[mark12_30]

It doesn't quite belong on this thread except that it ties in with the mercy theme.

SARUMAN AND FRODO

The removal of Saruman and Wormtongue's part in The Return of the King has sparked some intense reaction among fans. I'll have to join the fray, but in a slightly different vein. I am looking forward to seeing the return of Saruman in the Extended Edition, and that is what this article is about. But bear with me for a few paragraphs while I digress.

For quite a while, several debates have been raging concerning the movies. My own pet peeve is that the script as shown so far doesn't allow for quite the in-depth development of Frodo that I expected and hoped for. I enjoy Movie-Frodo (or, ‘FrodoLijah’ as he has come to be affectionately called in these debates). I'm fond of the nuances he brings to the character.

But there have been several sticking points for me. Numerous movie-scriptwriting choices have removed important demonstrations of Book-Frodo's inner character and strength. His conflict with the Barrow-Wight was removed, which was understandable for movie pacing, but a loss in terms of character development. On Weathertop, Frodo was shown slithering away from the Nazgul instead of diving forward sword in hand. At the Fords, we lost Frodo's magnificent defiance of all nine Nazgul. For some of us, moments like these are very sorely missed indeed.

I realize that the Scouring of the Shire has been irrevocably removed from the film versions. In terms of pacing, this makes sense, and I cannot argue with it. However, we again lose a great deal in terms of character development. Frodo, I believe, loses the most.

Tolkien put it this way:

Letter 246, page 331:"Frodo had become a considerable person, but of a special kind: in spiritual enlargement rather than in increase of physical or mental power..."
Letter 246 page 326: "Reflecting on the solution after it was arrived at (a mere event) I feel that it is central to the whole 'theory' of true nobility and heroism that is presented. Frodo indeed 'failed' as a hero, as conceived by simple minds... they tend to forget that strange element in the world that we call Pity or Mercy, which is also an absolute requirement in moral judgment... His humility (with which he began) and his sufferings were justly regarded by the highest honor; and his exercise of patience and mercy towards Gollum gained him Mercy: his failure was redressed."

The primary element, then, of Frodo's heroic character development is in the spiritual terms of patience, pity and mercy. We see this directed towards Smeagol, but in a limited sense; we may interpret that Frodo pities Smeagol because he sees what he himself may become. And indeed, this is the presentation given thus far in the movie. Pity, mercy, and patience for their own sake, as elements of character above expedience, are not presented.

The final confrontation with Saruman is therefore the crucial exposition of Frodo's growth. Frodo shows Saruman patience, pity and mercy, and releases him with words of peace, forgiveness, and hope. Saruman's death at Wormtongue's hands may not grieve all of us as it does Frodo, but Frodo's sparing him certainly shows us Frodo's strength of character. The focal point of Frodo's spiritual growth is that he has come to understand the importance of patience, mercy and pity. "I will not have him slain. It is useless to meet revenge with revenge."

When Frodo gives pity and mercy to Saruman, Saruman acknowledges his growth in this passage. Frodo speaks first, then Saruman:

"'No, Sam... He was great once, of a noble kind that we should not dare to raise our hands against. He is fallen, and his cure is beyond us; but I would still spare him, in the hope that he may find it.'

"Saruman rose to his feet, and stared at Frodo. There was a strange look in his eyes of mingled wonder and respect and hatred. 'You have grown, Halfling,' he said. 'Yes, you have grown very much. You are wise, and cruel. You have robbed my revenge of its sweetness, and now I must go hence in bitterness, in debt to your mercy. I hate it and you! Well, I go, and will trouble you no more. But do not expect me to wish you health and long life. You will have neither. But that is not my doing; I merely foretell."

Now, to the point.

Saruman's death has been removed from the Theatrical version, and reserved for the Extended Edition. This gives the filmmakers the opportunity to put this scene in. Not at Bag End, certainly, for that would require much that cannot be done. But recall that in addition to the encounter at Bag End, the hobbits also encounter Saruman along the road during their journey home.

This scene could take place along the road between Bree and The Shire, after their parting from Gandalf. Saruman could be approaching The Shire with evil intent; or he could boast of oppressing (offscreen) hobbits of the Shire or even of Bree.

Either way, Merry, Sam and Pippin can recommend that Saruman be slain; Frodo spares him; Saruman replies, as above; Frodo sets him free, Wormtongue knifes Saruman, and Saruman with his last remaining strength kills Wormtongue.

This would require that you bring back only six actors: Christopher Lee, Brad Dourif and the four hobbits, and reassemble their costumes. The entire scene can be filmed on a country road of your choice; no reconstruction of any set is required. Frodo's spiritual development would be clearly shown; Saruman's demise would be restored to its proper purpose in the development of Frodo's character even though the Scouring is left out; Frodo would be allowed to shine as Tolkien meant him to; and a major bone of contention would be finally put to rest.

(C. Helen Wright, Dec. 16, 2003)

<font size=1 color=339966>[ 10:22 AM January 14, 2004: Message edited by: mark12_30 ]