Denethor’s Secrets

I’ve read in several interviews that you really appreciate Tolkien’s work. What’s in his books that you didn’t find in the movies, if there is anything? And what differences have you seen between the Denethor as portrayed by Tolkien and the one you played? I’m asking this question because many fans have complaints (which I don’t agree with, by the way) concerning your description of Denethor: in their opinion he is much crazier and less charismatic than the one portrayed by Tolkien...

Tolkien created a modern masterpiece. His academic knowledge and vivid imagination certainly gave him the tools to write, but I think it was the accident of history that placed him in a world changing at an astonishing rate, a world crippled by two world wars and a depression, where his world view (the British Empire) was crumbling, and the omnipotence of the church was beginning to be exposed as a farce, a world where people had dismantled most of the mainstays of 'civilisation' and were struggling to find meaning. His genius was to create an allegory of thrilling complexity, which thematically embraced great universal truths.
My portrayal of Denethor was carefully considered. Studies of many leaders will show that under duress they either rise to greatness or crumple to grasping, paranoid, irrational monsters. Film storyteling does not allow for a long narrative to establish characters. Peter needed to introduce, late in the trilogy, a powerful new dynamic.

Talking about your performance, many critics (you can count me on) referred to Shakespeare. Were you inspired by the characters created by the great english writer to give life to Denethor? And, even if I can figure out your answer considering that he’is a great character, why are you so fascinated by King Lear?

Shakespeare wrote insightful tragedies. King Lear is my favorite, and yes I did find parallels between Denethor and Lear.

Sean Astin, in his book, talks about a rough cut showed to the actors in september, 2003. Have you seen it? And, if so, is it very different from the extended version or not?

I did not see the rough cut so I can’t comment.

Do you think that your character as seen in the theatrical version and in the extended one appears different? And, if so, what are the main differences in your opinion?
What is the scene concerning your character and added in the ext. version you like the most? And what is the new scene you like the most in general? And I’m also wondering if there is other interesting stuff you’ve seen and that wasn’t showed to the audience neither in theaters nor in the extended versions...

In the extended version I think we learn more about Denethors grief, and his deluded view of Middle Earth. He is like a man who says "give me the atom bomb and I'll never use it...unless I have to". He is politically aware if pessimistic. He says to Gandalf that 'a power has risen in the east against which there is no victory'. Strangely prophetic.The development of Faramir in the extended also serves to throw light on Denethor’s character.
My favorite scene in the extended is the scene between Faramir and Denethor where Denethor has a vision of Boromir. It was a very demanding scene to do, but very satisfying.
There is a lot of footage which never made it to either version, but I think the extended includes all of the really good stuff.

In an interview you said that kids will likely see the cinematographic Denethor as “shit” (I’m quoting you, of course), while adults will probably be more affected by his situation and less critical. Don’t you think that one of the strengths of this trilogy is that it could be seen in many different ways by people?

My comment about the different interpretations is consistent in all good stories I think. Most, for example, would initially think Richard 3rd or Hannibal Lector to be monsters, but deeper analysis gives considerable insight into the human condition and some understanding of what drove them. Denethor was a fine man who tragically could not adapt to circumstance, and subsequently descended into madness. Blame the Ring, pride, fear, or character weakness. It is not an altogether uncommon story. I think we all have a little Sauron and a little Aragorn in us. Hopefully we can find some Frodo and Sam as well.

Recently, there were rumours about Peter Jackson directing a World War I flick after King Kong. Do you know anything about that and, if so, were you contacted to be part of this movie? And what do you think will happen with The Hobbit adaptation? Do you think that we’ll see it soon and will be Jackson at the helm of it (Editor’note: the question was posed a month ago and I had no knowledge of Lovely Bones at the time...)?

I have not heard anything about Peter’s plans after King Kong. The Hobbit may happen but I think there are some legal problems. I heard that Peter may produce but not direct if it does happen, but that may be idle rumour.

How was working with Peter Bogdanovich in The Mistery of Natalie Wood?

I loved working with Peter Bogdanovich. It was a great privilege to communicate with such a legendary and knowledgable film icon.

Would you like to talk about your experience in One Night with the King?

One Night with the King was a special special experience for us all. India is a magical place, and many close friendships were formed.

What are your upcoming projects? And what are the directors you’d like to work with?

I am in the process of discussing a few exciting projects. Nothing signed yet, so I'll say no more at this time.
Directors? I love them all!

Many thanks to Daniela Catelli who passed my questions to John Noble