[KayEyeDoubleDee]

You inadvertantly prove that Jackson perverts Faramir, by illustrating the extraordinarily (under the circumstances) fair manner in which he "tries" Frodo. Jackson purposefully omitted the "trial" of Frodo, as well as the fundamental character of Faramir as opposed to Boromir. Given that the movie is over three hours, I can only assume that Jackson purposefully savaged this chapter.

"What in truth this Thing is I cannot yet guess; but some heirloom of power and peril it must be. A fell weapon, perchance, devised by the Dark Lord. If it were a thing that gave advantage in battle. I can well believe that Boromir, the proud and fearless, often rash, ever anxious for the victory of Minas Tirith (and his own glory therein), might desire such a thing and be allured by it. Alas that ever he went on that errand! I should have been chosen by my father and the elders but he put himself forward, as being the older and the hardier (both true), and he would not be stayed."
"But fear no more! I would not take this thing, if it lay by the highway. Not were Minas Tirith falling in ruin and I alone could save her, so, using the weapon of the Dark Lord for her good and my glory. No. I do not wish for such triumphs, Frodo son of Drogo."
"Neither did the Council, - said Frodo. - Nor do I. I would have nothing to do with such matters."
"For myself,"said Faramir, "I would see the White Tree in flower again in the courts of the kings, and the Silver Crown return, and Minas Tirith in peace: Minas Anor again as of old, full of light, high and fair, beautiful as a queen among other queens: not a mistress of many slaves, nay, not even a kind mistress of willing slaves. War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend: the city of the Men of Númenor; and I would have her loved for her memory, her ancientry, her beauty, and her present wisdom. Not feared, save as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise."
"So fear me not! I do not ask you to tell me more. I do not even ask you to tell me whether I now speak nearer the mark. But if you will trust me, it may be that I can advise you in your present quest, whatever that be-yes, and even aid you."

[LinnieBeth]

Kay..I think you are much closer to Faramir-
JameRetief's article is a very good discussion, but I get the sense that it is more "secular" and "deceptive" and misses Faramir's depth and spiritual 'good sense and insight'.
Considering the circumstances at the time of their meeting, it is amazing that the Hobbits were not immediately slain. I don't see Faramir as being conniving- but sincerely interested in getting at the truth.

[Mudboy Slim]

"War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend: the city of the Men of Numenor; and I would have her loved for her memory, her ancientry, her beauty, and her present wisdom. Not feared, save as men may fear the dignity of a man, old and wise."
-- Faramir to Frodo, The Two Towers, J.R.R. Tolkien

Very good...and quite applicable in the weeks and months that lie ahead, IMHO.

FReegards...MUD