Small LOTR: TT Movie Q

[Azure Trance]

Why did Peter Jackson switch the central role of Faramir into a Neo-Boromir? Other then the possible answers of, he's trying to destroy the film and such ... I know it's an interpretation, and certain things had to be moved / cut / changed which I don't mind, and neither do I really mind of NeoBoromir, but it seems quite a character shift. Was there any reason? Was he trying to reinforce the fact that the ring induces seduction ... or something else?

 

[Chauzu]

No clue (although I don't mind it much). I'm sure the answers will be given in TTT special edition dvd.

 

[Shadowdancer]

The best answer I've been able to come up with is that in the first movie, Jackson firmly established that everyone would be immediately corrupted by the ring except the hobbits. The hobbits were the only ones who could safely transport the ring to Mount Doom.

So it might be confusing to the many filmgoers who have never read the books if you suddenly had a human who wasn't influenced, even a little bit, by the ring's evil. "Why not give it to him and let him take it to Mount Doom?" they might ask. "Faramir's a better fighter than the hobbits, and he's used to using guerrilla tactics on the forces of Mordor. He has a much better chance of succeeding."

 

[Dinkeldog]

My only problem with Faramir is that he's supposed to be cuter than Boromir.

 

[FraserRonald]

The best answer I've been able to come up with is that in the first movie, Jackson firmly established that everyone would be immediately corrupted by the ring except the hobbits. The hobbits were the only ones who could safely transport the ring to Mount Doom.

What about Aragorn? He fears he'll be seduced, but he easily turns away from it. He doesn't even really give it a thought, just basically says "Yeah, I'm worried I'll try to take it too, so you better skee-daddle."

So it might be confusing to the many filmgoers who have never read the books if you suddenly had a human who wasn't influenced, even a little bit, by the ring's evil. "Why not give it to him and let him take it to Mount Doom?" they might ask. "Faramir's a better fighter than the hobbits, and he's used to using guerrilla tactics on the forces of Mordor. He has a much better chance of succeeding."

Well, I mean, other than the fact that Frodo would absolutely not give the ring to any individual, there is also the fact that in the Council, they basically say Frodo's the man/hobbit for the job, and Frodo can't just pawn that off on somebody else. The audience might question why Faramir doesn't help Frodo, but if Aragorn can send him packing, why not Faramir? At least Faramir has a duty to his men and his father to fulfill.

I don't know, last time this was brought up, I was in the minority, so maybe it's just me.

Take care all.

 

[Umbran]

I personally think part of it is a little more subtle...

In the books, Frodo and Sam have a long, fairly uneventful journey. Many, many pages, lots of time for you to get the idea that Frodo isn't having an easy time of it. This is done, though, by telling you what Frodo feels.

So, aside from the journey itself making a pretty slow movie, it'd be hard to display Frodo's trial in a satisfactory manner. By changing Faramir slightly (and only slightly - he does show his good mettle in the end) Frodo's part of the movie becomes more stressful (and thus more interesting), and a better stage to show the Ring's effect on the hobbit.

 

[Ziona]

My only problem with Faramir is that he's supposed to be cuter than Boromir.

Faramir is cuter than Boromir.

Not that any of them compare to Legolas!

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Faramir is cuter than Boromir.

Not that any of them compare to Legolas!

Bah!

Pervy elf fancier!