August 20, 2003

Huorns Will Help
Brett C.

Actually, Tinowien, in one of the movei books relaesed with the film they have a breakdown of the Battle of Helm's Deep and the fold-out picture shows and labels the Hourn forest across the mouth of the Deeping combe, waiting to receive the fleeing Uruk-hai, so it seems a safe bet the limb-lithe trees of Fangorn will be feature along with more of Treebeard in the Extended Release.

Can't say I agree with the arguement of the necessity of changing Faramir's character so radically; the whole drama thing could have been resolved by leaving him as read in the books until he discovers about the ring, and then blaming it's influence on dragging Frodo and Sam off to Osgiliath. Faramir means to release Sam and Frodo, but then, whoops, here comes the Witch King's army, no it's suicide guys, you better come with me after all and hey, that little fell really is shiny isn't it? Or again, they could have left Osgiliath out entirely, at least with regard to Frodo and Sam, and beefed up the drama with the coming forth of the Morgul Host, driving the defenders of Gondor back toward the Anduin while the hobbits look for a chance to slip thorugh the net into Mordor. Nothing will convince me that the cinema release changes were the best way to go, but what's done is done; roll on November.

P.S. The reference to Faramir's life being forfeit harkens back to his line in the book about his "life being justly forfeit, if I make a choice that proves ill for my city." in time of war, or words to that effect. He is basically overriding the direct orders of Denethor the CIC, in his actions.