Another LofR thread--Faramir
Whenever I read a criticism about The Lord of the Rings, particularly The Two Towers or Return of the King, one of the items always mentioned is the character of Faramir. Many people think that the character of Faramir was changed dramatically from the book. In a sense this is true. But my question is: Do you think the Faramir could have been portrayed as in the book AND would the "unwashed" (as I've heard them referenced) have been able to accept Faramir as written?
My own opinion is that no, if Faramir had been portrayed as written in the book, any (and everyone) who had not read the book would have claimed, essentially, deus ex machine to Faramir refusing the ring. He spoke the same lines in the movie as in the book, but without the irony and I think too much of the movie going audience would have missed the irony.
Is this just cause to "rewrite" the character? Perhaps, because I think Faramir's character is "saved" by his decision to release Frodo once he realizes the evil nature of the ring. The movie audience had to be _shown_ Faramir's character whereas the reader can simply be told.
Dissenters?
My own opinion is that no, if Faramir had been portrayed as written in the book, any (and everyone) who had not read the book would have claimed, essentially, deus ex machine to Faramir refusing the ring. He spoke the same lines in the movie as in the book, but without the irony and I think too much of the movie going audience would have missed the irony.
Is this just cause to "rewrite" the character? Perhaps, because I think Faramir's character is "saved" by his decision to release Frodo once he realizes the evil nature of the ring. The movie audience had to be _shown_ Faramir's character whereas the reader can simply be told.
Dissenters?
Comments
Refresh our memory what are the main differences from book to movie?
I didn't much kind the character revision though. I regard the movies as a wholly separate entity than the books. It's much easier to appreciate both works that way.
Originally posted by dviant
I don't rightly remember the differences in Faramir in the book vs the movie. But I must say the extra scenes in the extended version giving him background really helped give his character more weight.
Refresh our memory what are the main differences from book to movie?
Long quote:
[Faramir speaking]. . ."So that is the answer the all the riddles! The One Ring that was thought to have perished from the world. And Boromire tried to take it by force? And you escaped? And ran all the way--to me! And here in the wild I have you: two halflings, and a host of men ta my call, and the Ring of Rings. A pretty stroke of fortune! A chance for Faramir, Captain of Gondor, to show his quality! Ha!" He stood up, very tall and stern, his grey eyes glinting.
...But Faramir sat down again in his chair and began to laugh quietly, and then suddenly became grave again.
"Alas for Boromir! It was too sore a trial!" he said. "How you have increased my sorrow . . . . We are truth-speakers, we men of Gondor. We boast seldom,and then perform, or die in the attempt. Not if I found it on the highway would I take it I said. Even if I were such a man as to desire this thing, and even thought I knew not clearly what this thing was when spoken, still I should take those words as a vow, and be held by them.
"But I am not such a man. Or I am wise enough to know that there are some perils from which a man must flee. . . . So be comforted. But do not even name this thing again aloud. Once is enough."
And Tolkien describes Faramir as one more akin to the kings and Numenoreans of old than had been seen in a long time--more like Aragorn than Boromir.
And I don't think Faramir was quite as "broken up" by being sent back into battle by his father, but the text doesn't describe his reaction either way.
The portrayal of Denethor II on the other hand was waaaay off. He's portrayed as a villain, and in the end he's basically murdered by Gandalf. We don't feel any pity for him even though he's supposed to be sympathetic character.
Eh, this thread is mostly a retread. I'm pretty sure we've discussed Faramir in depth in older threads.