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You're right; all the dimensionality Jackson shows about Boromir and the hobbits enriches the story. Boromir could have been a one-dimensional character, but between them Jackson and Sean Bean decimate that possibility.

Notice too that Boromir grabs them and jumps the chasm at Khazad-dum with both Merry and Pippin in his arms. And I just hear that dialogue you mention last time, my seventh ("Ow! My arm!"). It's a precious little scene for B and the hobbits, but also is Aragorn's only laugh, a brief lighter moment.

That gets to one of Jackson's many strengths, too. He keeps going from some relatively intimate moment to a big moment -- from that scene you mention down to the huge works at Isengard; from Frodo's house in the Shire to the huge works at Minas Morgul; from Frodo and Aragorn to Aragorn's battle with about a kazillion Uruk Hai, and then Boromir's final battle. Wow, wow wow wow wow.

BTW, some of this is why those idiots (including here at FR) who sniff that it was "boring" tick me off so. On many movies, tastes just differ. And some people just can't abide fantasy movies (and so shouldn't go to one). But to watch such an epic tale of bravery, friendship, good vs. evil, sacrifice... and say it is "boring"! I fear something's missing in someone like that.

Dan

Boromir in the book was a bit scary, because we saw mostly through Frodo's eyes, and Frodo was scared of him. The camera, being less discriminating, gave us a more balanced view of the noble Gondorian.

That said, Aragorn's still cooler. But Boromir's the kind of guy I wouldn't mind have protecting me. I'd feel safe.

In fact, when Aragorn lets Frodo go and turns to face about a gazillion Urak H'ai is when I absolutely fell in love with Aragorn.

Courage, honor, nobility... all there with the wind blowing his hair while he slowly takes out his sword. Even if it is two gazillion versus 1, you (almost) feel sorry for the two gazillion because it isn't going to be a fair fight.

The other thing about that scene is Legalos. Arrow in head of Urak Hai then fired. Then the three arrows fired in rapid succession, each finding their mark. Wow!

Boromir's death is fantastic. I think Sean Bean did a great job showing Boromir's lust for the ring and his commitment and love for the hobbits and the rest of the fellowship.

A great summary, Dan.

It is nice, isn't it JenB, to be able to talk with people that get into this book as much as you do. My husband, as indulgent as he is, is really just not "in" to it as much as Matthew and I. Whenever I speak of the movie, or read parts from the book, he smiles and nods but doesn't contribute. He's read the books once. He saw the movie once and has no interest in seeing it again.

It'd be nice if we could all get together for the opening night of the Two Towers...(wishful thinking?)