Christopher Lee - not in RoTK?

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Huscarl

Thanks guys- but were Lee's own personal (or public) views on the matter of being 'cut' onto the studio floor?

He was not happy in the least, particularly since he was very much an ardent follower of Tolkien's work for many decades prior to the making of the movie. He tried to be polite about it in interviews, but his disgust was evident. David Wenham, who played Faramir, was equally dismayed at the treatment his character received in the movies, but I don't believe he actually read the books until after the fact. Had he done so he most likely would've been apppalled.

[Mithalwen]

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.

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

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.

I believe he mentioned the disparity and difference in nobility from book Faramir to movie Faramir somwhere on the extended version DVD's. Or maybe I am merely being appalled for him.