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Peter Jackson's film trilogy The Lord of the Rings has computerized one of the most memorable characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels. Gollum was a hobbit named Smeagol whose possession and loss of the powerful ring, which he calls his "precious," turned him into a distraught creature of animalistic drive. NPR's Liane Hansen talks to Andy Serkis, the actor who plays Gollum and Smeagol. He documented his experience in the book Gollum: How We Made Movie Magic.

Astronomer Ian Griffin of Baltimore, Md., is the guest on a new edition of "What Are You Listening To?" His musical selections range from Bruce Springsteen to themes from 1960s British TV shows. NPR's Steve Inskeep listens along.

New movies being released are increasingly violent, offering graphic views of death and gore. NPR's Bob Mondello surveys the current blood offerings in theaters, and analyzes why anti-violence advocates don't seem to be seeing red.

NPR's Scott Simon talks with New York Times critic Elvis Mitchell about the quirky television sitcoms Scrubs and Arrested Development. Mitchell talks about what makes their brand of comedy so refreshing.

House of Sand and Fog is the first feature film from director and screenwriter Vadim Perelman. Though inexperienced, Perelman was able to persuade the author of the novel -- Andre Dubus III -- to sell him the rights by telling Dubus the story of his own emigration from the Soviet Union. Perelman speaks with NPR's Michele Norris.

Actor Will Geer is perhaps best remembered as grandpa on The Waltons. But in the 1950s, he founded an outdoor theater in California. Iris Mann reports.

Western culture has long romanticized the image of the young artist, but for some people, creative inspiration comes at the other end of life. A new exhibit at Baltimore's American Visionary Art Museum pays tribute to the late onset of creativity, showcasing the works of 50 elderly artists. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.

Hollywood studios back away from a ban on sending promotional videos to Oscar voters. The ban was meant to stop piracy, but it angered many who said it would have given studio films an advantage over smaller, independent features. NPR's Rick Karr reports.

The bipartisan announcement comes after months of negotiations in the chamber. The legislation offers resources for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Entertainer Lily Tomlin will be the recipient of this year's Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In an interview with NPR's Scott Simon, she covers a career full of wry observations on the human comedy. Watch video of many of her classic performances.