August 25, 2003

Faramir Changes / Scouring Etc.
Sulimo

To all the folks still obsessing over the Faramir changes in TTT and the fact that the Scouring of the Shire won't be in ROTK......GET OVER IT!!
As it's been stated many times, some changes are to be expected when making a movie (esp. of this magnitude). It is a very different process of telling a story on paper versus telling that same story via film. As far Faramir, I think the changes add to the tension... What will happen to poor Frodo and Sam? What will that crazy Faramir guy do to them? What has PJ cooked up this time? ETC. I think it gives those of us that have read the books something to look forward to, something unexpected. In the end we still come full circle to the good ole Faramir that everybody loves so much (which we'll see more of in ROTK). Don't you see? It draws you to want to see ROTK even more.
Now, for the Scouring. Please realize that PJ knows that all us Tolkien fans are certain to see the films, regardless of any changes we think or know were made. We just can't resist (being the crazed fanatics that we are)!! As for the folks who don't know and love Tolkien (I guess there are some of them out there), PJ knows he's got to grab'em and reel them in. Think if you hadn't read the books, and had only seen the movies... the Scouring would seem kinda odd. We've been taught throughout our lives that the climax is supposed to be at the end, not almost at the end. PJ could care less if he offends some Tolkien fans, our money is in the bag. It's the other folks he's after (...He's seeking them, all his will is bent on them...).
Anyway, it all boils down to one thing. He takes us from point A to point Z with relatively few strays. Very impressive for such a complex story. So folks, please, can't we love both the books and the films, and treat them as two separate entities.
Sorry for the length. I just had to get that of my chest. After all, haven't we been through the Faramir changes already? Oh, hope I didn't offend anyone with the "GET OVER IT".

Sulimo