[The Saucepan Man]

As I have said on the "additional scene" thread, I thought that the re-taking of Osgiliath scene was marvellous, and I particularly liked the fact that, when Faramir says the line about having a chance to prove himself, it harks back to his father's mocking words in Osgiliath. Clearly, he is remembering those words at this moment.<P>For me, this does indeed suggest that he wants to prove himself to his dismissive father and do what he is given to believe is his duty to his people, but that it is against his better judgment. I always had this impression from the theatrical release, but this additional scene really emphasises the point, since it gives him a more credible reason for making the decision to bring the Ring to Denethor. It also makes his change of heart at Osgiliath far more believable, since it suggests that he was always inclined to let Frodo and Sam go but suppressed this inclination in his desire to please his father.<P>He is still not the same character as in the book, since book Faramir is able to act upon his inclination without hesitation. But it does make him a far more sympathetic character in the context of the film. And his other additional scenes in the extended edition, namely his reflections on the dead Southron (taken from Sam's musings in the book) and the concern he shows towards Frodo's Quest in his warning to Gollum at the entrance to the Osgiliath sewers, also help to reinforce this impression.<P>Personally, had I been making the film, I would almost certainly have included the re-taking of Osgiliath in the theatrical release.<p>[ November 19, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]