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Buzz Feed
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
13 Celebs Who Came Off As Wildly Pretentious
James Franco is a poster boy for pretension, especially if you read his bad poetry, which reads like lines from r/im14andthisisdeep. Franco, trying to sound profound, once said his poetry is "trying to say something in addition to what's on the surface" — which, you know, is practically the definition of poetry as this article points out. One of the poems in the book is basically just a list of Heath Ledger's roles. Another reads, "My father died in my Jesus year. He was sixty-three and I was thirty-three. He'd managed a few things and so have I. I drive a bus." The line breaks aren't always where you'd think they'd be. Shia LaBeouf also often tries to appear deep or intelligent in what amounts to little more than publicity stunts. Remember when he wore a paper bag on his head with the phrase "I am not famous anymore," or the time he called his entire life "performance art"? What about when he ripped off Daniel Clowes for a short film, and then tried to turn it into a commentary on plagiarism and inspiration, literally stealing phrases from famous apologies in his own apology? Then there's the time he stormed out of an interview after a fairly innocuous question about sex scenes, quoting (without attribution) soccer player Eric Cantona, who had once done the same while remarking, "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea." Promoting a film called Nymphomaniac, a question on sex really did not feel like it promoted that reply, and Labeouf's strange response felt like an attempt at appearing deep and intellectual when really he just didn't feel like answering a question. Orlando Bloom raised eyebrows when he spoke to the Sunday Times about his morning routine, which included reading a "bit of Buddhism," Buddhist chanting, drinking a mix of "brain octane oil," and hiking while listening to Nirvana. But the real kicker came when he said, "I spend a lot of my time dreaming about roles for myself and others — for minorities and women. I'm trying to be a voice for everybody." It kinda felt like Bloom was trying a little too hard to sound inclusive without really doing anything to back it up. Oh, and he talked about appreciating the beauty of cows. He also came off pretty pretentious when he spoke about keeping an even head after LOTR and Pirates of the Caribbean fame. "I had this remarkable opening chapter to my career, for which I was only semi-present. Without my Buddhist practice, I could have easily come off the rails. I've been changing the narrative in my head and feel that I can be the driver of my train. I can set it alight, but I can get the fire crew and put it out." I'll be the first to say it: I don't like Brad Pitt. I liked him even less after reading his 2022 GQ profile. In it, he asks the interviewer, "Why the fuck are we here? What's beyond? Because I gather that you believe in something beyond.... Do you feel trapped here, in this body and in this environment?" The two discuss Rilke and Rumi, high art, and the meaning of dreams. Afterward, Pitt sends the interviewer an email with the sections "Summation, Clarification, and Rumination" to expound on his interview question answers. There's also a point where the two are sitting by a fire, and Pitt says, "I am a murderer. I'm a lover. I have the capacity for great empathy and I can devolve into pettiness." Perhaps most ironically, Pitt talks about "radical accountability." Let's not forget what he was accused of doing on that plane, though the lawsuit was dropped. Honestly, I don't know if I can say Tilda Swinton is pretentious, as she really does seem to be that cultured and intelligent (she's related to royalty, after all) but some of the quotes from this New Yorker interview she gave are wild, so I'll let you decide. Her comments on working with the late director Derek Jarman in particular were overly intellectual and mythologizing — she called the experiences an "apprenticeship" and a "movement," saying, "One is in mourning less for the individuals and more for the time, for—I would even go so far as to call it — 'the movement.'" She also gave a long commentary on class and ruminated on the possibility of dying in a plane crash right after 9/11, saying, "Well, where else would you rather be than with other people? What else is there but other people?" Joaquin Phoenix often comes off as a bit pretentious in how seriously he takes his work, but one moment in particular caught fans' attention: his Oscars speech after winning Best Actor for his role in Joker. In it, Phoenix tried to make a grand statement on world issues, but ended up going on a tangent about cows that sort of rendered the whole thing a little silly and flat. "I've been thinking a lot about some of the distressing issues that we are facing collectively. I think at times we feel, or we're made to feel, that we champion different causes. But for me, I see commonality," Phoenix said, mentioning gender inequality, racism, queer rights, Indigenous rights, and animal rights. While his words on one group always subjugating another of lesser power started nobly, they soon took a turn. "I think that we've become very disconnected from the natural world, and many of us, what we're guilty of is an egocentric world view — the belief that we're the center of the universe," he began. Then he went into artificial insemination. He wrapped it up by advocating for humans to create systems of change and "guide each other towards redemption." Which, sure, but it lacked some specificity, and he'd lost the crowd by then. While again, his intentions seemed noble, maybe don't bring up the morality of drinking milk just seconds after talking about large-scale issues like racial inequality? Russel Brand has a ton of different quotes where he tries to sound deep or smart, but ends up sounding like he's quoting something from a book he read. "The phenomena of consciousness, your very presence, the still, small voice within you and the apparently external world are all proof that God is real," he wrote on Facebook. He's spoken about the need for a "spiritual revolution" — even writing a book on it — the "energy centers in the body," and how the "self" is artificial. His book, Revolution, was criticized by The Guardian for being "heavy going, light on politics and, in places, beyond parody." Framing himself as an expert on spirituality, politics, identity, and truth might not be pretentious posturing if Brand had the credentials to back it Brand is perhaps best known for conspiracy theories, a short marriage to Katy Perry, and his sexual assault allegations (he has pled "not guilty"). Oh, and for someone who talks so much about politics, he doesn't even vote. Jim Carrey's interview with Rüdiger Sturm is full of faux-deep tidbits like this, where he discussed the lack of self. "There is no individual here. There are only energies," he said. "If you want to talk scientifically, break it down to a cluster of tetrahedrons that somehow believe they are a thing." He continued, "But they're ideas — just ideas. Jim Carrey was an idea my parents gave me. Irish-Scottish-French was an idea I was given. Canadian was an idea that I was given. I had a hockey team and a religion and all of these things that cobble together into this kind of Frankenstein monster, this representation. It's like an avatar. These are all the things I am. You are not an actor, or a lawyer. No one is a lawyer. There are lawyers, law is practiced, but no one is a lawyer." He also told Jimmy Kimmel, "I used to be a guy who was experiencing the world and now I feel like the world and universe experiencing a guy." Maybe he's just a New Age sort of guy — but he also seems to act above those who aren't as "enlightened." While attending a NYFW Icons party, he slammed the whole event with a very "better than this" attitude, saying, "I wanted to find the most meaningless thing that I could come to and join, and here I am." Speaking about the theme, he said, "Celebrating icons? That is just the absolute, lowest-aiming possibility that we could come up with." He continued, "I don't believe in personalities. I believe that peace lies beyond personality, beyond invention and disguise, beyond the red 'S' that you wear on your chest that makes bullets bounce off. I believe we are a field of energy dancing for itself. And I don't care." Donald Glover once compared himself to Jesus, after saying that there was nothing he's bad at. "Probably just people. People don't like to be studied, or bested. I'm fine with it. I don't really like people that much. People accept me now because I have power, but they still think, 'Oh, he thinks he's the golden flower of the Black community, thinks he's so different.' But I am, though!" He then said, "I feel like Jesus. I do feel chosen. My struggle is to use my humanity to create a classic work — but I don't know if humanity is worth it, or if we're going to make it. I don't know if there's much time left." While Glover is undeniably talented, the Jesus comparison went a bit far — past pretension and straight into a God complex. This is a small one, but it really irks me. Speaking to THE EDIT by Net-a-Porter, Kate Winslet once said she quit therapy because she was smarter than her therapist. "I tried therapy once and thought, 'Oh God, I could outsmart you, goodbye.' So I won't bother with that again," she told the interviewer. Even if Winslet was smarter than her therapist about everything, she could've tried another. With her platform, it feels irresponsible to suggest therapists are dumb or that therapy is useless if you're smart. hasn't gone to school since she was a teenager. She thinks she's smarter (when it comes to issues of the mind) than someone who went to graduate school for just that? In another smaller moment, Jennifer Garner once tried to make herself look smart and Conan look dumb by correcting him on his own for Conan to prove that he was right all along. I hate when people (non-teachers) correct others over vocabulary, grammar, or the way they speak. Unless it's someone spreading dangerous misinformation or problematic comments, do you really need to say something? Cole Sprouse has cultivated persona over the years, and he's certainly had his r/im14andthisisdeep cringe-worthy moments. I will never forget him being super weird on Tumblr, going viral, then calling the entire thing a "social experiment" in a very pretentious post. A more recent moment came when he appeared on the podcast Call Her Daddy last year. Fans were quick to cringe at his cigarette smoking inside, as well as the way he held the cigarette, tweeting things like, "he gives me the ick" and "It's giving rich white kid pretending to be a tortured artist." His ruminations on relationships didn't much help, though really, it was the general vibe that irked people more. And finally, we'll end with my time that Woody Allen was super pretentious while interviewing Twiggy and tried to make her look dumb. Twiggy — then a teenager — successfully flipped the script and exposed Allen for not being able to answer the same question he'd posed her. To which I say: ICON! (Yes, the same kind Jim Carrey hates.)
CNET
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Represent Sauron With This Special Edition TKL Mechanical Keyboard That's 35% Right Now
If you're looking for a new keyboard, but want to get something a little bit special, then maybe a special edition would help. There are lots of options out there, but there's only a handful that'll let you show off your love for The Lord of the Rings. Amazon has a deal on the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Black Speech TKL mechanical keyboard right now that knocks it down to $130. That's a 35% discount, and it's a great price for a stunning keyboard that most LOTR fans will adore. This gorgeous keyboard has all the normal symbols in tiny font next to the amazing Black Speech spoken by Sauron and his collective of Uruk-Hai and other powerful allies. The TKL keyboard fits better on smaller desks, and it's got an LED backlight for a really menacing feel. It comes in a sturdy aluminum case, Holy Panda X mechanical switches for an incredible feel and sound and the whole package just looks amazing. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. All of this means that this is easily one of the best keyboard deals going on right now. The quality is solid, it looks fantastic and the discount is great. Why this deal matters Getting your hands on a nice keyboard can cost a lot of money, especially if you're looking at a special edition. The Lord of the Rings is a timeless classic, and new fans are constantly finding it, which makes this a cool keyboard for any age. With this discount, it's a no-brainer.
CNET
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Represent Sauron With This Incredible Special Edition Drop TKL Mechanical Keyboard at 35% Off
If you're looking for a new keyboard but want to get something a little bit special, then maybe a good special edition would help. There are lots of options out there, but there's only a handful that'll let you show off your love for The Lord of the Rings. Amazon has a deal on the Drop + The Lord of the Rings Black Speech TKL mechanical keyboard right now that knocks it down to $130. That's a 35% discount, and it's a great price for a stunning keyboard that most LOTR fans will adore. This gorgeous keyboard has all the normal symbols in tiny font next to the amazing Black Speech spoken by Sauron and his collective of Uruk-Hai and other powerful allies. The tenkeyless nature means it fits better on smaller desks, and it's got an LED backlight for a really menacing feel. It's got a sturdy aluminum case, Holy Panda X mechanical switches for an incredible feel and sound, and the whole package just looks amazing. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. All of this means that this is easily one of the best keyboard deals going on right now. The quality is solid, it looks fantastic, and the discount is great. Why this deal matters Getting your hands on a nice keyboard can cost a lot of money, especially if you're looking at a special edition. The Lord of the Rings is a timeless classic, and new fans are constantly finding it, which makes this a cool keyboard for any age. With this discount, it's a no-brainer.
Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
What Are the Must-Have Items for a Complete Middle-earth Memorabilia Collection?
For fans of Tolkien's epic fantasy universe, collecting Middle-earth memorabilia is about more than just buying merchandise. It's about bringing a piece of that world home—whether that's the rolling hills of the Shire, the halls of Minas Tirith or the darkness of Mordor. A complete Lord of the Rings or Hobbit-themed collection doesn't happen overnight. But knowing what to look for can help collectors and new fans alike build something meaningful, valuable and deeply connected to the stories they love. Suppose you're wondering what belongs in a well-rounded Middle-earth memorabilia collection. In that case, this guide will walk you through the essentials—covering everything from movie props and replica swords to detailed figurines and limited-edition prints. Why Collect Middle-earth Memorabilia? Middle-earth has captured imaginations for generations. Whether you were introduced through the original books, Peter Jackson's films or The Rings of Power series, the appeal remains the same: a rich, immersive world full of unforgettable characters and timeless themes. Collecting items from this universe is a way to stay connected to that magic. It can also be a smart investment. Limited-edition Lord of the Rings collectables often increase in value over time—especially if kept in good condition. Searches for terms like buy LOTR replica swords UK, Middle-earth collectable figurines, and best Tolkien merchandise have risen steadily as fans seek both display-worthy items and unique gifts. 1. Replica Swords and Weapons One of the most iconic parts of any Middle-earth collection is the sword stall replica sword. These pieces bring the heroic spirit of the characters to life and look impressive when displayed on a wall or in a cabinet. Popular items include: Andúril, Flame of the West – the reforged sword of Aragorn Sting – the Elvish blade wielded by Frodo and previously Bilbo Glamdring – Gandalf's sword, used in both The Hobbit and LOTR trilogies The Witch-King's sword – for those who enjoy darker elements of the lore These are often full-scale replicas, crafted from stainless steel or high-grade materials. Some come with wall plaques or display stands, and many are officially licensed. Fans looking for Lord of the Rings swords for sale UK or authentic Tolkien weapon replicas should always check for licensing and quality. 2. Character Figurines and Statues Highly detailed figurines are another cornerstone of any memorabilia collection. These range from small plastic figures to large-scale resin statues and limited-edition sculptures. Brands like Weta Workshop are well known for creating film-accurate figures of characters such as: Frodo Baggins Gandalf the Grey Aragorn and Arwen Legolas and Gimli Gollum Sauron and the Nazgûl Some statues are hand-painted and limited to a set number, making them highly sought after by serious collectors. Search interest in Weta LOTR statues UK, Middle-earth character figurines, and collectable Tolkien display pieces is consistently strong, particularly around major release anniversaries or fan conventions. 3. The One Ring and Other Jewellery No Middle-earth collection would be complete without the One Ring itself. Available in gold, silver and plated finishes, these replicas often come in presentation boxes or with Elvish inscription engraving. Other notable jewellery pieces include: Arwen's Evenstar pendant Galadriel's Elven ring, Nenya Dwarven rings of power Whether for display or occasional wear, these pieces hold significant meaning within the lore and make excellent collector's items or gifts for fans. 4. Map of Middle-earth A map is essential for any Tolkien fan who enjoys exploring the world in detail. High-quality prints of Middle-earth can serve as both decoration and reference. Options include: Aged parchment-style maps of Middle-earth Framed editions with calligraphy Maps focused on specific regions such as Rohan, Gondor or the Shire Many collectors also enjoy maps that include both the First and Third Ages, offering a wider historical view. Searches for Middle-earth map wall art or LOTR framed map UK are popular with fans looking to decorate their reading nook or display room. 5. Themed Homeware and Decor Some collectors prefer practical items that still carry that Middle-earth charm. Mugs, coasters, posters, clocks, and bookends featuring designs inspired by the films and books offer a way to enjoy the fandom in everyday life. You might also find: Wooden signs for 'The Shire' or 'Bag End' Door mats with quotes like 'No admittance except on party business' Wall scrolls featuring scenes from the films These pieces are often searched for under Tolkien home decor, Shire-themed gifts, or LOTR fan merchandise. 6. Limited Edition Art Prints and Books For serious collectors, limited-edition art prints, hardback collector's editions, and signed illustrations can be highly valuable. Look for: Prints from artists like Alan Lee or John Howe Boxed sets with foil detail and embossed covers Numbered or signed editions of Tolkien's works Film production sketches or concept art books Collectors often search for Tolkien illustrated editions, Middle-earth art prints, or Lord of the Rings deluxe books when building a more literary or visual collection. 7. Film Props and Behind-the-Scenes Items For advanced collectors, original film props, production replicas, or autographed items are the ultimate prize. These are typically more expensive but offer unmatched authenticity. Examples might include: Scripts signed by cast members Replica clapperboards from the film sets Costume pieces like cloaks or brooches This type of memorabilia is often found through specialist dealers or auctions and is highly prized in fan communities. Search interest in authentic LOTR props, signed Lord of the Rings items, and film-used Tolkien memorabilia peaks during fan events or meets. Final Thoughts Whether you're just starting your Middle-earth collection or looking to complete it with standout pieces, the world of Tolkien collectables is vast and exciting. From replica swords and statues to maps and rare editions, each item adds depth and character to your display. The key is to collect what connects with you—whether that's Frodo's courage, Gandalf's wisdom, or the rich history of Elves, Dwarves and Men. With so many official and fan-approved items available online, building the perfect collection is more accessible than ever. Like this: Like Related
Scottish Sun
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lord of the Rings star breaks down in tears after making surprise appearance on stage at Glastonbury
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HOLLYWOOD icon broke down in tears after his surprise appearance on the Glastonbury stage. The London-born Lord Of the Rings actor stunned fans with his cameo in the Woodsies tent on Saturday evening, taking to the stage in a bold patterned longline jacket. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 A Hollywood icon broke down in tears following a surprise Glastonbury set with the Scissor Sisters Credit: Getty 7 Sir Ian McKellen was overcome with emotion after his stint on stage Credit: BBC 7 He read out lyrics during the band's track, Invisible Light Credit: BBC 7 Sir Ian McKellen is known for playing Gandalf in the LOTR series Credit: Rex Features Sir Ian McKellen, known for playing Gandalf in the hit movie series, lent his signature deep voice and vocal talents to the Scissor Sisters setlist. During the track Invisible Light, the 86-year-old could be heard reading out the words as the electro pop group - led by frontman Jake Shears - danced around. After his surprise stint on stage, the group went on to delight Glastonbury-goers with their signature tracks including Take Your Mama. As he returned to his spot in the crowd, Sir Ian was met with chants of his name. The X-Men actor looked extremely bashful before holding his head in his hands and choking back emotion. In the sweet clip posted to BBC Radio 2's Instagram account, a caption read: "Sir Ian McKellen getting some well deserved Glasto love!" A fan then wrote: "Whyyyyyyy is he ALWAYS not sure why we love him love him. He is so humble. And supremely funny." A second put: "The man is a national treasure." A third then posted: "He's such a darling!!!" FAN FURY For those watching the Scissor Sisters set at home, they faced a barrage of technical issues. Sir Ian McKellen's Stage Accident Shocks Audience The highly anticipated sets were pulled off air due to technical blunders throughout the day, leaving many fans staring at error messages on their screens. The outage hit certain devices and platforms, sparking a wave of complaints online as users demanded answers. For those watching on iPlayer, the main Saturday feed also suffered huge technical difficulties. Those wanting to watch Scissor Sisters were greeted with an apology message emblazoned on the screen. Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far. Confirmed headliners: The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return. Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot. More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy. Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night. Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one expletive-filled fan fumed: "F****** hell @BBC you cut Blossoms short and now Scissor Sisters when it's just a black screen. "Sort it out." 7 The London-born star cut a striking figure in a patterned longline jacket Credit: BBC 7 He put his face in his hands as the crowd shouted his name Credit: BBC
