The Return of the King, while a cinematic masterpiece, suffers from a prolonged and arguably unnecessary epilogue. It should have ended with Frodo’s departure from the Grey Havens, leaving viewers to contemplate the bittersweet nature of victory and the irreversible impact of war.
H2: The Problems with the Multiple Endings
The protracted finale of The Return of the King has been a subject of debate since its release. While undeniably emotionally resonant, the numerous farewells and poignant scenes dilute the powerful impact of Frodo’s ultimate sacrifice and Gandalf’s pronouncements. The film lingers, refusing to conclude, leaving some viewers feeling emotionally exhausted rather than satisfied. This overindulgence in sentimentality undercuts the gravity of the preceding narrative. The pacing, previously taut and driven, grinds to a halt, and the focus shifts from the grand struggle against Sauron to a series of character-driven goodbyes that, while touching, ultimately feel repetitive and drawn out.
H3: Eroding the Thematic Core
The fundamental theme of The Lord of the Rings is the devastating cost of war, even in victory. Frodo’s inability to fully return to the Shire highlights this perfectly. However, by extending the ending so drastically, the film dilutes this message. We see too much happiness, too much normalcy, obscuring the deep scars of trauma that should be the defining feature of the returning heroes. The focus shifts from the permanent damage inflicted by the quest to a superficial celebration of victory, minimizing the sacrifices made. The film needs to leave the audience with a sense of loss and the realization that some things are irrevocably changed, which the multiple endings unfortunately diminish.
H2: A More Effective Ending: Leaving Room for Reflection
The ideal conclusion would have been a single, poignant scene at the Grey Havens. Frodo’s departure with Gandalf, Elrond, and Galadriel serves as a powerful visual representation of the passage of time and the end of an era. It signifies that even the bravest and most steadfast heroes can be broken by the horrors they endure. This ending would have allowed the audience to reflect on the complex consequences of the war and the enduring impact on the characters. Instead of explicitly showing the emotional reunions and rebuilding efforts, the film should have trusted the audience to imagine these scenarios for themselves. A single, lasting image of Frodo’s ship sailing into the sunset would have been far more impactful than the multiple endings.
H3: The Power of Subtlety
By cutting the additional scenes, the film would have gained a powerful sense of subtlety. It would have allowed the audience to fill in the gaps and imagine the characters’ futures for themselves. This would have created a more personal and lasting connection to the story. The ambiguity of Frodo’s future would have lingered, forcing viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth that some wounds never truly heal. The strength of great storytelling lies in its ability to suggest rather than explicitly state, leaving room for individual interpretation and reflection. This subtle approach would have elevated the film to an even higher level of artistic achievement.
H2: FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns and Alternative Perspectives
Here are some frequently asked questions about the proposed alternative ending, addressing potential concerns and offering further insight:
FAQ 1: Wouldn’t cutting the Shire scenes diminish the importance of the Hobbits’ return to their home?
While seeing the Hobbits return to the Shire is emotionally satisfying, the film already establishes their deep connection to their home. The Grey Havens scene implicitly acknowledges this bond. Furthermore, the extended Shire scenes feel somewhat disconnected from the main narrative, almost like an afterthought. The Grey Havens ending implies their return without diminishing the emotional impact of Frodo’s departure. The audience understands the Shire is their home and can imagine their return without needing to witness it.
FAQ 2: Doesn’t the ending need to show the audience that good ultimately triumphs?
The defeat of Sauron already accomplishes this. The Grey Havens scene doesn’t negate the victory; it simply acknowledges the cost. The film can demonstrate the triumph of good without resorting to overly sentimental or simplistic representations of happiness. The ending should be bittersweet, acknowledging the complexity of the victory and the sacrifices made along the way.
FAQ 3: Wouldn’t it be unsatisfying to not see the coronation of Aragorn?
The coronation scene, while visually impressive, primarily serves to establish Aragorn’s rightful place as King. However, this is already clear through his actions and character throughout the film. The absence of the coronation wouldn’t significantly detract from the narrative’s conclusion and would actually sharpen the focus on the more personal and impactful ending at the Grey Havens. Moreover, Aragorn’s leadership is already established in the extended battle sequences.
FAQ 4: What about the emotional payoff of seeing Sam return to his family?
While touching, this scene is a prime example of the film’s tendency to over-explain and over-emphasize emotional beats. The audience can infer Sam’s eventual return to his family and his happiness upon seeing them. The Grey Havens ending allows for this interpretation without explicitly showing it, leaving room for the audience’s imagination. The suggestion of happiness is often more powerful than its direct depiction.
FAQ 5: Isn’t the extended ending meant to provide closure for the audience?
While closure is important, the film shouldn’t sacrifice thematic integrity for the sake of providing an overly neat and tidy ending. True closure often comes from accepting the complexities and ambiguities of life, not from a simplistic resolution. The Grey Havens ending offers a more nuanced and ultimately more satisfying form of closure, acknowledging the enduring impact of the quest on the characters.
FAQ 6: Does this alternative ending suggest a more pessimistic view of the story?
Not necessarily. It simply offers a more realistic and nuanced perspective on the consequences of war. It doesn’t negate the victory over Sauron, but it acknowledges the profound impact on the characters and the world. The ending is bittersweet, reflecting the complexities of life and the reality that even in triumph, there is often loss and sacrifice.
FAQ 7: What would happen to the runtime?
Cutting the extended ending could potentially shorten the film by around 20-30 minutes. This would improve the pacing and prevent the film from feeling overly long and drawn out.
FAQ 8: Wouldn’t audiences feel cheated by not seeing the full resolution of the characters’ individual stories?
The most important resolution lies in the defeat of Sauron and the restoration of peace to Middle-earth. The individual characters’ stories are less crucial and can be left to the audience’s imagination. The film provides enough context for viewers to infer the likely outcomes of their lives.
FAQ 9: How does this impact the character arc of Frodo?
Focusing on the Grey Havens elevates Frodo’s sacrifice. His departure underscores his inability to fully return to the ordinary world, highlighting the immense burden he carried and the profound transformation he underwent.
FAQ 10: Could this ending be interpreted as Frodo giving up?
Absolutely not. It’s not giving up, but acknowledging that the experience fundamentally changed him. His journey to the Grey Havens is not an escape, but a necessary passage to find peace after enduring unimaginable trauma.
FAQ 11: Would Peter Jackson ever consider such a change?
While unlikely given the film’s immense success, reflecting on alternative endings allows for a deeper appreciation of the narrative’s strengths and weaknesses, prompting valuable discussions about storytelling.
FAQ 12: Is the existing ending inherently “bad”?
No. It’s simply a matter of taste and artistic preference. The current ending is emotionally resonant for many viewers. However, a shorter, more focused ending could have provided a more powerful and lasting impact by allowing the audience to contemplate the profound themes of the story.
H2: Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy, Even with Minor Flaws
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King remains a landmark achievement in filmmaking. While the extended ending may be a point of contention for some, it does not diminish the overall impact of the film. However, a tighter, more focused conclusion at the Grey Havens could have elevated the film to even greater heights, solidifying its place as a true masterpiece of cinematic storytelling and underscoring the enduring power of its themes.