After much discussion these past two weeks I decided to dive into the pros and cons of film adaptations of popular books. The assumption is that when an author writes a book or creates a series their initial thought is not “I want this to become a screen play for a movie!”. So when a book does become a movie the directors and producers have the difficult task to please two sets of audience. The fans of the books who have been loyal to the original and love the story and are ready to tear apart any discrepancy’s. Then there is the clean slate audience that have never read the books and the films would be their initial introduction. Having to capture their interest and not feel out of the loop despite not reading the books. So I will mention a few differences of the films and books.
One thing that is hard for the films to capture is the depth of importance some items in the Harry Potter world have. For example, Marauder’s Map, the film does a great job of capturing a visual representation of the magical item. Seeing the footsteps travel through the map is always fun. But one thing that the film just didn’t capture was who this map actually belonged to until later in the films it would be briefly mentioned. This map belongs to Harry’s father and his gang of friends and whose friendship would have an effect in the future. Another item that does lacks in importance is the invisibly cloak. This cloak in the film is used a handful of times but when compared to the book this cloak is a vital item to Harry and was used in numerous occasions throughout the series.
Than we have the memorable silver hand of Peter Pettigrew. In the film Goblet of Fire, we see Pettigrew cut off his own hand to resurrect Voldemort and regain his full body back. But the film does not elaborate further in the series that this is not just a shiny new hand. In the book we are seen that this is not just an accessory but actually Voldemort’s kill switch. In the final book Harry reminds Pettigrew that he saved him in the Prisoner of Azkaban book. So in a moment of weakness Pettigrew lets Harry go and in that moment his silver hand strangles him to death. Also some characters in the film just become over looked or are simply omitted. We have Mr. Filch who in the first films wonder why he works at Hogwarts if he hates children of wizards in general so much. But in the Films we realize he is what is called a “Squib” and cannot perform magic despite being from a magical family. Which helps us the readers understand his character more which the films lack to demonstrate. Than we have Winky the house elf who was wrongly accused and is though into a pit depression while Dobey tries to help her. The film “Goblet of Fire” completely omits her out and there is no mention of her despite her being a significant figure in that book. This can be due to time, budget, or just the directors might have felt her character was not need for their direction.
These are just a few things that are different in both mediums and though the films are great and I enjoyed them as a kid when they were coming out. They do not encompass the feelings the book can give the reader. Especially later into the books when things start to get even darker. The films lack the severity of Harry’s situation and personal turmoil with himself and the ones he cares about around him. Some things feel rushed and it is understandable the books are large and a film on average is about 3hrs. You can only fit so much and the audience has to be considered. Some people have never read the books and you don’t want them getting lost than they won’t continue watching the films. But the directors also have to remember this is not their original work they only have so much creative freedom. They need to be respectful to the author as well as the fans that have been loyal to the books and are passionate about the series.
Movie adaptations are great and I can agree the Harry Potter films did a pretty good job with some hiccups along the way. But everyone needs to remember not every party will be happy and it’s easy to criticize but we should still appreciate it. Some Harry Potter fans started reading and then watched the films but we also have those that were introduced through the films and later decided to start reading the books because they loved it so much. This also helped welcome a new wave of fans to the Magical World of Harry Potter.