Ghan-Buri-Ghan, Where Are You? - Page 4
© Douglas Charles Rapier
The handling of Faramir's role left much to be desired, too. He valiantly and rashly charges a strongly defended position in Osgiliath to gain the favor of his father and is next seen being dragged by his horse back to the gates of the White City ahead of the hosts of Mordor. His combat with the Nazgul and its inflicting a near-fatal wound is not even given screen time. Did that bit of drama end up on the cutting room floor?
Where were Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth and his knights? Theirs was the force which rescued the wounded Faramir, gaining additional time and bringing welcome reinforcements. One might also wonder why the sons of Elrond and the Dunedain were excluded from the film.
Like Samwise, I was over-joyed to see the oliphants though, I would have preferred less time spent on battling oliphants and more attention given to the original story line.
Another disappointment was that King Aragorn did not heal Faramir, Eowyn and Merry and thus prove his kingship. I guess just having the sword, Anduril, was proof enough.
Returning to Arwen's role, nothing more is said of her after Elrond's visit to Theoden's camp in Rohan until she appears from behind a small banner at the King's coronation acting wistfully coquettish. THIS is the future queen of Gondor? She is the daughter of an Elf lord, the granddaughter of Galadriel, a descendant of Finarfin, Olwe and Elwe, High Elves who had stood in the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor and she's more than 3000 years old. What's with the coy school-girl act?
Mordor: Shelob was fantastic. The 'Sam, go home.' line was ridiculous. What was Sam suppose to do, catch the red-eye back to Bag End?
On the other hand, the addition of Gollum poisoning Frodo's mind against Sam was not an unwarranted addition in a Hollywood-sort-of-way though it was mis-handled. Sam's loyalty would never have allowed him to part from Frodo and leave him in the hands of Gollum for even a second.
The lembas crumbs incident was a weak invention. Tolkien's story is strong enough without adding slap-dash nonsense to motivate action.
Where was the 'Mouth of Sauron' with the terms of surrender? If ever there was a dramatic moment, before the Black Gates, that was it. Aragorn galloping around didn't play nearly as well.
The 'Eye of Sauron' search-light was strictly 'Hollywood' : Stalag-13 crossed with a James Cagney prison break.
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