The Denethor of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings novel was very different from the one in Peter Jackson’s movies, and Jackson’s changes sold both Denethor and Pippin short. Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy portrayed Denethor as an abusive father to Faramir, scalding in his words, tone of voice, and facial expressions. The emotional and verbal abuse he aimed at Faramir was accompanied by a downward spiral that culminated in one of fantasy’s most chilling deaths. Denethor descended into despair, madness, and cowardice.
