At about 0:31 onwards in this video, Aragorn turned around and the camera then focused on Gandalf who proceeded to wave his hand:
What is Gandalf doing here? Is it anything particularly special, magical or otherwise noteworthy?
At about 0:31 onwards in this video, Aragorn turned around and the camera then focused on Gandalf who proceeded to wave his hand:
What is Gandalf doing here? Is it anything particularly special, magical or otherwise noteworthy?
In an earlier scene in the Extended Edition, Gandalf, Aragorn et al had a showdown with the Mouth of Sauron, the lieutenant of Barad-dur and Sauron's "spokesman". Each side came to demand the surrender of the other, and the Mouth remarks to Gandalf
I have a token that I was bidden to show thee
This token (which Gandalf is holding) is Frodo's mithril coat, which was taken from him during his captivity in the Tower of Cirith Ungol. An Uruk is seen fleeing from the Tower with coat in hand in another extra scene earlier in the film. In the books, the Mouth also brought forth Frodo's elven cloak from Lothlorien, and an ancient Dunedain blade, one of which was given to each of the Hobbits by Tom Bombadil in the Fellowship of the Ring.
These tokens were brought to Gandalf to show him that Frodo's quest had failed, to take away what little hope was left as they stood before the Black Gate.
So in conclusion, Gandalf is working no magic here, but he is holding Frodo's mithril coat and remembering his friend as Aragorn turns to face Sauron's forces.
According to the film's production commentary, this cut is a little awkward because there's a missing scene in the Theatrical Cut in which the Mouth of Sauron presents Aragorn with Frodo's mithril vest. Before the fight, Gandalf raises it to remind Aragorn why they're fighting.
Obviously the vest can't be shown before the fight because his vest (in this version) is still in Mordor somewhere, so they had to digitally zoom the shot to remove the vest from the frame.
"This scene pays off the mithril vest which you see one of the Uruk-hai make off with. It's a nice touch and a really nice taunt to our friends."
[later]
"That would be a different 'take' we used of Gandalf, because now we've got the Mithril vest back. Gandalf brings the Mithril vest up and he fears for Frodo, and we had to take that out because the mithril vest wasn't [there because], we took the Mouth of Sauron out."
Interestingly this close-up shot, rather than the original zoomed-out version also makes it into the Extended Edition, presumably because using the original version would have raised other continuity issues such as lighting or actor placement.
I have not read the books, therefore I don't know if an answer is provided in them. I too have searched for the answer to this question with no answer I find acceptable. I will share with you my personal opinion, backed by what knowledge I have:
In this scene that I find equally interesting, Aragorn grips his sword and is preparing for battle. The next scene immediately focuses on the Eye of Sauron, and as it does we can hear Sauron call out to Aragorn. Earlier instances of Sauron's voice, and engagements with The One Ring, had a seducing effect. I believe this was Sauron's attempt to sway Aragorn.
Aragorn, hearing Sauron's call, slowly moves forward and lowers his sword. As he does so, both Gandalf and Legolas notice and their facial expressions change to what appears to be concern. Don't forget, Aragorn's ancestors fell to the will of The One Ring, and always at the most pivotal moments just like this one at the Black Gate.
Aragorn turns, he looks back at Gandalf, Legolas, and their company. His sword is down, his expression now changed. Even Aragorn's eyes appear to show doubt for a brief moment. The very next scene we see Gandalf wave his hand. I have no evidence, but I believe this was Gandalf attempting to see if Aragorn had been corrupted by Sauron. Almost as if saying, "are you still here, are you still with us, are you still Aragorn?" I truly believe in this moment Gandalf, Legolas, and their company feared, if only briefly, that Aragorn's will had fallen to the seduction of Sauron.
Then, I'm sure if the above is true, an incredible relief as Aragorn smiles and says, "For Frodo." Aragorn resisted the will, corruption, and seduction of Sauron. He charges the army of Mordor and his company follows their friend, their king.