Confessions of a Fugitive Mind
December 19, 2002
Two Towers
Not Boynton and Washburn. Think Orthanc and Burad-dur of Tolkein fame. I made Barbie take me to see Two Towers this afternoon. I was chomping at the bit to go Tuesday at midnight, but my sister had succumbed to a bad case of the flu and I wasn't sure enough of my health to go out. The trip to the movie theatre was my first expedtion out of my driveway since the surgery (save the doctor's appointment I had last Friday) and my mother made a big deal about it. Despite her worries, I was fine through out the entire three hours of the film. I cringed; I jumped; I giggled; I even sat on the edge of my seat. The movie was good, especially the battle scenes. Those I found to be very true to the book. Some of the character development however, was not. I speak of Faramir, who was wise enough to see the ring for what it was. In Tolkien's version he guessed that it destroyed his brother Boromir and was able to resist its call. In the movie, he acted no wiser than his brother and meant to keep the ring until some sentimental soliloquy by Samwise. Faramir was one of the beacons of hope for mankind, but putting him this low lessens his heroic qualities. When Aragorn finally ascends the throne, it is over Faramir. I understand that it makes it easier to crown him if the only other ruler has less integrity, but the fact that he really does have incredible integrity that boosts the true king. Grrr. It just bothers me because I really felt for his character in the book and just didn't feel that pull in the movie. Now I'll be waiting impatiently for the Return of the King next winter and will probably see Two Towers several more times.
Posted by criminal at December 19, 2002 09:02 PM