Continuity mistake: In the barrel riding scene just after Kili is shot in the leg, Tauriel arrives carrying her bow in her left hand. In the next shot the bow is in her right hand: she nocks, draws, and shoots with her left hand. (00:50:20)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Directed by: Peter Jackson
Starring: Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
Continuity mistake: When we first see Alfrid with the Master of Laketown, he is talking about the rebellious people. On his left shoulder is a big splat of yellow goo, probably from a thrown egg. In the previous scene, where he confronts Bard and tries to have the barrels of fish dumped in the water, he hasn't got the yellow goo on his shoulder yet. In the extras of the Extended edition it is revealed that there was a scene filmed where Alfrid was pelted with eggs by the townsfolk when he walked to the Master's house, but the scene was not included in either the theatrical or the extended version. The egg also explains his line: 'the mood of the people is turning ugly'. (01:09:35 - 01:11:35)
Revealing mistake: When Smaug confronts Bilbo and weaves around the gold in his lair, as the dragon asks "What else do you claim to be?" his tail passes through one of the pillars (audience's left).
Trivia: In the beginning of the scene in the Master of Laketown's house, Alfrid tries to empty a chamberpot through the open window. During this, the window half closes, so much of the contents of the chamberpot splash on the inside of the window and windowsill. In the extras of the Extended edition it is told that this happened during the first take, and the scene was reshot many times. Nevertheless, the first take ended up in the final cut. (01:11:35)
Kili: Aren't you going to search me? I could have anything down my trousers.
Tauriel: Or nothing.
Smaug: There is something about you. Something you carry, something made of gold. But far more PRECIOUS...
Thorin Oakenshield: If this is to end in fire, then we will all burn together!
Question: Why on earth does Bilbo remove the ring in front of Smaug? He has no real reason to believe that Smaug won't simply eat him or roast him. Smaug can hear and smell him but can't see him, so as long as he remains still, he is safe unless Smaug gets lucky. Seems like taking the ring off is a huge risk that was not necessary.
Answer: Smaug started talking about the ring, which started drawing the attention of the Necromancer (Sauron), causing Bilbo pain. Remember, wearing the ring made one noticeable to dark forces.
Question: When Bilbo is inside the mountain, after he wakes Smaug he puts the ring on to hide. After a few moments Smaug says something about Bilbo having something gold but more "precious." Bilbo shudders and takes the ring off as if in pain. Does this imply that Smaug knows what The Ring is? Does he know how truly powerful it is, and the history of it?
Answer: You would have to assume so. Dragons are incredibly ancient creatures and powerfully magic, Smaug would probably have been alive around the time of the rings creation, and even if he didn't know about the history he could have sensed the magic in the ring. But I doubt that he cared much for it other than owning it, as he wouldn't be able to wield it.
More questions & answers from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Join the mailing list
Separate from membership, this is to get updates about mistakes in recent releases. Addresses are not passed on to any third party, and are used solely for direct communication from this site. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Check out the mistake & trivia books, on Kindle and in paperback.
Chosen answer: Bilbo is actually quite clever, I think he was trying to talk his way out by buttering Smaug up. If he tried to run, Smaug, who was on high alert, would have caught him and swallowed him without a second thought. By playing with words he was able to both interest and distract Smaug, and get away.