I just got back from seeing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I had high expectations, as that was my favorite of the books so far (mistake number one). I also thought that since the other movies, despite a few nips and tucks that were taken here and there, had been pretty decent adaptations, this one would be, too (mistake number two). I shouldn’t be so harsh; it really wasn’t bad, especially given the length of the book they were trying to distill.
However, being such a fan of the source material, I was, of course, disappointed that some of the original scenes, characters, and even whole plotlines were left out. Hey, I definitely understand that everyone’s got their favorite stuff, and nobody gets one hundred percent of what they like in something like this–including the filmmakers. I guess what I’m trying to say is that despite a valiant effort and some truly great elements, the finished product still came off feeling like it lacked depth and was somewhat rushed.
That, and I didn’t care for much of the cinematography or (at times) the design. Odd shooting angles and compositions, strange distances from the subject matter, and occasionally dizzying camera work made it a difficult film for me to enjoy. In addition, while many people say that Alfonso Cuaron’s treatment of Prisoner of Azkaban was their favorite film, I thought it bordered on the weird and outlandish. My favorite film so far has been Goblet of Fire, which I felt took a much more integrated approach to the wizarding world than Cuaron’s and now Yates’ visions have taken. Theirs, I felt, gave the non-muggle realm a skewed, twisted look, as though wand-wielders were incapable of producing anything that wasn’t frayed or dingy, or that utilized straight lines and right angles.
I know I’m in the minority here.
Anyway, rather than going on for quite a while about it, I’ll leave it at that for now. Suffice it so say, I enjoyed the film, but it wasn’t my favorite, and I have my reasons why. I would enjoy discussing it at further length, however, with any interested parties.
In other news, though, I’m looking forward to spending the remainder of the week at the north shore with my wife, her family, and the woods and wildlife for company. Midsummer getaway? Yes, please.
I’m looking forward to getting a chance to talk with you about the movie, since I doubt I’ll see it anytime soon. The people I’ve talked to who’ve seen it say they liked it, but only one of them read the book and, well, I trust you to be a better critic than them anyway.
I enjoyed HARRYPOTTER5 (as my ticket stub named it), as well. I think I’d have to see all five movies again before declaring a favorite, but thus far it’s kind of a toss-up between “Prisoner” and “Goblet.” You know what? Now that I think about those two movies, what I really liked about them was their fantastical element of ‘mystery’ (my brain was in overdrive both movies trying to make connections and figure things out before the movie told me outright) and I think that was largely missing from “The Order…”
Wow. That comment could have used more editing. Right now it’s pure thought vomit. Ew.
Amy basically agreed with what you said without having read your post. She felt the books are better than the movie just because you can’t get everything into the movie. However, she said something interesting after that, which was that she would sooner watch the movies with our kids then let them read the books.
I’ve moved to a point of distinction now. I don’t think of books and movies based on books identically anymore. It only leads to disappointment. Instead I try to take each seperately. If both stink, I’m stuck. But if both are good or great, I can get enjoyment out of both without losing any enjoyment from either. I liked “Order” the book (though the least out of all of them I’ve read), and I liked the movie.
Interesting…I liked “Order” the best out of all the books–possibly including the recent #7.
I am with you, though, on the difference between the book and the movie. For example, Jurassic Park is one of my favorite books of all time, and though the movie bears little resemblance to the book, I also enjoy it a lot. Perhaps that’s because it bears so little resemblance to the book, I can take them as separate entities.
In the instance of things like HP5, though, I think the movie is too much like the book to stand on its own–it moves so fast and packs so much in that it barely makes sense on its own. You have to be familiar with the book to enjoy the movie to its fullest. Interesting, though…
This is probably where I fit with all those who saw “Eragon” before reading the book. I really liked HP5 and I think every new film is better than the last.
What I find interesting is that this was the first film she published AFTER the first one had been made in to a film. I would think with the knowledge and assurance that the rest of her series was going to be sent to screen, she might had figured it was time to get things rolling and begin to move to a conclusion (I’m not saying she never planned out just seven books, but do we really even know #7 was her last?).
What I loved most about this one wasn’t just the last 20 minutes I got to see in Imax 3D (pure awesomeness!), but it finally feels like we’re getting somewhere after Voldemort was FINALLY revealed in Goblet of Fire. It’s hard to believe that there’s only TWO films left! Because… I’m still too lazy to read all the books.
I’d agree with you on the Eragon thing…I’m finally reading it, and it’s much better than the movie.
That said, with regard to HP, yes, #7 is the end. Yes, she had an outline when she first started. I don’t believe the films have affected her, but more that because she has always known where she was going, she was able to helpfully consult on the films to make sure they didn’t cut anything they’d need later in the process of adapting the screenplay.
And as for reading the books…just bloody do it already. You’ll be happy you did.
I am also very, very glad I read Eragon after seeing the movie. Had I read the novel first, I would have utterly despised the movie. Eragon felt like reading Lord of the Rings for the first time. A fantastical new take on fantasy archetypes, where the world was so complete and well painted you almost thought you were there. Here’s hoping Eldest on screen does justice to the journey Eldest in print took me on.