When it comes to capturing raw human emotion on screen, few directors are as skilled as Peter Jackson. His trilogy adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has become a benchmark for cinematic storytelling, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the third film, The Return of the King.

According to Jackson himself, 'there's a point where people just want the human story, the story they can relate to.' He sought to create genuine emotion throughout the entire trilogy, but especially in the third film. And it was this emphasis on raw emotion that led him to demand perfection from his actors and crew.

The prime examples of Jackson's success in capturing emotion are the two scenes dealing with Faramir, his men, Denethor, and Pippin. In these scenes, Jackson's attention to detail and high standards shone through, as he coaxed powerful performances from his cast. 'He did 18 takes,' John Noble, who plays Denethor in Return of the King, recalled. 'And after every take, he would come out and say, 'That was fantastic, let's do it again.''

This commitment to capturing genuine emotion is evident throughout the trilogy. Jackson understands the human drama behind Tolkien's story, and he worked tirelessly to bring that drama to life on screen. As Noble noted, Jackson is 'very demanding, but in a complimentary way.' This dedication paid off, as The Lord of the Rings Trilogy has become beloved for its emotional depth and resonance.

In an era where much of what passes for emotion in films can be described as 'sentiment' – a 'slightly cheaper version of emotion,' as Jackson puts it – his trilogy stands out for its genuine feeling. From the sweeping landscapes to the intimate character moments, every element is carefully crafted to evoke a response from the audience.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the two closely related scenes where Faramir leads his men through the streets of Minas Tirith and when Pippin sings for Denethor as Faramir and his men go to fight the orcs at Osgiliath. Through Jackson's directing, the acting, the details of each shot, and the music within the scenes, the real emotion comes alive for the audience.

In the end, Peter Jackson's approach to directing The Lord of the Rings Trilogy was one of perfectionism and a commitment to capturing genuine human emotion on screen. His success is evident in every frame of the trilogy, which continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and resonance.

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