Okay, Bagginshield people, it's time to talk about the subtle scene that plays on repeat in my mind. Let's talk about how much was conveyed to us in this scene in such a short amount of time. This entire scene is only 18 seconds long, and it's one of my favorite 18 seconds in the films.
Bilbo is chasing right after Thorin, following him so intently that despite Balin being in front of him, he doesn't notice him turn off, and it takes Balin baling out to him in order for him to look back. He, in turn, naturally calls Thorin. Who stops dead in his tracks.
Thorin turns without a second thought and immediately backtracks. He's looking at Bilbo at first, but quickly sees the dragon rounding the corner, which alerts Bilbo.
Bilbo turns back on the dragon. This seems insignificant, but it's so important. He didn't run for his safety; he turned to look at Thorin in terror. Bilbo is smart, very smart. The words coming next haven't left Thorin's mouth, but Thorin is just self-sacrificing enough, and the margin of error is small enough that he had to know what he would say.
He had to tell Bilbo to follow Balin. Quick and sharp, an order. Look at his eyes. He knows full well he might be about to meet his own end. His eyes go from the dragon to Bilbo and back in quick succession about four times. HE. IS. ABOUT. TO DIE. He knows it, and he can't look away from his Bilbo even though running right now would make the most sense. This is articulated further later.
And this is the part that grips me in my soul. In this entire interaction, Bilbo hasn't turned his back on Thorin a single time. Even now, he's walking backward. He doesn't even notice Smaug about to spit fire, and it takes Balin, dragging him through the door, for him to go.
Here it is again in slow motion, focused on Bilbo.
Even the way he says Thorin's name is steeped in panic and denial as he knows Thorin isn't coming but still holds his hand out to him.
These are the last looks of two people who think this will be the last time they see the person they love.
Thorin delays his turning back as well for a few milliseconds more of watching Bilbo go. By this point in the movies, it's abundantly clear just how much Bilbo means to Thorin. Even down to making sure he went with him when they split up to confuse Smaug in the first place.
All of this emotion, all of this pit of your stomach inevitability, all in just 18 seconds.
More deep dives like this can be found by searching the pinned tag #deep dive on my page ❤️
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