Did Peter Jackson Mess Up Any Parts of The Lord of the Rings?

Peter Jackson, renowned for his masterful adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novels into films, has brought Middle-earth to life on the big screen. However, as with any adaptation, there have been changes and alterations to the original novels. Let's explore some of these changes and their impact on the characters and plot.

Frodo's Age and Destinations

In the films, Frodo Baggins is depicted as a wiser and slightly older hobbit, in his fifties at the start of the journey. In the books, Frodo is a younger hobbit who resides in Bag End. After being warned about the Ring and told to sell Bag End to his relatives, Frodo moves to Crickhollow. This change was made to emphasize Frodo's increasing maturity and the passage of time, which would have been challenging to convey through long passages in films.

These alterations were made to better cater to a cinematic audience, ensuring a more accessible and engaging narrative. The extended passages in the books could have made the films extremely lengthy without adding significant new plot elements. The films focus more on visual storytelling and character development, which suited the medium of cinema well.

Faramir's Character Flaws

Peter Jackson's portrayal of Faramir, the son of Denethor, is one of the most criticized changes. In the books, Faramir is depicted as a wiser, more honorable, and thoughtful young man who chooses to stay in Minas Tirith rather than take the Ring from Frodo. His character is a crucial element in Tolkien's depiction of the allure and corruption of power. However, in the films, Faramir is portrayed in a manner similar to his brother, Boromir, both of whom succumb to temptation. This change drastically alters Faramir's character arc and strips him of the honor and integrity he carries in the books.

Original text from the books describes Faramir as follows: 'He is learned enough to not be tempted by the Ring, once he learned Frodo had it. He knew his father would covet the Ring and would want Faramir to take it from Frodo but he refused that temptation. When Sam blurts out that Boromir died attempting to take the Ring from Frodo by force, Faramir makes a speech about how it has come to him in Gondor’s hour of greatest need but that taking it would be wrong. He refuses to try to wrest the Ring from Frodo noting that even if he found it by the side of the road he would not accept it or take it or use it even if by refusing it he would see Minis Tirith fall to Sauron. He is thus shown to be a man of honor and wisdom refusing to be corrupted by the Ring’s power.'

The film's portrayal of Faramir as a man driven by legacy and weakness diminishes the character's significance and the themes of resistance to power. Fans of the books have found this alteration to be a significant disappointment, as it alters the emotional and thematic depth of Faramir's character.

Arwen's Role and Importance

Another notable change in the films is the expanded role of Arwen, making her more prominent and influential. In the books, Arwen has a smaller role, primarily as a supporting character. However, in the film adaptations, she is given a more significant role, even becoming Aragorn's queen. This revision upholds the idea that there are few female characters with significant roles in the Lord of the Rings.

One of the most controversial aspects of Arwen's role in the films is her decision to forsake her Elvish heritage and choose a mortal life with Aragorn. While this is initially suggested in the books, the film reimagines her as a strong and independent character who deliberately rejects her immortal life for love. Her journey in the films emphasizes her autonomy and love for Aragorn, which resonates strongly with viewers.

Furthermore, the film's depiction of Arwen's role conflicts with the lore in the books. In the original text, it is Glorfindel, an Elvish warrior of great renown, who leads the Nazg?l into the Ford of Bruinen. Jackson's film changes this to Arwen, who is described as less powerful than Glorfindel. This discrepancy may lead to confusion among viewers who are familiar with Tolkien's lore, particularly those aware of the significance and capabilities of Glorfindel.

Conclusion

While Peter Jackson's adaptations of The Lord of the Rings have been widely loved by many, they are not without controversy. The alterations to characters like Faramir and Arwen, and the need to fit the story into a cinematic format, have led to both praise and criticism. These changes were necessary to make the stories accessible and engaging for a wide audience, but they often come at the cost of the subtle and nuanced details found in the original novels. For fans of the books, these changes may be seen as a necessary evil, but for new viewers, they offer an engaging and visually stunning adaptation of Tolkien's epic.