A better purpose for the ghost army in ROTK

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Originally Posted by Rhun charioteer

I think overall the Pelennor fields battle worked on screen. Introducing the swan Knights and Imrahil would have confused movie audiences.

Yes, if they had only been introduced at that point.

I am actually quite fond of the passage in the book where Pippin and Bergil watch the reinforcements arrive. It gives the reader an idea of the structure of the Gondorian state, but also a sense of the peril and hopeless situation of Minas Tirith.

[Morthoron]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

Yes, if they had only been introduced at that point.

I am actually quite fond of the passage in the book where Pippin and Bergil watch the reinforcements arrive. It gives the reader about the structure of the Gondorian state, but also a sense of the peril and hopeless situation of Minas Tirith.

Yes, that is an important passage, Rune. I think the movies minimized the actual contribution and sacrifices of the Gondorions and their allies/vassals. The poignancy of the loss of such lords as Forlong the Fat at Pelennor made the books far superior in the aspects of lyricism and depth during the battle of Minas Tirith.

In fact, I think Jackson minimized the abilities and heroism of Gondorions, making them for the most part gibbering idiots and cowards. Even outnumbered as they were, one tall Gondorion was more than a match for any single orc, yet often we see the orcs overrunning Gondorions and defeating them single-handedly.

[Rhun charioteer]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

Yes, if they had only been introduced at that point.

I am actually quite fond of the passage in the book where Pippin and Bergil watch the reinforcements arrive. It gives the reader an idea of the structure of the Gondorian state, but also a sense of the peril and hopeless situation of Minas Tirith.

How would you have introduced them previously?

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Originally Posted by Rhun charioteer

How would you have introduced them previously?

By including a scene where Bergil and Pipin watch the reinforcements arrive...

[William Cloud Hicklin]

Originally Posted by Rune Son of Bjarne

By including a scene where Bergil and Pipin watch the reinforcements arrive...

Can't do that. Or at least, it's constitutionally impossible for PJ to do that. Include a scene with no fight, chase or hyperkinetic camera movement or at least a shouting argument? Oh hell no!

Unless somehow he could squeeze in (out?) a fart joke. Then he might give it a try.

Seriously: PJ hasn't the least bloody idea how to do a gradual suspense buildup. His attitude is like a hooker's: maximize the number of climaxes per hour.