That is interesting - I read an interview with Wenham where he trotted out the (party) line that Faramir was dramatically dull and so had to be changed. If he hadn't actually read the book it would make far more sense that he hadn't objected to the second greatest man (IMO) in English Literature being turned in to a git.
It was quite clear that Lee was unhappy - not that actors often like their roles cut or minimised, but Sir Christopher reread the book each year since publication and had met Tolkien. He quite probably knew and loved the book at least as well if not anyone on the production.
