March 7, 2003

Book to Movie
Amy

Let's remember that most movies (any?) are longer than three hours. Some people have said that TTT lacks true substance. I disagree. I just finished a re-read of the TTT and am currently 2/3 of the way through ROTK. While although JRRT included much wonderful dialog that's just great to READ, it just gets to wordy to have that all played out on the big screen. Film has the advantages of facial expression and the old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words." Also, I don't see Faramir as being portrayed as evil in the movie, as some have stated. I believe, rather, that his character is AT FIRST viewed as ambiguous, uncertain. It is not clear to Frodo and Sam if they will have to contend with a Boromir-lust for the ring or if Faramir's character will prove to be the stronger of the two brothers. Faramir's desire to please and bring honor to his father (as described in the books) lends precedence to Faramir's actions in the movie. From a movie-making standpoint, it created a wonderful tension for the viewer. But, Faramir DOES prove to be of stronger will in the movie than his brother. I hope to see much more of Faramir's character developed in ROTK in the attack on Minus Tirith.