This was a very good editorial type piece, and I'm surprised that it hasn't gotten more reviews. Maybe the reason was that readers got too scared that what you wrote completely went against the popular view of the Faramir/Denethor relationship. In fandom and the books Faramir seems much more, for lack of a better word attractive and easier to sympathize with. Your idea that Denethor's lines are soley concerned around political issues rather than his blatant dislike of Faramir is interesting and gives a new twist to the scene. It is my belief that Denethor did love Faramir, but he just didn't love him the way he did Boromir and never gave him that extra attention or that extra reassurance.

I'm sure you must have read parts of the History of Middle Earth series compiled by Christopher Tolkien. I was very surprised how radically different this scene was written in the drafts. There, when Faramir asked Denethor is if wished their places switched, Denethor replies something like, "Yes, I wish that indeed. Or no, for I could never be sure that Boromir had the same strong character and right judgement as you." Yep, the absense of that one line cause their whole relationship to have a different spin.

I really enjoyed reading this, and I hope you write more like it in the future!

Well reasoned and supported essay, and I agree with your premise.

However, in defence of the screenwriters, I will add that this scene as recast fits with the heightened emotionalism of the film and the simplification of Faramir. I don't agree with their changes from the book but I think the change in the D-F relationship is consistent internally.

I'm enjoying your writing; extremely well written and thoughtful.