia, but those countries have had hopefully enough as well.
3
"Oftentimes, they don’t want to meet you; they just want proof that they met you."
We are constantly taking videos and photographs on our vacation so we can enjoy them later. What about now?
We are always watching a game or show on TV so we can talk about it tomorrow when we meet a coworker at the water cooler. Why not get into the show or game and enjoy the moment?
We tend to take pictures of our food at restaurants for posting on Instagram. Why not simply savor it at that moment?
Many of us have forgotten to live in the moment, choosing to live for the future and others.
We are constantly taking videos and photographs on our vacation so we can enjoy them later. What about now?
We are always watching a game or show on TV so we can talk about it tomorrow when we meet a coworker at the water cooler. Why not get into the show or game and enjoy the moment?
We tend to take pictures of our food at restaurants for posting on Instagram. Why not simply savor it at that moment?
Many of us have forgotten to live in the moment, choosing to live for the future and others.
9
No one could deliver those lines without a wicked sense of humor. Dinklage would be high on anyone's dinner party guest list.
"Trial by combat" is a good metaphor for the goal of the Stop Trump movement with the not so secret wish that the two top combatants mortally wound each other.
"Trial by combat" is a good metaphor for the goal of the Stop Trump movement with the not so secret wish that the two top combatants mortally wound each other.
6
A little Entertainment Weekly but totally worth the entire read with the hysterical notion that Trump is like Hodor answering every challenge by grunting his name.
20
I love the Dink. First took notice of him in the Bruges movie he did a few years ago. Wonderful actor. Sounds like a great guy to be friends with, too.
17
Terrific, under-appreciated film.
That wasn't him. Someone who looks a bit like him. He was, however, excellent in "The Station Agent." Should be in the running for the next James Bond.... I mean, since they are talking about breaking down stereotypes.
2
If you mean the movie "In Bruges", that was Jordan Prentice, not Peter Dinklage.
2
When I saw the Game of Thrones headline, I was sure Maureen would compare the evil Cersei to Hillary Clinton but it was just a fawning interview. I prefer Maureen's political columns which rile up the readership.
10
Eleanor Roosevelt was actually pretty cool. I honestly can't say Daenerys is a lock for the title there.
48
Not with that TERRIBLE faux-English accent. I like Dinklage (loved the "Station Agent"), but he can't maintain the U.K.-based accent that comes naturally to most of his costars. He shouldn't have to: he's such an appealing actor; he should be allowed to talk without the impediment of an intermittent burden.
Bonus GOT Haiku (copyright by me):
Ned Stark lost his head.
Targaryeans lost their throne.
Winter is coming.
Bonus GOT Haiku (copyright by me):
Ned Stark lost his head.
Targaryeans lost their throne.
Winter is coming.
6
I love the show and the actor, but, REALLY, NYTIMES?! If I wanted to read gossipy interviews with celebrities I would go and pick up a copy of People Magazine.
Then again, this column was a lot less snarky and annoying than most columns Maureen Dowd writes, so I guess I can't complain.
Then again, this column was a lot less snarky and annoying than most columns Maureen Dowd writes, so I guess I can't complain.
202
Nice. But PLEASE don't drink the "relatable" Kool-Aid. While one piece of evidence is relatable to another, and while a story is relatable, the word does not mean simpatico. "Simpatico" does.
10
Mr. Dinklage's hands seem to be slightly larger than those of Mr. Trump.
Just an irrelevant, subjective, casual observation.
Just an irrelevant, subjective, casual observation.
129
Let's hope that when Mr. Dinklage reads his height in this column, he won't feel like he's been inconsiderately poked.
2
Peter Dinklage has the most wonderful, deeply resonant speaking voice. It used to be a given in the acting world, but is in short supply these days. Hopefully we'll be seeing and hearing him for a long, long time!
59
I have no idea about "Game of Thrones." No knowledge. Thought I might be accidentally reading "People," which is a guilty pleasure once in a while. But this column seems weird and out of place.
93
Hmmmm. Really? No idea?
Quick, must revert to IMDB to look up that reference to the failed pilot of the cat-crazy math professor!!!!!!!
Mr Dinklage has a luscious voice, and knows how to use it when acting. Sadly, having seen multiple interviews, etc when he is NOT, i wish he would affect his acting mannerisms more often in real life.
Mr Dinklage has a luscious voice, and knows how to use it when acting. Sadly, having seen multiple interviews, etc when he is NOT, i wish he would affect his acting mannerisms more often in real life.
2
Another good column by Dowd - she's certainly the most versatile writer in the NYT's editorial bull pen. However, I must confess a sinful addiction to her skewering of Hillary Clinton. Most of the Time's writers kiss up to HRC. Dowd takes a straight razor to her phoniness.
14
"Martin Henderson, a British dwarf who was tossed in a bar, when he accepted his Golden Globe in 2012." Tossed in a bar? Does that mean thrown, or perhaps beaten up?
4
Martin Henderson deserves a better explanation here. Some guy did, in fact, toss him--throwing him, which caused him some paralysis due to his injuries. Peter Dinklage called international attention to it in his remarks about his own award. It had just happened at the time, and I think Henderson was also an actor. A sad story, and totally preventable.
15
It means, "thrown." From person to person. As an amusement. Not for Mr. Henderson, but for the throwers, and the sole basis of it was his size.
8
For anyone who hasn't seen it, I highly recommend "Living in Oblivion" by Tom De Cilla, a very early Dinklage film ,..he's hilarious..and it's a great film.
And my gosh...there was no. .."And by the way I Hate Hillary" finale in this column..Dinklage seems to have tamed a real dragon.....for now ....but winter is coming.
And my gosh...there was no. .."And by the way I Hate Hillary" finale in this column..Dinklage seems to have tamed a real dragon.....for now ....but winter is coming.
45
Great piece and a nice break from politics. Peter Dinklage caught my attention too in the Station Agent and he certainly is my favorite in GOT. Nice to learn more about him.
8
One of your best, Mo, keep it up. Can't wait for your sit down with Pee Wee Herman. I didn't get the sense that Dinklage looks up to Trump the same way you do, I guess he's got a different perspective.
I can't fathom how you left out the daggers for presidents present and future, it's like reading Gail Collins in 2012 sans her references to Seamus on top of Romney's car, or David Brooks without a recommendation for personal moral standards. Anyway, it's refreshing.
I'm eager to see the HBO special, will you be writing the screenplay? I've heard rumors your next book has the working title of "Are Women Optional?", can you confirm? I'd pitch it to Netflix this time, they won;t give you short shrift.
I can't fathom how you left out the daggers for presidents present and future, it's like reading Gail Collins in 2012 sans her references to Seamus on top of Romney's car, or David Brooks without a recommendation for personal moral standards. Anyway, it's refreshing.
I'm eager to see the HBO special, will you be writing the screenplay? I've heard rumors your next book has the working title of "Are Women Optional?", can you confirm? I'd pitch it to Netflix this time, they won;t give you short shrift.
10
I'm excited about the show diverging further from the books, because it means the books, when they come, will be something new again. I do wish Dorne weren't so stupid, other than Doran.
Still hoping for TV treatments of some of the backstories, i.e. the Dunk and Egg stories, Princess and the Queen, and The Rogue Prince.
Still hoping for TV treatments of some of the backstories, i.e. the Dunk and Egg stories, Princess and the Queen, and The Rogue Prince.
I was kind of surprised by Dowd's choice of question - was it fun to act with the dragons? - and with the amount of time she devoted to drawing out the flopped joke behind it. But that's just a matter of taste.
What bugged me more was this line: "Season 5 ended with Tyrion offering to be Dick Cheney to Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys and to help her conquer and rule the Seven Kingdoms." Wouldn't the sentence "Season 5 ended with Tyrion offering to be Dick Cheney to Emilia Clarke's George W." make more sense?
Instead the next line is Daenerys being compared to Eleanor Roosevelt. Did Dowd suggest this comparison, or did Dinklage randomly say bring that comparison up, only to say it didn't work? Where is she going with this?
I'm not trying to hate on Dowd, but article doesn't feels sort of slap-dash.
What bugged me more was this line: "Season 5 ended with Tyrion offering to be Dick Cheney to Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys and to help her conquer and rule the Seven Kingdoms." Wouldn't the sentence "Season 5 ended with Tyrion offering to be Dick Cheney to Emilia Clarke's George W." make more sense?
Instead the next line is Daenerys being compared to Eleanor Roosevelt. Did Dowd suggest this comparison, or did Dinklage randomly say bring that comparison up, only to say it didn't work? Where is she going with this?
I'm not trying to hate on Dowd, but article doesn't feels sort of slap-dash.
7
Glad to see Ms. Dowd reporting on a subject equal to her talents and not attracting her snark, which she reserves only for people who take real chances trying to lead in the political arena, regardless of party, creed, sincerity or ability.
33
If I were Mr. Dinklage, I would feel like a freaky plaything. Even the most sophisticated of us, Maureen, make him seem so in dripping pandering and condescension. Telling him he is sexy as if a novelty act. He took it with some aplomb. But, one could hear the undercurrent of his seething. This was an uncomfortable column.
63
I wonder if Trump would think that the show “Game of Thrones” is bathroom humor or if it is variation of musical chairs for the top “Throne” in the White House ???
I took the liberty to mishmash random comments from this wonderful piece to ask the question if Trump “will start using trial by combat?” to challenge those who believe whether this “gigantic dimwit” with “a mop of uncombed hair” has to deal with challenges on his “manhood,” his verbal “toxic chemicals” and his perpetual “selfie” adorations ???
Don’t worry folks. A “team of mathematicians” and “a messed-up chick” after analyzing what is going on in his mind concluded that what he says “is not accidental” which is supported by his proclivity to keep the media “filled with liquor” on his “comments about how sexy he is.” This is in contrast to his younger years on which he said: “I was pretty angry back then” because he was disturbed about the “prostitutes on the show being killed and raped.”
Notwithstanding all his peccadillos, Trump indicated that his “charm is absolutely irresistible” adding his humanistic side that “most of us aren’t heroes” and “No one is immortal.”
But don’t worry Trump, “You’re a doll,” even if you are a mental “dwarf” believing that you are the “first dwarf heartthrob” or the top “leprechaun” who will win the top “Throne” in the White House.
I took the liberty to mishmash random comments from this wonderful piece to ask the question if Trump “will start using trial by combat?” to challenge those who believe whether this “gigantic dimwit” with “a mop of uncombed hair” has to deal with challenges on his “manhood,” his verbal “toxic chemicals” and his perpetual “selfie” adorations ???
Don’t worry folks. A “team of mathematicians” and “a messed-up chick” after analyzing what is going on in his mind concluded that what he says “is not accidental” which is supported by his proclivity to keep the media “filled with liquor” on his “comments about how sexy he is.” This is in contrast to his younger years on which he said: “I was pretty angry back then” because he was disturbed about the “prostitutes on the show being killed and raped.”
Notwithstanding all his peccadillos, Trump indicated that his “charm is absolutely irresistible” adding his humanistic side that “most of us aren’t heroes” and “No one is immortal.”
But don’t worry Trump, “You’re a doll,” even if you are a mental “dwarf” believing that you are the “first dwarf heartthrob” or the top “leprechaun” who will win the top “Throne” in the White House.
3
Hard to argue against President Obama and Mr. Dinklage being the Kings of Cool---except for those of us old enough to remember Cary Grant.
38
Best character and one to cheer for.
"I have a realistic grasp of my own strengths and weaknesses. My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge. That’s why I read so much, Jon Snow."
"I have a realistic grasp of my own strengths and weaknesses. My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind… and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge. That’s why I read so much, Jon Snow."
36
Why is it that, as I was reading the interview, I could actually hear Dinklage's voice as I was reading the words Mo assigned to him in the article?
Weird.
But good writing!
Weird.
But good writing!
1
Okay, I haven't seen game of thrones, so most of this is meaningless to me.
Still it reads like a column on entertainment, not politics. Oh wait!
Still it reads like a column on entertainment, not politics. Oh wait!
11
Mr Dinklage is a terrific actor. Is there any point to this column outside the fact that Ms. Dowd is plugging an HBO pilot based on a book she wrote? How about more columns from Timothy Egan, or a clear-minded columnist like Katha Pollitt? The latter would do wonders for this particular piece of journalistic real estate.
39
I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a Mo-Do column, but this was definitely one I did! She didn't snark at Obama or even mention Clinton, and I LOVED Weiss's description of Trump being like Hodor "a gigantic dimwit who answers every question with one word: his name." Perfect!
There have been any number of very fine actors who were little people, going back to the extraordinary Michael Dunn, from "Ship of Fools", Star Trek "Plato's Stepchildren", and the dastardly Dr. Loveless on multiple episodes of the original "The Wild, Wild West". There is Michael J. Anderson, who played the fascinating wise and powerful "Samson" in "Carnivale". Warwick Davis who played Professor Flitwick and the brilliant and cunning goblin Griphook in Harry Potter.
But Peter Dinklage is clearly the most influential of all, with a voice that could give Orson Welles or James Earl Jones a run for their money. He is also utterly brilliant as Tyrion. So many great actors have come from New Jersey!
There have been any number of very fine actors who were little people, going back to the extraordinary Michael Dunn, from "Ship of Fools", Star Trek "Plato's Stepchildren", and the dastardly Dr. Loveless on multiple episodes of the original "The Wild, Wild West". There is Michael J. Anderson, who played the fascinating wise and powerful "Samson" in "Carnivale". Warwick Davis who played Professor Flitwick and the brilliant and cunning goblin Griphook in Harry Potter.
But Peter Dinklage is clearly the most influential of all, with a voice that could give Orson Welles or James Earl Jones a run for their money. He is also utterly brilliant as Tyrion. So many great actors have come from New Jersey!
13
I guess I usually dislike the fantasy genre because everyone is so somber and serious 24/7. Maybe I 'm being unfair. In a huge cast of very serious people, Tyrion stands out for his constant irony and wit. The fact that he's instinctively loyal and has a great, hidden heart also helps.
3
How dare you compare Donald Trump with Hodor, the gigantic dimwit?
This is an insult...to gigantic dimwits!
This is an insult...to gigantic dimwits!
14
...along similar lines, hodor's name isn't hodor. it's walder.
Could the NYT editors transfer Maureen to the Entertainment section? Donald Trump is one thing, but this is actual fiction.
3
a sure sign Sanders had a bad week, she does not attack
Clinton and writes about a tv. show
Clinton and writes about a tv. show
1
Don't forget "In Bruges". Tyron, Arya and Jon Snow are my favorite characters in GOT.
IS THIS PLACE The land from which no one ever returns? It looks like the Balkanization of Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Want a large fried with that? Can I supersize your 17 gallon Coke?
On top of having a Maureen Dowd column NOT about the current presidential primaries it IS about Peter Dinklage!
This is a really fine Sunday NYT.
This is a really fine Sunday NYT.
4
I've never seen 'Game of Thrones' and probably won't (my house is an entertainment-free zone). But I was interested in this piece all the way through, and charmed. And I thank you for not writing about the 6-months-old-with-6-months-to-go election campaign. And especially for not writing about what's-his-name.
2
So Maureen, last week you covered a physically imposing, thoughtless small man; and this week a physically diminutive man who is a huge thoughtful presence. It must be so confusing to be you.
97
What a refreshing change from the usual Obama and Clinton bashing session. A very nice tribute to Peter Dinklage. Glad your claws were not on display. You actually asked reasonable questions of the actor. What an interesting person he is, and what a success he has achieved.
Please, more of this type of column where I don't have to steel myself before reading it.
Please, more of this type of column where I don't have to steel myself before reading it.
29
I'm also a GOT junkie, but as much as Tyrion (aka Peter Dinklage) is cute, clever, devious, and murderous as are all the Lannisters, I'm with Samsa (aka Sophie Turner) and Danearys (aka Emilia Clarke) as the vital, strong feminine needed to overcome the dark masculine forces roaming the seven kingdoms. It's interesting to see them mature, especially Samsa, who has the Stark family name to redeem. Anyway, thanks for the pause from the other GOT playing in a primary near you. This is much more fun with people who you can both loathe and admire.
2
Arya is the one.
6
That thought about Hodor from D.B. Weiss had me howling with laughter. That's it! The Donald shall be ever after referred to as Hodor in my house.
6
That's mean to Hodor, who is a good guy with a big heart.
7
I've never seen Game of Thrones, but I have seen Peter Dinklage on the streets of NYC a couple of times. He's got so much presence, I nearly fell over. I enjoyed this peek in - thanks, doll.
4
I like Mr. Dinklage as actor. I also admire his willingness to put up with who knows how much personal abuse due to his dwarfism in the pursuit of his career. His role and his performance in The Station Agent, a very good film itself, are exceptional. Reportedly that movie represents his so-called "breakout performance", marking the transition from making a somewhat marginal living as actor to an abundance of roles offered and untold riches.
On the other hand, I tried watching Game of Thrones a few years back, but lasted only about 30 minutes watching whichever episode it was. In essence the series consists of fantasy pornography and fantasy violence. Perhaps enticing and of interest to juvenile males, but I am not sure to whom else. Poor entertainment regardless of presence of good actors in the series, such as Mr. Dinklage.
Furthermore, I fail to understand Ms. Dowd's genuflection in far too many essays towards one of the phoniest of phony industries, filled with some of the most venal and phoniest people imaginable, the USA filmed entertainment industry, centered in west Los Angeles and in the eastern San Fernando Valley to the north of the Hollywood Hills.
On the other hand, I tried watching Game of Thrones a few years back, but lasted only about 30 minutes watching whichever episode it was. In essence the series consists of fantasy pornography and fantasy violence. Perhaps enticing and of interest to juvenile males, but I am not sure to whom else. Poor entertainment regardless of presence of good actors in the series, such as Mr. Dinklage.
Furthermore, I fail to understand Ms. Dowd's genuflection in far too many essays towards one of the phoniest of phony industries, filled with some of the most venal and phoniest people imaginable, the USA filmed entertainment industry, centered in west Los Angeles and in the eastern San Fernando Valley to the north of the Hollywood Hills.
13
I love the books by G. Martin. I found I can read fantasy soft porn much better that watch it. I was excited that HBO was making the series, but found I had no interest in watching it. I do find Peter Dinklage a "heart throb", very sexy guy!
4
How about his star turn on the conference table in "Elf?" Very persuasive!
6
Several observations/questions by someone who knows absolutely zero about Game of Thrones:
• Thrones' phantasmagorical violence, misogyny, obscenity, chaos, power plays, shortage of comfortable, ergonomic seating, and so on, seem—uh—dwarfed—by the real world. It's sort of like a SNL skit of Trump or Hillary.
• Why didn't Dowd ask Dink if he feared being typecast?
• Conversely, why must a leprechaun, dwarf, homunculus, Lilliputian, halfling, gnome, pygmy or shrimp be played by a small person?
• In an interview with GQ magazine, Charlize Theron revealed that she has a similar problem. Seems she can't get "the serious parts" because she is too tall and beautiful.
• Isn't acting against type precisely what makes good acting great? Consider Eddie Redmayne. He was brilliant in 'The Theory of Everything,' but I thought his achievement was somehow diminished by his physical resemblance to Stephen Hawking.
• Thrones' phantasmagorical violence, misogyny, obscenity, chaos, power plays, shortage of comfortable, ergonomic seating, and so on, seem—uh—dwarfed—by the real world. It's sort of like a SNL skit of Trump or Hillary.
• Why didn't Dowd ask Dink if he feared being typecast?
• Conversely, why must a leprechaun, dwarf, homunculus, Lilliputian, halfling, gnome, pygmy or shrimp be played by a small person?
• In an interview with GQ magazine, Charlize Theron revealed that she has a similar problem. Seems she can't get "the serious parts" because she is too tall and beautiful.
• Isn't acting against type precisely what makes good acting great? Consider Eddie Redmayne. He was brilliant in 'The Theory of Everything,' but I thought his achievement was somehow diminished by his physical resemblance to Stephen Hawking.
2
Thanks for doing this interview Ms. Dowd. Mr. Dinklage is just instantly likable somehow, and I'm glad to know more about him.
I actually saw him in the Village one day, petting somebody's dog and chatting with them. I didn't take a picture, and always mildly regretted not going up and saying something as is my hobby. Happy I didn't now, if it would have bothered him.
If he's reading this, Mr. Dinklage, you're the greatest, and if I happen to see you again I'm afraid I probably won't be able to stop myself from going up and saying so. Keep up the great work sir.
I actually saw him in the Village one day, petting somebody's dog and chatting with them. I didn't take a picture, and always mildly regretted not going up and saying something as is my hobby. Happy I didn't now, if it would have bothered him.
If he's reading this, Mr. Dinklage, you're the greatest, and if I happen to see you again I'm afraid I probably won't be able to stop myself from going up and saying so. Keep up the great work sir.
13
Unfamiliar with any of the stuff in this column (including Peter Dinklage). But it's a charming piece. My advice to Ms. Dowd: Give up politics. You're much better at show-biz.
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Tyrion Lannister is Robert Reich's doppelgänger — small frame but big intellect!
6
If you haven't seen "The Station Agent," do so immediately. As Tyrion, he is simply divine. This guy is incredibly sexy, and he's a superb actor. I read the books years ago (until George stopped writing them) and fell in love with Tyrion then. When I heard Peter Dinklage made the role, it was like a holiday. He deserves all the attention, fame, money, and respect he gets.
18
I don't believe it. Maureen is now equating herself with President Obama (and without a snark).
3
Could this be possible that Dowd wrote an enjoyable column without dropping the name of Hillary Clinton ?
See it was not so difficult was it ?
I have never watched the show but find Dinklage to be totally irresistibly cool .
See it was not so difficult was it ?
I have never watched the show but find Dinklage to be totally irresistibly cool .
12
I like Ms. Dowd better when she writes about celebrities than politics. She's become too angry and snarky to illuminate political thought.
78
If a writer cannot express anger when writing about politics, it is an indicator of delusional culture. The notion that it's improper to be snarky toward holders of public office belongs inside a miasmal cloud of denial.
7
Snark is always out of place in adult writing. If used sparingly and judiciously it can humorous and useful but to write entire columns full of snark is juvenile.
5
Bring me some smelling salts, quick!
Maureen Dowd said the following words consecutively:
"President Obama."
Maureen Dowd said the following words consecutively:
"President Obama."
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I know, it's .....absolutely shocking.
9
at last. thus ends the winter of our discontent.
11
We limp along with basic cable, but fortunately we've been able to binge on Game of Thrones on DVDs. Season 5 took two days. Any scene containing Peter Dinklage is the best. I don't know if the writers give him the best lines, or if his delivery, style and wit just make it seem that way.
It hardly matters. Game of Thrones has everything I like in my entertainment: full-frontal nudity and brutal deaths set in abject squalor. Maybe it reminds me of growing up in New Orleans, but whatever it is, it resonates.
Since we watch it after the season is long over, it's difficult to avoid spoilers. I hope Dinklage survives, and I don't want to imagining him getting drawn and quartered, beheaded, roasted alive, skewered or any of the other infinitely creative ways that characters meet their end on this magnificent televisual feast.
Game of Thrones is especially good escapist fare, although watching Republicans vie for the presidential nomination is a close second.
Ironically, there is something that links the two. In both cases, winter is coming.
It hardly matters. Game of Thrones has everything I like in my entertainment: full-frontal nudity and brutal deaths set in abject squalor. Maybe it reminds me of growing up in New Orleans, but whatever it is, it resonates.
Since we watch it after the season is long over, it's difficult to avoid spoilers. I hope Dinklage survives, and I don't want to imagining him getting drawn and quartered, beheaded, roasted alive, skewered or any of the other infinitely creative ways that characters meet their end on this magnificent televisual feast.
Game of Thrones is especially good escapist fare, although watching Republicans vie for the presidential nomination is a close second.
Ironically, there is something that links the two. In both cases, winter is coming.
211
Thanks for making me laugh out loud!
1
When it comes to Republicans, winter is already here.
5
Perhaps it reminds you of the Republican campaign so far.
1
I’m normally so good at references, but I don’t follow “Game of Thrones”, and barely keep up with the dwarf-tossing that goes on in REAL American bars. There are some in this forum who argue that such haunts are frequented only by Republicans, but we all know that it was Dems who founded Tammany Hall and barroom dwarf-tossing.
Dinklage has way too much hair to play Dick Cheney: in the end, Richard Dreyfus did it okay, but then he’s been getting lots of experience playing Hollywood’s idea of bad Republicans (are there other kinds in Hollywood?), bent on world domination or just destroying the forces of light and those who could credibly make a pass at Annette Bening.
Certain cultures send teenagers out into the woods for periods of time in the hopes that they’ll be eaten by dragons; or, better yet, be taken by vampires, which is a double advantage, as it fills a monthly tithe without affecting real people.
Is Tyrion killing his father understandable in the sense that Trump can do anything he wants and his supporters will forgive him for it? Come to think of it, weren’t there rumors about Trump and HIS father? Hmmm.
And I thought that Danny DeVito was the first dwarf to play a romantic lead in a movie – opposite Penelope Ann Miller in “Other People’s Money” (1991). Or is DeVito now claiming that he’s not a dwarf at 4’10”?
Now, you see, for a guy who doesn’t follow “Game of Thrones”, that was at least MODERATELY entertaining, except for the crack about dwarf-tossing.
Dinklage has way too much hair to play Dick Cheney: in the end, Richard Dreyfus did it okay, but then he’s been getting lots of experience playing Hollywood’s idea of bad Republicans (are there other kinds in Hollywood?), bent on world domination or just destroying the forces of light and those who could credibly make a pass at Annette Bening.
Certain cultures send teenagers out into the woods for periods of time in the hopes that they’ll be eaten by dragons; or, better yet, be taken by vampires, which is a double advantage, as it fills a monthly tithe without affecting real people.
Is Tyrion killing his father understandable in the sense that Trump can do anything he wants and his supporters will forgive him for it? Come to think of it, weren’t there rumors about Trump and HIS father? Hmmm.
And I thought that Danny DeVito was the first dwarf to play a romantic lead in a movie – opposite Penelope Ann Miller in “Other People’s Money” (1991). Or is DeVito now claiming that he’s not a dwarf at 4’10”?
Now, you see, for a guy who doesn’t follow “Game of Thrones”, that was at least MODERATELY entertaining, except for the crack about dwarf-tossing.
4
Richard, Hollywood only has bad Republicans? Ah, Ronald!
But to get serious, I am sorrythat you are wrong about the dwarf tossing. Those "Dems" were really Reps. Although they were not really real Reps; they were really real Dems disguised as real Reps pretending to be fake Dems. Or some say the reverse. I hope I make myself clear.
But to get serious, I am sorrythat you are wrong about the dwarf tossing. Those "Dems" were really Reps. Although they were not really real Reps; they were really real Dems disguised as real Reps pretending to be fake Dems. Or some say the reverse. I hope I make myself clear.
15
Thomas:
I advise commenters from time to time to improve their brand of scotch, and to imbibe only AFTER completing comments for the night. I prefer Macallan unblended. I can't really afford the aged-50-year variety, which James Bond likes so much but that runs about $3,200 a fifth; but the 10-year is quite affordable if you can find a good discount shop, as I frequent, and the 12-year is well worth the investment.
I advise commenters from time to time to improve their brand of scotch, and to imbibe only AFTER completing comments for the night. I prefer Macallan unblended. I can't really afford the aged-50-year variety, which James Bond likes so much but that runs about $3,200 a fifth; but the 10-year is quite affordable if you can find a good discount shop, as I frequent, and the 12-year is well worth the investment.
4
Oh, and Thomas, for almost all the time Ronnie was in Hollywood, he was a DEM-o-crat.
3
Maureen,
I think we all know he's short in stature. There is no need to keep making an issue of it.
Thanks for everything else in this piece. We're yuuuge Dinklage fans and it was nice to read this interview. He's a highly intelligent and very talented man. Those qualities have always been evident in his work.
---
www.rimaregas.com
I think we all know he's short in stature. There is no need to keep making an issue of it.
Thanks for everything else in this piece. We're yuuuge Dinklage fans and it was nice to read this interview. He's a highly intelligent and very talented man. Those qualities have always been evident in his work.
---
www.rimaregas.com
78
I was asked to add that we fell in love with Dinklage's talent with "The Station Agent," way back in 2003.
100
I saw that on the small screen.
Oh. Wait.
Never mind.
Oh. Wait.
Never mind.
As did I, and many of us.
1