February 3, 2003

In Defense of Faramir
Spathi

I think people need to calm down about the whole Faramir thing. After all, he's not even a major character. His role in the story is really brought out during film 3, where in all reality the only reason for him even being there is so that Eowyn isn't left heartbroken. Let's face the facts - he never tried to actually take the ring. He pondered it for a while, but in the end was able to let Frodo go, unlike his brother. I never got the impression that he was a jerk, I did get the impression however, that he was a noble man undergoing the heavy sorrow and stress that accompanies losing a war and losing a loved one. He had decisions to make, and what man, be he noble or evil would not feel the temptation to use the Ring in such circumstances. His demeanor was very fitting of someone who has seen many battles in war - cautious and dangerous.

Galadriel was also a changed character in the film, to which many of us were bothered upon seeing. I think of Faramir almost equally as important in the story as Galadriel, if not less (for the film's sake). Perhaps we'll get another version of Faramir as well in the extended DVD for those who are seriously wounded at PJ's portrayal.