What ever happened to Faramir?

Rating: Null/10 (27 December 2002)

As a seasoned film buff and voracious reader, I don't suppose that I was silly enough to imagine that a literal adaptation of the books was forthcoming. Taken on its own cinematic merits, The Two Towers is undoubtedly a spectacular follow-up to The Fellowship of the Ring. Wide sweeping camera movements, action-packed scenes and meticulous visual effects. No, my quibble with the film-makers is not with the visual as the visual elements are, without a doubt, suitably Tolkien-esque.

1. The portrayal of Faramir as an ambitious, impetuous warrior in the film goes against the grain. Tolkien's gentlemen soldier with profound insight seems to have gone astray. That particular thread seems unnecessarily rushed.
2. The choice of Helm's Deep as the film's focal point has shifted the attention from the Hobbits (the real heroes of Tolkien's narrative) to the plight of men. Whether that is "good" or "bad" is cause for much discussion I'm sure. The focus on Helm's Deep, in my opinion, takes away from the greater role of the Ents and Hobbits in the whole affair.
Overall the film is watchable and the sense of urgency and bleakness is well portrayed. I await the third instalment with much anticipation.