Another solid entry into this series. 2 for 2 Daniel! I’d never thought about that moment at Khazad-dum being about Boromir protecting the Ring.
I think some of the flattening of Boromir character in the films was simply due to run time and the mediums needs to do more with every moment.
That said, I think Theoden and Boromir—excellent as they are on screen overall—both suffer in the adaptation due to the imposition of Aragorns arc from reluctant heir to confident king. The scene you mention with Narsil is just one example. Flaws of leadership in both Theoden and Boromir are drawn out as a way to show contrast with Aragorn, to in turn draw out Aragorn’s more perfect qualities as would-be king. If you remove the need for Aragorn to start believing in himself (because he already does in the books) then there’s more room for Boromir good qualities to come across before his fall, in the moments of his death, and in the ways other characters remember him.
Great points about Theoden and Boromir in comparison to Aragorn in the movies. . As I mentioned, I’ve started re-reading the books so it’ll be interesting to contrast with the films again 👍🏼
Although I grew up watching the movies, I didn’t read any of Tolkien’s works, other than The Hobbit, until I was an adult. When I did finally read them, I remember being surprised by how much I loved Boromir’s character, despite, or perhaps because of, his temptations, failures, and eventual redemption. LOTR is the gold standard for fantasy movie adaptations, in my opinion, but it’s nearly impossible to do full justice to Boromir’s character within the runtime confines of a movie.
This was a fantastic read, and now I’m in the mood to go re-read the books! Thank you!
I am loving this series, Dan. It's been a long time since I've read the books (and it's been a fairly long time since I've re-watched the films), so these feel like perfect companion pieces for when I go back for a read. They're also excellent entry pieces for anyone who hasn't read or watched the films. Please keep it up.
My only little request if I may be so bold: can you put a little note at the end of each quote as to whether it's from the books or films? This is clear in places from the text either side, but when scrolling back through and reading the quotes I wanted to immediately compare Tolkien's writing to the screenplay writing. :)
Another solid entry into this series. 2 for 2 Daniel! I’d never thought about that moment at Khazad-dum being about Boromir protecting the Ring.
I think some of the flattening of Boromir character in the films was simply due to run time and the mediums needs to do more with every moment.
That said, I think Theoden and Boromir—excellent as they are on screen overall—both suffer in the adaptation due to the imposition of Aragorns arc from reluctant heir to confident king. The scene you mention with Narsil is just one example. Flaws of leadership in both Theoden and Boromir are drawn out as a way to show contrast with Aragorn, to in turn draw out Aragorn’s more perfect qualities as would-be king. If you remove the need for Aragorn to start believing in himself (because he already does in the books) then there’s more room for Boromir good qualities to come across before his fall, in the moments of his death, and in the ways other characters remember him.
Thanks very much Eric 🙏
Great points about Theoden and Boromir in comparison to Aragorn in the movies. . As I mentioned, I’ve started re-reading the books so it’ll be interesting to contrast with the films again 👍🏼
Thanks very much Sam 🙏
Although I grew up watching the movies, I didn’t read any of Tolkien’s works, other than The Hobbit, until I was an adult. When I did finally read them, I remember being surprised by how much I loved Boromir’s character, despite, or perhaps because of, his temptations, failures, and eventual redemption. LOTR is the gold standard for fantasy movie adaptations, in my opinion, but it’s nearly impossible to do full justice to Boromir’s character within the runtime confines of a movie.
This was a fantastic read, and now I’m in the mood to go re-read the books! Thank you!
Thanks very much Bridget. Really appreciate your kind words 🙏
I am loving this series, Dan. It's been a long time since I've read the books (and it's been a fairly long time since I've re-watched the films), so these feel like perfect companion pieces for when I go back for a read. They're also excellent entry pieces for anyone who hasn't read or watched the films. Please keep it up.
My only little request if I may be so bold: can you put a little note at the end of each quote as to whether it's from the books or films? This is clear in places from the text either side, but when scrolling back through and reading the quotes I wanted to immediately compare Tolkien's writing to the screenplay writing. :)
Thanks very much, Nathan 🙏
I’m so glad you’re enjoying them 👍🏼
I had the book quotes referenced, and then added the movies but then thought it looked too untidy so removed them all 😆
I guess, the moral of the story is, by the third edit, leave it alone 😁
I thought the screenplay did a great job of capturing the essence of Tolkien so it was a shame Christopher Tolkien didn’t like the movies
Work takes over next week 🙄 so it’ll be a wee while before the next one but, they’re good fun, so think I’ll keep going 😊
Hehe, how funny. Next time, keep them in ;)
I agree, the films really did a great job.
Hope work isn't too hectic.