LOTR: One Of The Most Captivating Scenes In The Trilogy Is A Lie

gamerant.com:

There are lots of breathtaking scenes in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings film trilogy adaptation that exhibit the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand. Scenery in these films ranges from the stunning Golden Hall of Rohan, built atop a crest surrounded by mountain peaks, to the beautiful, fast flowing river where the Argonath are placed, to the Shire, which has now been built as a permanent fixture in Matamata, where fans can actually go and take a tour of the movie set.

However, the most notably captivating moment in the films in terms of the scenery it displays, is probably the lighting of the Beacons, to summon Rohan to Gondor’s aid in the desperate battle that ensues as orcs begin a siege on the white city of Minas Tirith. The beacons can be seen setting ablaze across several peaks between the two kingdoms, lit by the watchers of the pyres whose duty it is to be always vigilant for when the cry for help is sent out. These bleak and hostile conditions are a massive contributing factor in what makes the scene so romanticized and heroic, and it is one of the most common scenes that sticks in people’s minds when they think of New Zealand as the home of Tolkien's world.

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However, in Peter Jackson's version of the story, getting the first beacon lit, and alerting the allies that Gondor needs help, is a trial in itself. Gandalf entreats Denethor to call upon Theoden and his men, telling the mad Steward “you are not alone in this." However, at this point, Denethor’s paranoia has become deep after his hours spent staring into the Palantir, listening to the corrupting and fearful words of Sauron. It has deepened to the point that he no longer trusts Theoden, or Gandalf, or