Smart Talk on Harry Potter
by Johnny
The trailer was released on MSN Video just after 8 p.m. and of course is on YouTube. You can download a bigger, higher-resolution version of it here at AOL. Be sure to vote in the poll (on the sidebar to the right) and share your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy:
What do you think of the trailer? Vote in the poll!
HP Progs has put up some screen shots of the trailer.
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I’ll get the ball rolling with a few thoughts:
1. Gambon isn’t awful, but he isn’t great either. I want Richard Harris delivering those lines.
2. Where’s the title character? No Snape in the first trailer for “Half-Blood Prince”? Is Yates gunning for the crowd that never read the books, and so will be surprised?
3. What’s Ginny doing?
4. Who’s running through the field? Looks like Harry and someone scary. Fenrir?
5. Young Riddle will be good.
6. No Slughorn. Strange that there’s no image of the new guy.
I guess with only 90 seconds to work with, you can’t do much. In the poll, I voted, “Whatever, bring on the movie.”
In answer to your post from the Image from the trailer, Reyhan, yes, Gambon looks competent in these few scenes but not brilliant or spectacular.
But then seeing as how prejudiced I am against Gambon’s portrayal, perhaps I’m not the best one to judge his performance in the trailer
So, that was Ginny in that dreamy like sequence? I couldn’t quite tell. One of Harry’s dream sequences perhaps? Weren’t his dreams of her pretty racey, though?
Oh, maybe after the attack at the burrow? Helps to look closer.
Perhaps they are playing up the Voldemort angle because he’s the main villain and Dumbledore and Harry spend most of their time discussing Voldemort’s past.
1-I actually like Gambon here. I think he’ll be fine, and honestly, I can’t see Harris delivering those lines without it being goofy…
2-The selfish part of me wants to see more variety of scenes, but this is a good way of building suspense, I suppose
3- Just from that one flash, the cave scene looks like it’ll be awesome
4- cinematography is beautiful
I’m a sucker for that music. The movies drive me crazy more often that not, but the music and the way they have brought Rowling’s world to life makes Daniel Radcliffe’s complete lack of acting skills and the horrible scripts bearable.
There’s an attack at the Burrow in HBP? I don’t remember that from the book. It might be a dreamlike sequence involving Ginny which probably will lead Harry to break up with Ginny for her safety. Of course, with the exception of his breakup, that is not in the book. Maybe it’s part of the final climax scene when the Death Eaters are leaving Hogwarts. I have a feeling that the climax will be tweaked and be different in some way from the book.
ned:
I can’t see Harris delivering those lines without it being goofy…
Heresy!
The selfish part of me wants to see more variety of scenes, but this is a good way of building suspense, I suppose
Yeah, I think, upon further reflection, that sticking to one major theme was a good choice for the first trailer.
Just from that one flash, the cave scene looks like it’ll be awesome … cinematography is beautiful
Agreed! Expect Yates to give Cuaron a run for his money, visually, with this one.
Jeremy, couldn’t agree more about the music. I actually don’t mind Radcliffe, though.
Ok… so not bad though right?
I suppose now that the final book is out, and Yates knows where he’s going with the plot, he’s probably trying to bring Voldemort to the forefront…
Now Travis…
1. I think we all would like to see Richard Harris instead of Michael Gambon, he really was Dumbledore! However, I have to believe he will be better in this one. Do you think Yates reads fansites to get input? If he does, Dumbledore will be rectified this film, if he doesn’t… everyone be prepared~!
2. I think you may be right, Yates may want the element of surprise here… but I don’t think it’s necessary to have Snape in the teaser… though I would have liked to see him. If he isn’t in the TRAILER trailer… we’ll talk!
3. Totally confused by that… I may have to read the book again
4. I’m sure that was Harry… scary guy could be Fenrir… I am definately going to read the book again.
5. Oh yes… young Tom will be brilliant I expect.
6. I suppose there is SO much new in this movie, and so much to cover, you’re right, 90 seconds isn’t a lot of time.
I’m still excited! Now only 114 more days to go… good grief.
Jeremy: totally agree with you about the music, but agree with Travis, I like Dan, as well as the rest of the trio… granted they have improved MARKEDLY since the first film.
Chelsea, I’m excited, too.
1. Yeah, I know…just taking another opportunity to mourn. I do hope Gambon turns out alright in this one.
2. Good point. I’m looking forward to the TRAILER trailer.
3. The Ginny shot might be a Harry dream.
6. Upon further reflection, I think it was wise for them to only follow one of the many great plotlines of HBP for the teaser.
Jeremy, I think Radcliffe is getting better, at least from GOF and on. I agree with everyone that the cave scene will be awesome. Upon reading Deathly Hallows though, I hope Yates and the screenwriter (name is not coming to me) understand the need to include parts in HBP which will prove important to the last movie(s). We can only hope.
On Ginny, remember they added in a scene that wasn’t in the books, an attack on the Burrow at Christmastime, I believe.
revgeorge, I don’t recall hearing about that…is there a news item somewhere?
He is getting better, particularly in the last couple of movies.
And the flash to Baldy Voldy while Mini Voldy was talking about snakes was pretty cool.
Confirmed new scene for ‘Half-Blood Prince’
http://www.hpana.com/news.20376.html
Interesting, revgeorge. That might actually work. Or it could go completely wrong. In the book, the Burrow scene is finally a break from the chaos, a place where it’s safe to rest. And Yates did a fine job of dropping those “snippets” into OotP with the newsclips.
Of course, he won’t want to just copy how he did it in the last film. I guess we’ll have to wait and see if the scene is effective.
Jeremy, yes, that was a nice touch.
Well, that makes me want to atleast see the movie. I agree with everyone it was beautifully shot. Will hold out on Gambon comments until I have more evidence.
Now i’m not very tech savy, so my pausing the youtube feed might not have worked well, but I thought I saw Harry crouching over Ron laying motionless on the floor. Does that mean the poisoning scene is in the movie?
Also, as a dairy farmer I’m debating whether or not, “got milk?” will be my poll vote!
revgeorge, thanks for clearing that up. When I was viewing the trailer and seeing Ginny in the fields, I was trying to figure out if that was in the book. Thanks for the link.
Regarding the burrow attack, we’ll see how well it works. I was just reading an MTVblog & the author was furious about that scene being in the 6th movie. Mainly because it takes away from the impact of the attack on the burrow in the 7th movie. But they also speculated there wouldn’t be any attack because there won’t be any wedding in the 7th book. Clemence Posey has already said she won’t be in the 6th movie.
I love the music too. It carries even more of the sense of mystery and magic than the visuals.
A good actor could read a shopping list and make it sound exciting. I deplore Gambon’s interpretation of Dumbledore – I challenge anyone to deplore him more – but even he does a decent job with reading those lines. Harris would have been superb.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Snape’s role in the movie will be minimal and the Astronomy Tower scene will come in totally out of the blue. For better or for worse, this one belongs to Dumbledore / Gambon.
Thank God Gambon is too old for them to use him in depicting the sins of the younger Dumbledore.
If there’s no wedding at the beginning of the 7th movie, John Granger’s head might just asplode. No alchemical wedding?! Come on!
Brent, HP Progs put some still shots up on their Flickr page, and this one is of Harry leaning over poisoned Ron. So, yes, I’d assume that will be in the film.
I mean, it has to be. Best friend’s life in danger – that’s classic film stuff.
I challenge anyone to deplore him more
I only hold back because I’m in charge of the site, and I’m trying to be nice to everyone
Otherwise, I’d take up your challenge.
I fear exactly what you say – that Snape’s role will be minimal until the end. And his role is already so minimal in DH…
Trailers always get me really excited for movies, but there were some especially exciting things in this! The part where Dumbledore turns eerily towards the wardrobe and sets it aflame without using a wand was uncanonical but very satisfying, and little things like the strange vials for memories and the special cabinet Dumbledore held them in was interesting. Though, the thing that had me jumping was Dumbledore doing the fire whip spell!
I’m not sure what the scene with Ginny was, but I would say it was a dream of Harry’s because she seems to be walking through a swamp with a bath robe on, and nothing in her demeanor says she finds this strange. When I first saw the scene with Harry in the field I assumed the other man was Morphin Gaunt, but I guess Fenrir makes more sense, although I have no idea where this happens in the book.
On Snape, I would say we won’t see a lot of him until the end of the film. Snape was mostly in the background of Half-Blood Prince except where he popped up randomly, and at the end of course. A lot of the big stuff with Snape happened through the voices of other people. Dubledore talks about how he trusts him a few times, Harry finds out that Snape overheard the prophesy from Trelawny, and they discuss him a lot in the Hospital wing, but he’s not really seen much until he kills Dumbledore, which makes the action seem so shocking and out of the blue. I think it will play well in the movie if we don’t see him much, and then he just runs up from off screen and AKs Dumbledore, although there had better be that non-verbal exchange between the two just beforehand.
Red Rocker said, “I challenge anyone to deplore him (Gambon) more…”
Hey, I think I’ve done a pretty good job of deploring him!
Deplore! Deplore! Deplore!!!
Mark-Anthony, good points. I guess what will be most important is that they make the most out of Snape’s scenes. He’s pretty much gotten lost for the last three films, and somehow, they’re going to have to build enough dramatic tension to get him back into everyone’s mind as a seriously important character.
Will they do Spinner’s End? That might set the tone nicely, along with Snape’s first DADA class.
Thanks, Travis. Greg and Penny did a good job of getting the screen shots.
You never know what things they might cut and all we know of Yates so far is that he took the longest book down to the shortest movie.
I thought Helena Bohnam Carter was cast for Bellatrix (I don’t know where I read that), so unless they’re going to put her in the attack on the burrow or Hogwarts at the end. It would appear that Spinner’s end is a good possibility.
They’ve cast Narcissa, so I would assume they’d do Spinner’s End. Unless it gets cut, of course
Travis wrote: “(Snape’s) pretty much gotten lost for the last three films, and somehow, they’re going to have to build enough dramatic tension to get him back into everyone’s mind as a seriously important character.”
Maybe he’ll hit Gambon over the head with a book?
I forgot about Spinner’s End. That should make a nice scene for the adults to do their stuff, and really get us into that “what is going on wit Snape?!” feeling. It would make a really dramatic opening scene, too. I can see them fading out of the unbreakable vow and then the HP logo and Hedwig’s theme.
i think the trailer is a little better than the rest ive seen so far.they show alot more about voldemort as a child.i think this trailer is more of a sneak peak 4 harry potter fans who never really understood how voldemort the 3rd most important character in the entire series ended up the way he did?!and it shows how harry grew up alot more because of the hard times headed towards him inclusing the 1’s he went through so far.and it shows how dumbledors age hasnt changed his wisdom towards the 2nd most poweful wizard(voldemort).cant wait 4 the movie=)
Rickman is a very talented and expressive actor. He can build the dramatic tension with a glance, if they give him the opportunity.
As for Radcliffe, I think we tend to forget that he is a child actor. Most child actors don’t grow up to be as successful as adults are they were as children. That’s just how it works. I always think of Haley Joel Osment, who gave a haunting performance in Sixth Sense And afterwards – a total embarrassment in Secondhand Lions. He’s now mainly doing voice work. And he had loads of talent. To expect the older Radcliffe to shine amongst the extremely talented group of actors who have been attracted to HP is unfair. Think about it: Gary Oldman, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Jim Broadbent. Radcliffe is going to have to learn to act, and seems to want to do so, from all accounts.
Mark-Anthony, that would be a great opening scene. I’m guessing they’ll be skipping “The Other Minister” entirely.
sam, I agree – HP fans are going to see this movie no matter what. The trailers are giving the fans enough to get really excited, but I agree that they’re geared toward the folks who are not crazy fans like us. You don’t market to the people who are going to buy no matter what!
I agree that Radcliffe is trying to become more than just a child actor. He’s listened very closely to what Gary Oldman’s told him. He’s very well read. He’s taken on some other roles. And I’m sure he’ll do some nude scenes in the future to distance himself from the HP role…Oh wait, he already has! And from all accounts he did very well in Equus, which isn’t a very easy play to pull off. A bit different league than Barefoot in the Park.
And if acting doesn’t work out, he can just take solace in his millions of pounds lying about in the bank. With the exchange rate between the dollar & the pound right now, he could probably buy America if he wanted to.
The problem with Radcliffe trying to grow into a competent actor is that we – we who care about the movies accurately and effectively depicting the books – we want him to do a great job right here and now and consistently for the next three years.
It’s a very challenging task. Effort and drive can only take you so far. You need to have the talent, and for the big screen, visual appeal. Radcliffe had loads of visual appeal as a youngster. It’s a little shaky now. We’ll just have to wait and see how his relationship with the camera progresses over time.
Has anyone else noticed that all British child-actors now must sound like Freddie Highmore from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?
I’ll be thrilled if they don’t shortcut the Pensieve scenes, which really are the main heart of the book. And Spinner’s End seems an absolute must, considering it establishes the main plotline for Dumbledore’s end. The rest will be gravy.
Oh Dave, Dave, Dave, Dave! (head shaking in disbelief)
How could you confuse the evil Charlie & the Chocolate Factory with the delightfully, wondrously sublime Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory?! One is a masterpiece of creative adaptation & wondrous magic; the other, well, just another Johnny Depp vehicle. One will live on through the ages in blessed memory; the other will be forgotten as the sands of time shift away.
Not that I have any strong feelings on the matter.
Oh, revgeorge, revgeorge, revgeorge, revgeorge! How could you neglect the beautifully, wonderfully done Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for the chaotic, drug-tripping insanity of Willy Wonka and hte Chocolate Factory! One will go down as a great film; the other will only ever make sense to people on LSD.
Ah, Travis! Give me Gene Wilder any day over Johnny Depp.
And you have to remember I’m much older than you are, so I actually remember the days when people took LSD. In fact, in the mid-80’s I knew a guy in college who was still selling it.
Not that I ever took any LSD. Never got into drugs or smoking. Being a German Lutheran, though, beer was a necessity. But maybe I come from a historical background that can understand & appreciate tripped out movies & songs. The Byrds weren’t singing about flying in a plane when they sang “8 Miles High.” Nor was Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds really about a girl in the sky with diamonds, you know.
A little research shows that Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was somewhat inspired by Lennon’s love of Lewis Carroll. Can’t draw any drug connections there.
I don’t think Charlie/Willy was one of the high points in Johnny Depp’s career. I found him totally creepy, especially the hair. And as much as he denies it, I’m pretty sure he was channelling Michael Jackson.
Having said which, I loved the listing hovel that Charlie’s family lived in, especially the bed that contained four grandparents. And Bonham Carter was totally fetching as she sliced cabbages. All of the visuals were wonderful.
Oops…my wife would kill me, what with a massive Johnny Depp/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory poster in her classroom!
Yeah…I’m coming down with Travis on this one. Depp runs circles around Gene Wilder, at least in that role. I find Wilder’s Wonka to be two steps away from Charles Manson — I remember watching it a few months ago and being rather stunned that I and my classmates were shown that film in the third grade.
Now, as Dr. Froadrick Fronkenschteen, Gene Wilder is a genius…
Red Rocker, see, I’m the exact opposite. I didn’t really like Johnny Depp much until Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But then, I’ve always seen Willy as kinda freaky.
I agree with the entirety of Dave’s last comment.
My favorite Gene Wilder role is as Jim, the drunken gun fighter in Blazing Saddles
Bart: Are we awake?
Jim: We’re not sure. Are we… black?
Bart: Yes, we are.
Jim: Then we’re awake… but we’re very puzzled.
Travis & Dave, I think you’ve just been robbed of a proper appreciation of good culture. Post modern cynicism has made you unable to appreciate the hallucinagenic blessings of the past. I’d recommend dropping some acid & watching the Wilder version until it makes sense.
Failing that, we’ll just have to disagree. I do agree with Red Rocker, though, that Depp’s Wonka is naturally looney through & through. It’s no act. Whereas there’s strong evidence that Wilder’s Wonka’s looniness is just a facade put on for the tour.
Blasphemy!!! I certainly won’t defend everything Johnny Depp has ever done (*cough*The Ninth Gate*cough*), but come on! Have you not seen Ed Wood!? And since we talk so much about the Hero’s Journey and quest motifs around here, I’d also recommend Dead Man by Jim Jarmusch (Depp plays the lead role).
We live in Owensboro, KY — Depp’s birthplace. The urban legends about a mysterious white, stretch Hummer that drives around here are hilarious. Jamie’s students are always trying to con her into better grades if they can get her Depp’s autograph — or even his grandmother’s!
Have you not seen Ed Wood!? And since we talk so much about the Hero’s Journey and quest motifs around here, I’d also recommend Dead Man by Jim Jarmusch (Depp plays the lead role).
Should have been clearer – I made my only ally in this conversation turn against me!
What I meant was that I was never all that interested in Johnny Depp as an actor until Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I’ve seen neither of those movies that you mentioned; but I’ll make sure to see them both!
Lost the comment I was writing. If it appears again, ignore it.
I was responding to Dave’s comment about Johnny Depp, saying the true test of a Depp-fan is his turn as Rochester in The Libertine. If you love him in that, then you love him. I do, fake nose and all. And that my favorite all-time favorite Depp performance has to be as the mad CIA agent Sands in Once Upon a Time in Mexico: “Are you a Mexi-can or are you a Mexi-can’t?”. The gun-battle at the end is as compellingly watchable as any action sequence anywhere, anytime.
And who can forget his first appearance as Captain Jack Sparrow, stepping off a boat which is gradually revealed as a very leaky – and sinking – rowboat? That was before repeated exposure took away much of the charm of the character.
Red Rocker, agreed about overexposure of Jack Sparrow. The third film was decent, but I’d have been plenty happy if they’d stopped after the first one.
Not to mention his sweet turn as the gypsy Roux, in Chocolat And although I’ve never seen it, rumour has it that he acts the socks off of Marlon Brando in Don Juan DeMarco as the title character.
Red Rocker wrote: “The problem with Radcliffe trying to grow into a competent actor is that we – we who care about the movies accurately and effectively depicting the books – we want him to do a great job right here and now and consistently for the next three years.”
Well, at least he & Rupert got haircuts. That helps a lot.
I’m not sure what I expect out of Radcliffe in this film. I’m pretty sure what we’ll get from Watson & Grint.
To tell the truth I’m most looking forward to the shipping aspects of the film. That & Tom Felton’s performance. I think he’ll do well.
1. Gambon did better than before, but not great, for sure. To me it seems as if he wants to come across as cool, while Harris wanted to come across as Dumbledore, and thus was cool.
2. I share Red Rocker’s suspicion that Snape will be (or remain) a minor character. Just a scary teacher. But they will probably have the post Sectumsempra scene in Myrtle’s bathroom and some – more or less foolish – wand-waving in the flight scene. I don’t expect them setting up the enigmatic anti-hero. Even in the DH movie they will only feature the love story part.
3. + 4. A dream scene about Harry’s fear for Ginny’s safety is a good suggestion, maybe after Lupin told Harry his story, featuring Greyback.
5. Yes, young Riddle will be good, and this will be completely different from the book. I never understood what JKR had in mind when she decided that an intelligent and talented Tom Riddle was to make his “choices” to become an evil dark wizard, even before he was 11. For me it always tasted like “born evil”. But she made him like that. Obviously, in the movie he will be an innocent infant, sweet and somehow depressed, who just doesn’t understand what happens to him. I am, however, curious if they will present an explanation for what made him become that grown-up Voldemort.
6. I guess they will not have the time to describe Slughorn well in the movie, either.
My first thought when seeing Ron was the boggart in “The Woes of Mrs Weasley”, partly because the carpet looks so much like Grimmauld Place. But, of course, that was in book 5 (I’m beginning to forget the details). So it must be the poisoning in Slughorn’s office. Although, doesn’t he look like muttering “Romilda …” as in the scene before?
P.S. I first saw Johnny Depp in Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands”. And loved him.
To Jeremy: I agree with you about the music. Hedwig’s theme gets me every time! And I don’t even like the movies much.
I find it somewhat curious that the memory portrayed in the trailer is not the “most important memory” Dumbledore referred to. But then, that could just have been done for dramatic effect. Surely they’ll include the Slughorn story.
Of course, I’m going to have to see this movie … preferably in the IMAX … even if I do roll my eyes and complain about it afterwards!
Welcome, Welcome!
To another Sir Michael Gambon vs. Richard Harris as Dumbledore session!!!??? Just kidding Travis. I rather like having fun with the comparisons.
Travis:
“1. Gambon isn’t awful, but he isn’t great either. I want Richard Harris delivering those lines.”
Travis, Red Rocker, revgeorge,
Unless we can get the” resurrection stone” to Richard Harris and place him into the “heavenly Kings Cross” we are stuck with Michael Gambon I’m afraid.
Now I agree with Travis, Gambon seems to be ok in what we have seen in the trailer, so far. In the “memory vial scene” and the scene with the young Tom Riddle he was calm, collected more closer at least to what was written in the book. Yeats seems to have settled Gambon down to a more subdued role now with the headmaster. Finally!
The fire circle scene with Dumbledore protecting himself and Harry from the Infiri looks like it could be one of the best pivital
emotionally intense “life and death” scenes filmed yet. This comes from Yeats himself, comparing this scene to be “Biblical” in intensity in line with Charlton Heston’s parting of the Red Sea .
Hope he’s right.
I’m going to agree that Snape will probably remain in the background for the most part, though I would like to see him more… someone said above (sorry I couldn’t find it to say exactly who) that Rickman could convey what we need him to in a look (or something to that effect) because he is a brilliant actor, and I agree…
After watching the trailer for the 15th time
I think I am warming to Gambon… possibly because I want so desperately for him to be the Dumbledore I know he can be!
I agree with all who posted about the cave scene… looks awesome. And someone mentioned possibly Morfin as the “scary guy” in that quick scene with Harry running… could very well be…
RE: Johnny Depp… love him. Don’t love some of the roles he choses, but he is brilliant anyway. Finding Neverland – brilliant. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? – brilliant. Sweeney Todd – brilliant. Edward Sizzorhands – brilliant. I could go on… but I won’t.
Oh… I forgot the discussions about the young actors.
Ok… so perhaps Dan is not the best out of the trio, but he HAS improved, and he is SO MUCH Harry Potter for me that I allow myself to be completely immersed in the story, without thinking too much on the acting. I love the way the cast members are growing up into their roles, and I think (other than the green eyes – which I have to say REALLY REALLY bothers me… but I have let it go) that thay are exactly what I would see Harry, Ron, Hermione being if they existed. Now I’m done
Dave,
I’ve said all along that a cardboard cutout of Harris & a bad voice impersonator could equal or better Gambon’s performance. But you’re right, we are stuck with him. Hopefully when they remake the movies they’ll make better casting choices.
I’m also in agreement with you all who say that Snape will be on the back burner. More’s the pity.
I loved it. I’m not a huge fan of the movies, though now I have learnt to accept them as just a guilty pleasure. They hold nothing to the brilliance of the books but are fun to watch none the less. This looks to be dark. I remember a few reports a while claiming that this film will be funny. Whilst the book had its lighter moments I certainly don’t want the funny to take over for two thirds of the movie, with the serious coming right at the end.
After seeing OotP, and GoF I have begun to believe that the movies cannot do the ends of the last few books justice as the endings are just that epic. GoF felt too short and hollow, OotP was severely lacking, and I can’t see them pulling off the emotional turmoil of Dumbledore’s death…
But as I said above, they are a guilty pleasure. Time will tell as to how well they will be done.
David, did Yates really call that scene “Biblical” in intensity?
Chelsea, yes – Finding Neverland! Great movie, and Depp was excellent. Same with Sweeney Todd! I loved that movie. I haven’t seen Edward Scissorhands in ages…I’ll have to get that one again. Looks like I need to have a Deppfest here at the Prinzi household.
Michael, I’ve probably said this plenty of times…but I actually was quite surprised and happy with OotP. Any particular reasons why you found it “severely lacking”?
Have I missed something with all this talk about what a bad actor Daniel Radcliffe is? I was actually quite impressed with him in OotP. I think he shows good instinct and intelligence in the role (even though he definitely needed a haircut…yes). Emma Watson, on the other hand, I don’t feel has lived into her potential, though I suspect that might have something to do with how she’s been directed. I loved her as Hermione in the first two films…she was spot on. She’s had moments to shine in the other films, but overall I’ve not been as impressed.
I found the trailer quite chilling. It should be an interesting (and creative) adaptation.
Hmm…almost midnight. Happy Birthday, Harry!
Beth,
Thank you for also noticing what I’ve thought, too. That Watson does much better when she’s directed more clearly. I liked her in the first two films a lot. POA was good, too. Something in GOF rubbed me wrong, though. And I think it was because Newell was pretty lax in his direction, as per what the actors themselves said. It could also be my overall dislike for the GOF movie. OOTP I’m still undecided on her performance. But I think it’s better, although I know some people think she was worse.
Travis:
David, did Yates really call that scene “Biblical” in intensity?
Yes he did. Here’s the link to the article from USA Today.
The quote is under the photo of Dumbledore in the flames on the left column.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-07-28-potter-trailer_N.htm
Hmm, revgeorge, that’s interesting. I actually liked Hermione much better in film GoF than in film PoA, but then I actually liked GoF a good bit, except for the ending (grins and ducks as the tomatoes fly by). Hermione in PoA kept reminding me too much of “Kim Possible” — girl power! I thought her character returned to something at least a little closer to the book characterization in the fourth film. I didn’t mind her performance at all in the fifth, but there just wasn’t much there. It will be interesting to see both Hermione and Ron’s return to screen prominence as they return to more prominence in the 6th and (especially) 7th stories.
Chelsea, I’m always surprised when it bothers someone that movie Harry’s eyes aren’t green, because to me (even before “look at me” in Deathly Hallows), the important fact was that he has his mother’s eyes and that has been brought out in the movies. But that’s just my opinion and you’re entitled to yours.
Except that if John Granger’s thesis about the Dante connection is correct, then the green eyes are really quite important!
Beth,
I guess it must just be my dislike of GOF then, affecting my view of how Watson played Hermione. My main problem with GOF was that, although the movie had great moments, it seemed disjointed & lacking heart.
Brent: Don’t ask me why it bothers me, it just does… and this was before I heard John Granger’s theories! I think maybe it just takes away from the movie for me… not sure, but you are absolutely right, and I really have let it go
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY AND JO!!!
Chelsea and Travis,
I’ll have to read Granger’s thesis about the green eyes. Does he have it on his site? Maybe, that’s why I just try to enjoy movies adapted from books and the visual flair they add to the images in my head, because movies never seem to be able to convey the levels of the story that books do.
I like what I’m seeing in the trailer.
While we’re at it, I have to say that GOF is my least favorite that I’ve seen yet… It just doesn’t have the right feel except for in a few places of the wonder of the Potter world. It’s lost it’s magic. Emma Watson’s performance was one of the things I did like about it, except in places. Usually the scenes where she is talking to Harry are the better ones. I wasn’t as impressed with her performance in Order of the Phoenix as I have been in the previous ones, she seems a bit stiff or something I can’t quite place my finger on.
I hope they put in the scene where Voldemort comes looking for a job at Hogwarts. The intensity and calmness between Voldemort and Dumbledore in that scene is remarkably well written by J. K. R. On the other hand, I hope they either tone down or skip some of the more, uh, passionate scenes, involving the various romances in the sixth book. Ron and Lavender’s in particular bothered me in the book.
But as far as getting the overall feeling of the book right, I like what I see in the trailer.
Travis, I fully agree with you about Richard Harris. He was great in just about every role he played, even little bit parts. And I have to laugh at the idea that a cardboard cutout of Harris and a bad voice actor could equal Gambon’s performance. That is so true. Of course, that’s how Gambon acts in everything anyway, like a cardboard cutout.
On Johnny Depp, I am often a fan, but not so much on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He was just a bit too creepy in a child-molester kind of way. Now if you want to see some vintage Depp, see What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. It’s a great performance by Depp, and a surprisingly good performance by Leo DiCaprio. My favorite Depp is of course the first Pirates. I also think they could have stopped after that and I would be very happy. The other two movies feel forced, like they were trying too hard to make the magic happen again, rather than just letting it happen or not.
Richard Harris was just excellent as Oliver Cromwell in Cromwell.
Well worth anyone’s time to watch that worthy.
Great trailer. Very creepy. Gambon has been very weak as DD, but he isn’t terrible. Part of the problem is the screenwriting and direction, which stupidly takes away Dumbledore’s best scenes, such as his defeat of Fudge and Umbridge in his office, and his chat with Voldemort about death during the Duel in the Atrium.
We have often conjectured that the reason the screenplay has taken away Dumbledore’s best scenes – and lines – is because everyone at the other end knows how Gambon would have butchered them.
Watch Harris as Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator and think of what he could have made of Dumbledore’s death scene – or his chat with Harry at King’s Cross – and weep.
Speaking of which, although he’s too youg for it now, Russell Crowe wouldn’t make a bad Dumbledore, one day.
Red Rocker, can we get a petition going to hire Russell Crowe? I’m sure they could age him enough to be Dumbledore. I’d certainly sign a petition to get, well, anyone but Gambon.
You know, Red Rocker, that’s a great thought. In 30 years, when they remake all the movies, Russell Crowe would be a great Dumbledore.
I was thinking of how Crowe would do it, vs. how Harris would have done it.
Crowe would direct his lines at the person he’s speaking to: there’d be a sense that he was speaking to someone, trying to communicate with someone, he’d convey a strong sense of purpose, of force. Perfect for the Astronomy Tower scene.
Harris would be a bit more introspective, less outer directed and have a more musing tone, but he would convey a world of wisdom and experience – and regret and sorrow as well. He would be perfect for King’s Cross.
And I’m pretty sure there are many, many other actors who could take those two scenes and make shivers run down our backs with the emotional resonance they could draw from them.
Instead we have someone who directs his line somewhere in space, and to date has shown little ability to suggest the vast reservoir of knowledge and experience which Dumbledore possesses.
But enough of this. Might have beens and could have beens are pointless. I will cease and desist and keep my expectations very, very, very low.
I’m not sure I agree with you guys on Russell Crowe…
Brent: One of John’s books goes through the whole green eyes theory, though I think Travis would be a better source for this info.
Chelsea, I’m thinking Crowe at 70, not Crowe now. Though Crowe now, made to look older, would be better than Gambon now.
Brent, it appears John’s taken his Dante stuff down from HogPro. It will all be in his forthcoming book, The Deathly Hallows Lectures. Zossima is finishing it up right now, and it should be available soon.
Just saw the trailer in the theatre, before Mummy 3.
Must say, it works better on the big screen. Hard to fault Gambon’s execution of his lines, although his physical acting, for example his refusal to make direct eye contact, sucks. The kid who plays young Riddle is very good.
The other thing that sucks is Mummy 3 Honestly. Maria Bello is no Rachel Weisz. There is 0 chemistry between her and Brendan Fraser. The actor who plays Alex – Luke Ford – is undertalented, and at 26, a little too old to be playing the son of a 39 year old and a 40 year old. Unless they conceived him when they were adolescents. Despite some gorgeous visuals, and the presence of a charismatic villain and some talented actors, the movie was the worst thing an action-adventure thriller could be: it was boring.
Red Rocker,
Seeing the trailer on the big screen, did you get the sense that they’re making young Riddle a little more sympathetic than he should be? I’ve heard some things over at HP Progs that people get the impression the trailer’s trying to push the idea that Riddle’s been abused or bullied by other kids, so that’s why he’s acting out, to put it in psychological terms.
Just interested as to your impression. I didn’t really get that impression watching it on youtube but maybe it comes off better on the big screen.
revgeorge,
I didn’t get the impression that young Riddle had been abused or bullied around by other kids – just that he got even with anyone who crossed him.
The overall impression was of a cold, sullen, self-contained and arrogant kid who enjoyed exercising power. The look in his eye when Dumbledore sets the wardrobe on fire is very telling: he looks impressed, but more than impressed, intrigued. The exercise of power turns him on.
Anyways, there was nothing to elicit sympathy – except for the Matron’s comment that Dumbledore was the only one to visit him, ever. And even that was quickly extinguished by the cold demeanour of young Riddle.
I’m sure there are many people who would sympathize with that portrayal. On the other hand, there are lots of people in our world who are sympathetic to mass murderers and serial killers and such, imagining some humanity without much actual evidence.
Thanks, Red Rocker. That’s pretty much what I thought, too. I just thought I might have been missing something when I heard those other comments on the trailer.
Returning to my favorite topic – how Richard Harris is better than Michael Gambon: I just re-watched Chamber of Secrets last night. Watch the final scene, when Hagrid comes in complaining about “some ruddy bird called Errol.” Harris’s Dumbledore looks down at Ron and gives him a knowing smile over the half-moon spectacles.
Then think about DH, and how well Dumbledore knew Ron, even though none of the trio knew Dumbledore watched him so carefully.
Harris was almost prophetic in his understanding of Dumbledore. In Red Rocker’s words – weep for what might have been.
Yeah, I’ve caught that smile a few times. So much expressed, with such little effort. Such knowingness, which is one of the main things about Dumbledore: he knows more than anyone else.