Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

27/11/2010

Patrick Waggett went to see the seventh instalment in the Harry Potter series

Ralph Fiennes as Voldermort in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One

So here we are – the beginning of the end. The Deathly Hallows: Part One has to be one of the most eagerly anticipated films of all time and we have all this excitement to come again when Part Two graces our screens in July 2011.

I doubt any background is needed about one of the most successful film franchises of all time, but just in case, Voldemort - the deliciously evil Ralph Fiennes - is getting stronger and is looking to kill Harry once and for all. Harry knows how to stop him and in order to do so, he has to hunt down Voldemort’s horcruxes (the objects in which Voldemort has hidden parts of his soul) and destroy them. On the run and with the aid of his trusty friends, Ron and Hermione, what ensues has been described as a road movie.

The Harry Potter films have become increasingly dark as the series has progressed. From the off, the shots loom over our three heroes and we are swiftly taken to Malfoy Manor where Voldemort discusses his plans to kill Harry with his Death Eaters. The Deathly Hallows cements itself as the darkest film to date in mere minutes! The assassination attempt is an ambush in mid-air amongst broomsticks, Thestrals and a flying motorbike; a fantastic set piece moving from the air to the roads, dodging Muggles and curses at an electric pace. From here, a wedding, a brief encounter on Shaftesbury Avenue and an infiltration of the Ministry of Magic take the journey forward as our heroes find the first of the horcruxes.

This is where the pace of the piece becomes a little bogged down: endless dialogue, moody glances, their isolation and numerous objects crop up to be found and leave you feeling a little lost amongst the details and some plot-holes. It feels that on occasion certain things should have been explained and/or figured out a bit quicker - a fragment of mirror goes frustratingly unexplained and the appearance of a mysterious Silver Doe apparently needs no deliberation. If you haven’t read the book, then this could be confusing. That said, the slower pace and frustration reflects that of the characters in their forlorn quest and it gives the audience the feeling of impending doom that comes with them being out of the comfort zone from the rest of the series and away from the safe, familiar surroundings of Hogwarts.

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Part One has already come under scrutiny regarding a ‘dancing scene’ which I found to be beautifully directed and a welcome change in tone in the middle of the film. This and an animation sequence to aid some story telling was fresh and engaging. As adaptations go, this was terrific given the circumstances. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have really grown up. It is shocking to watch them in the first few films as almost unrecognisable children. David Yates seems to be a brilliant director and his nurturing is evident on screen. Emotional drama has been given more impetus with a paranoid love triangle conspiracy bubbling under the surface, in which Grint is particularly good and it develops the characters nicely. It’s the little things that the production team have understood of the characters that drives the films and makes these much loved characters even more attractive. Humour comes naturally now where it felt stiffly acted in earlier films which really balances the darkness of the tone (particularly when it comes to the snatchers).

The darkness continues towards the finale of this film as we are taken to Malfoy Manor once again. Helena Bonham Carter and Jason Isaacs are always superb as Ballatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy and tear the screen up with their menace. Tom Felton deserves mention too, as his short time on screen portrays his maturity with an intriguing moment between him and Harry. One complaint might be that we could have done with a bit more Alan Rickman though.

The film looks great with Eduardo Serra taking the reins from cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel to keep that ominous feel, often feeling like an art house film in its sweeping long shots and imagery. The first image we have on screen is an extreme close-up of Minister Rufus Scimgeour’s (Bill Nighy) eyes that is unconventional yet effective. But make sure you’re comfortable for a frenetic chase sequence near the end of the film as the shaky cam demands your attention. The big set pieces and some of special effects are truly a spectacle and confirm that Harry Potter has grown into something that isn’t just a children’s film anymore, its 12A certificate is more than justified.

Rhys Ifans as Xenophilius Lovegood in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

As half a tale, the film does kind of just end.

Like that.

But it is of course in the middle of a book. There is enough in it though to complete it as a singular piece of work and more than enough to contemplate what is to come, ensuring that we will all book our tickets early for the next instalment.

Harry Potter official website