Why the Funeral of Boromir is Portrayed Differently in The Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy

The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, has captivated audiences with its rich narrative and vivid portrayal of Middle-earth. However, one of the most intriguing discrepancies between the books and the movies concerns the treatment of Boromir's death. The book and the extended cut of the movie both include a funeral scene where Boromir is placed in one of the Elven boats and set adrift down the Great River. In comparison, the movie trilogy only features the boat with Boromir's body floating down the Anduin River and then going over the Falls of Rauros. This essay will explore why this change was made and the impact it has on the story's narrative and emotional journey.

Extended Cut and HBO Adaptation

Viewer and reader Peter Cahill noticed the absence of a funeral scene for Boromir in the movies. He recalls seeing this scene in an extended cut and even remembers a scene in one of the movies where Faramir finds the boat and brings the halves of Boromir's horn to Denethor. In the books, this scene takes place after Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli find Boromir's remains and place them in one of the Elven boats, sending him to the sea. This indicates that the Funeral of Boromir is a significant event in both the book and the extended movie cut.

Narrative Flow and Emotional Impact

Another viewer, Adolf Van Brandts, highlighted that the film's portrayal of Boromir's death is an intentional choice made by Peter Jackson. Jackson has stated in interviews that he wanted to keep the narrative of Boromir's death more restrained and less emotional, allowing the audience to process the character's death gradually rather than in a more intense and direct manner. The decision to have Boromir's body float down the river and go over the Falls of Rauros at the end of The Fellowship of the Ring creates a sense of finality and detachment, which fits the somber tone of the film trilogy.

Thematic Consistency and Character Development

The difference in the depiction of Boromir's funeral also aligns with the thematic elements of the movie trilogy, particularly the focus on sacrifice, redemption, and the inner struggles of the protagonists. Boromir's final stand to save Merry and Pippin, despite his misguided belief in the power of the Ring, highlights his noble qualities and eventual redemption. In the movie, his body being sent over the Falls, symbolizes the end of his misguided journey and the acceptance of his fate.

Engagement and Reader/Viewer Experience

The extended funeral scene in the book adds a layer of emotional depth and closure to Boromir's character. It provides a sense of finality and a full circle for his story, which is absent in the movies. This difference necessitates a reevaluation of how the audience engages with the character and the story. In the movies, the emotional impact is achieved through the scenes leading up to Boromir's death and the reactions of his brother Faramir in the final part of The Return of the King.

Conclusion

The funeral of Boromir, as portrayed in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, is a reflection of the director's choices to focus on the broader narrative and thematic elements of the story. While the extended cut and the books provide a more detailed and emotional funeral scene, the movie trilogy's portrayal maintains a balance between emotion and detachment, ensuring a more cohesive storytelling experience. This choice reflects the complex nature of filmmaking and how different mediums of storytelling can interpret and present the same character in unique and impactful ways.

Keywords: Gandalf, Boromir, Lothlorien