Flawed representations of an epic tale
When it comes to adapting one of the most popular and defining literary series of the generation, it pays to do it right. Unfortunately for everyone who has read the epic Harry Potter series by author J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. has really dropped the ball. As the seventh installment of the film series comes out today, avid fans of the book versions must brace themselves for some of the pitfalls seen in the previous six adaptations. Although some consideration must, of course, be given for the time constraints the films present, the makers of the Potter films cannot be forgiven for the numerous mistakes each film has contained.
The timelines presented to the audience are not cohesive and lack the fluidity that is present in the books. The films use the seasons as the main indications of time passing on the Hogwarts grounds instead of the logical flow of events taking place in the book series. Some of the best scenes in the books, such as the day-to-day conversations between Ron, Hermione and Harry, are skipped because the movies focus only on the five or 10 biggest events in each book.
There are also unnecessary changes with the plots of the films. At the end of ""Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,"" Dumbledore's speech during the End of Term Feast is a perfect reflection on the death of Cedric Diggory and the return of Voldemort. The movie version, however, changes the words of this incredible speech, which cheapens Dumbldore's character and lessens the dramatic impact. The producers of the movie should respect the integrity of Rowling's characters and understand the purpose of the original words: if they don't affect the timeframe of the scene, don't affect the impact of original words.
Severus Snape is arguably one the most important characters in the series. His relationship with the Potters and the motivations for his actions are vital to understanding the character, especially when it comes to his relationship with Harry. The books highlight this relationship quite well, while the movies completely write off Snape's character. In ""Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"" (the book), Snape's relationship with James Potter and Sirius Black is revealed, explaining his presence in the Shrieking Shack.
In the movie, however, presents Snape as a teacher who simply wants the glory of catching a wanted man, rather than someone seeking revenge against a sworn enemy. The development of Snape's character through snapshots of his past has been forgotten in the six previous films, and promises to leave gaping holes in the upcoming chapter.
Rowling's books leave an imprint on all those who have read and appreciated the Harry Potter series, and though the films are not the worst adaptation of a series of novels, they definitely leave something to be desired. Warner Bros. have taken an amazing book series and marred the effect of the series by taking shortcuts and disenchanting the magical world of Harry Potter. —Abby Cardinal
An important cultural phenomenon
It's fair to say that most kids of our generation spent their 11th birthday with baited breath, anxiously awaiting their letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, only to be disappointed when midnight came and there was no hairy half-giant knocking down their door.
That is the magic of the Harry Potter phenomenon. Millions of children all over the world grew up with the books, dressed as the characters for Halloween in sixth grade, and spent their allowance on Jelly Belly's rendition of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. The movies are just another step toward being totally immersed in the fantasy world that is the Harry Potter series. And if you're lucky enough, you get to watch them at midnight dressed as a mythical character, and no one will steal your lunch money or ask you what level mage you are in ""World of Warcraft.""
The basis of good cinema is a captivating story, and the Harry Potter series has used its magic to enchant millions and become the best selling series of books ever. As lifelong fans of Harry Potter, we have become invested in this incredible story and have had the pleasure of watching Harry, Ron and Hermione grow up with us—who would have imagined the 11-year-old Daniel Radcliffe we saw in ""The Sorcerer's Stone"" would be the guy with the incredible jaw line kissing Cho Chang in ""The Order of the Phoenix""?
It is nearly impossible to stay absolutely true to any book's plot when making a two-hour film, which is why most book-to-movie adaptations crash and burn. However, the films based on Rowling's books have stayed relatively faithful to the details, especially for having four different directors over the course of the series. The challenge of fairly representing a beloved book series in film has been artfully maintained with appropriate casting and the skillful screenwriting of Steve Kloves with the exception of ""The Order of the Phoenix.""
In addition, the films provide stunning special effects. Of course, extravagant special effects don't make a movie (just check out ""Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen""), but in the case of the movie series, the effects complement the story line and help audiences fully visualize the stunning wizarding world of Harry Potter. Bellatrix and Sirius' duel at the end of the ""The Order of the Phoenix,"" Voldemort's ghostly appearances in ""The Half-Blood Prince"" and even the awe-inspiring view of the Great Hall ceiling as the first years arrive in ""The Sorcerer's Stone"" are cinematic magic, no pun intended.
The film series is not only an embodiment of our childhood escape into books, but has become a life-long interest and an engaging movie-going experience for people of all generations. No matter their age or personal background, audiences are simply entertained by the movies. The Harry Potter novels and film series are compelling because their plots speak to our own experiences of growing up, finding loyal friends, and overcoming the obstacles that come our way, even though most of us muggles won't be battling He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named anytime soon. —Riley Beggin
