Faramir’s Choice in the Tale of Two Towers Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Action and Character Analysis and Comparison with Book and Focused Essay nwbartel 5:17 pm

For the record, the film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books are fantastic. They are visually stunning, well acted and well paced (especially for such long movies). The defects of the theatrical releases were largely remedied in the extended DVD releases, which feature much need character development and several plot developments. Despite their excellence, however, they are not above criticism. If the movies falter, they do so where they have departed from the books.

One of the most egregious changes from the book occurs in the character of Faramir. Tolkien deliberately contrasts him with his brash older brother, Boromir who was destroyed by the rings temptation. Faramir, on the other hand, resists the ring. His noble character echoes that of the great kings of Gondor, from whom he is distantly and indirectly descended. His character exemplifies the wisdom and nobility of character which is so strong a theme in the story. (more…)

 

Kitty’s Second Chance: Love and Character in The Painted Veil Friday, Aug 22 2008 

Character Analysis and Comparison with Book and Drama and Focused Essay and Period Piece nwbartel 5:09 pm

The Painted Veil beautifully presents the story of a young society woman named Kitty and her redemption from a shallow and self-centered life through her growing ability to love. While there are several significant changes in how her journey toward a better life is portrayed and the particulars of her circumstances, the film nevertheless captures the essential change in Kitty’s character and so remains remarkably true to W Somerset Maughm’s book.

The first half of the film tracing the events taking Kitty from the high society of London to a remote, cholera-stricken village in China contains only minor changes from the book. Her marriage to Walter, move to China, her affair with Charlie Townsend and Walter’s discovery of it and the terrible choice Walter gives Kitty to accompany him to the village or face a scandalous divorce are all very similar. Not surprisingly, the book offers more detail, but the movie admirably portrays the details of the book. (1) (more…)