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The '''''Harry Potter'' film series''' is the collection of [[fantasy film]]s based on the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' series of novels by [[United Kingdom|British]] author [[J. K. Rowling]]. The five [[motion picture]]s released to-date are among the highest grossing film series of all time, with [[US]]$3.5 billion in worldwide receipts, only trailing the [[James Bond films|''James Bond'' films]] ($4.3 billion) and the [[Star Wars|''Star Wars'' films]] ($4.1 billion). The series consists of five motion pictures with the latest |
The '''''Harry Potter'' film series''' is the collection of [[fantasy film]]s based on the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' series of novels by [[United Kingdom|British]] author [[J. K. Rowling]]. The five [[motion picture]]s released to-date are among the highest grossing film series of all time, with [[US]]$3.5 billion in worldwide receipts, only trailing the [[James Bond films|''James Bond'' films]] ($4.3 billion) and the [[Star Wars|''Star Wars'' films]] ($4.1 billion). The series consists of five motion pictures with the latest instalment, ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'', released to cinemas in the [[United Kingdom]] on 12 July 2007<ref>http://harrypotter.warnerbros.co.uk/site/ Official Warner Bros Harry Potter UK site (accessed 9 June 2007)</ref>, and in [[Canada]], [[Asia]], [[Australia]] and the [[United States]] on 11 July 2007<ref>http://www2.warnerbros.com/orderofthephoenix/ Official Warner Bros Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (accessed 9 June 2007)</ref>. In the United States, the revenues for the midnight opening were $12 million and first day revenues beat out Spider Man 2 ($40.4 million) for highest Wednesday opening at $44.8 million. Warner Brothers holds the [[film rights]] to produce adaptations of the two remaining novels, ''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' and ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''.<ref name=trio-returns>{{cite news|url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2007/23/c6173.html|title=Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to Reprise Roles in the Final Two Instalments of Warner Bros. Pictures' ''Harry Potter'' Film Franchise|date=[[2007-03-23]]|accessdate=2007-03-23|publisher=[[Warner Bros.]]}}</ref> |
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''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' has already been given a release date of [[November 21]] [[2008]], and will be directed by [[David Yates]]. <ref name=yates-director-scifi>{{cite news|url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=41338|title=Yates Confirmed For Potter VI|date=[[2007-05-03]]|work=Sci Fi Wire|accessdate=2007-05-03|last=Spelling|first=Ian}}</ref> |
''[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' has already been given a release date of [[November 21]] [[2008]], and will be directed by [[David Yates]]. <ref name=yates-director-scifi>{{cite news|url=http://www.scifi.com/scifiwire/index.php?category=0&id=41338|title=Yates Confirmed For Potter VI|date=[[2007-05-03]]|work=Sci Fi Wire|accessdate=2007-05-03|last=Spelling|first=Ian}}</ref> |
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All the films in the series have been a tremendous financial success, causing the franchise to be seen as one of the major Hollywood tentpolls, akin with ''[[Star Wars]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings film trilogy|The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[James Bond (films)|James Bond]]'', ''[[Spider-Man film series|Spider Man]]'', ''[[Shrek (series)|Shrek]]'', and ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean films|Pirates of the Caribbean]]''. |
All the films in the series have been a tremendous financial success, causing the franchise to be seen as one of the major Hollywood tentpolls, akin with ''[[Star Wars]]'', ''[[The Lord of the Rings film trilogy|The Lord of the Rings]]'', ''[[James Bond (films)|James Bond]]'', ''[[Spider-Man film series|Spider Man]]'', ''[[Shrek (series)|Shrek]]'', and ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean films|Pirates of the Caribbean]]''. |
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However, opinions of the films generally divide book fans right down the middle, with one group |
However, opinions of the films generally divide book fans right down the middle, with one group preferring the more faithful approach of the first two films, and another group perferring the more stylised character-driven approach of the later films. |
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Some feel the series has a "disjointed" feel due to the changes in directors, as well as Michael Gambon's interpretation of Dumbledore differing from that of Richard Harris's. Most will acknowledge that each of the directors has had strengths and weaknesses (however, as Rowling's novels themselves evolve over time, some of these elements may actually be the result of the story's plot, rather than the director's choice). |
Some feel the series has a "disjointed" feel due to the changes in directors, as well as Michael Gambon's interpretation of Dumbledore differing from that of Richard Harris's. Most will acknowledge that each of the directors has had strengths and weaknesses (however, as Rowling's novels themselves evolve over time, some of these elements may actually be the result of the story's plot, rather than the director's choice). |
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Chris Columbus's approach was extremely faithful to the source material, recreating the book as much as possible. A criticism is that his two films contain much action but little emotion, undeveloped characters, and an abundance of expository dialogue. Such a strict recreation of the book also results in a slow pace, and consequently, the films are accused of being too long. |
Chris Columbus's approach was extremely faithful to the source material, recreating the book as much as possible. A criticism is that his two films contain much action but little emotion, undeveloped characters, and an abundance of expository dialogue. Such a strict recreation of the book also results in a slow pace, and consequently, the films are accused of being too long. |
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Alfonso Cuaron's approach was more stylized and lively, using many handheld long takes and dark uses of |
Alfonso Cuaron's approach was more stylized and lively, using many handheld long takes and dark uses of colour. Unlike Columbus, his dislike of expository dialogue or explanation of backstory (most notably the Marauder's story) led to criticisms of his approach being "style over substance". His reimagining of Hogwarts and student attire caused some to feel the continuity of the series had been hurt. Furthermore, his quickfire pacing led to a shorter film, leading some to call Cuaron "lazy". However, a large number of film fans and Rowling herself consider Cuaron the best director the series has had. |
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Mike Newell's approach focused more on |
Mike Newell's approach focused more on humour and character development. Newell delved more into interactions between the students and their relationships, creating the feeling of a British boarding school. A criticism is that Newell left in moments of slapstick, childish humour (such as Madame Maxine eating something out of Hagrid's beard) in favour of the book's subplots, resulting in a rushed, disjointed film. |
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It is worth mentioning that the passage of time has changed perceptions of the films. For instance, at the time of its release, ''Chamber of Secrets'' was almost universally praised as superior to the first film, due to the darker tone and improved acting of the leads. However, as later entries became even darker and the performances continued to improve, it became less praised and thought of simply as "more of Columbus doing the same thing as the first |
It is worth mentioning that the passage of time has changed perceptions of the films. For instance, at the time of its release, ''Chamber of Secrets'' was almost universally praised as superior to the first film, due to the darker tone and improved acting of the leads. However, as later entries became even darker and the performances continued to improve, it became less praised and thought of simply as "more of Columbus doing the same thing as the first". Furthermore, both films were criticised for lacking character moments, but the repeated airings of "Extended TV Versions" on the ABC and ABC Family networks, which incorporate deleted scenes into the films, have been able to add a few character moments back in. Columbus's films have benefitted the most from these "Extended" versions. |
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The series will continue under the direction of David Yates. |
The series will continue under the direction of David Yates. |
||
Revision as of 09:22, 13 July 2007
| Harry Potter series | |
|---|---|
| File:200px-HarryPotterAndThePhilosophersStoneMoviePoster.jpg | |
| Directed by | Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets: Chris Columbus Prisoner of Azkaban: Alfonso Cuaron Goblet of Fire: Mike Newell Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince: David Yates |
| Written by | Novels: J. K. Rowling Screenplays: Films: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 Steve Kloves Film: 5 Michael Goldenberg |
| Produced by | David Heyman |
| Starring | Trio Cast: Daniel Radcliffe Rupert Grint Emma Watson Other Principal Cast: (two or more films) Ralph Fiennes Michael Gambon Gary Oldman Maggie Smith Alan Rickman Robbie Coltrane Warwick Davis Bonnie Wright Matthew Lewis |
| Music by | Films: 1, 2, 3 John Williams Film: 4 Patrick Doyle Film: 5 Nicholas Hooper |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. Pictures |
Release date | 2001 – TBA |
Running time | 752 minutes (as of 2007) |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $655 million |
| Box office | $3.53 billion (as of 2006) |
The Harry Potter film series is the collection of fantasy films based on the Harry Potter series of novels by British author J. K. Rowling. The five motion pictures released to-date are among the highest grossing film series of all time, with US$3.5 billion in worldwide receipts, only trailing the James Bond films ($4.3 billion) and the Star Wars films ($4.1 billion). The series consists of five motion pictures with the latest instalment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, released to cinemas in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2007[1], and in Canada, Asia, Australia and the United States on 11 July 2007[2]. In the United States, the revenues for the midnight opening were $12 million and first day revenues beat out Spider Man 2 ($40.4 million) for highest Wednesday opening at $44.8 million. Warner Brothers holds the film rights to produce adaptations of the two remaining novels, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.[3]
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has already been given a release date of November 21 2008, and will be directed by David Yates. [4]
Origins
In 1999, Rowling sold the film rights to the first four Harry Potter books to Warner Bros. for a reported £1 million (US $1,982,900). [5] A reported demand Rowling made was that the principal cast be kept strictly British, nonetheless allowing for the inclusion of many Irish actors such as the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and for casting of French and Eastern European actors in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire where characters from the book are specified as such. [6] Although Steven Spielberg initially negotiated to direct the first film, he would later decline. Spielberg wanted the adaptation to be an animated film, with American actor Haley Joel Osment to provide Harry Potter's voice. However, Spielberg contended that, in his opinion, there was every expectation of profit in making the film, and that making money would have been like "shooting ducks in a barrel. It's just a slam dunk. It's just like withdrawing a billion dollars and putting it into your personal bank accounts. There's no challenge."[7]
In the Rubbish Bin section of her website, Rowling maintains that she has no role in choosing directors for the films and said "Anyone who thinks I could (or would) have 'veto-ed' [Spielberg] needs their Quick-Quotes Quill serviced."[8]
Production
Chris Columbus directed the first two films, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Alfonso Cuarón directed the third, and Mike Newell directed the fourth. The fifth, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, was directed by David Yates, who will also direct the sixth, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.[9] Columbus also worked as producer on the first three films.
Rowling's first choice for director was originally Terry Gilliam, but Columbus' involvement as screenwriter on the 1985 film Young Sherlock Holmes encouraged Warner Bros. to select him in preference. Reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, Young Sherlock Holmes includes three leads who bear a strong resemblance to the Harry, Ron and Hermione of Rowling's description (as does a character named Dudley to Draco Malfoy). They investigate a supernatural mystery in a Gothic boarding school, where staff include the Professor Flitwick-like Waxflatter, and sinister Rathe. Scenes from the film were used to cast the first Harry Potter film.[10]
In 2000, the virtually unknown British actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were selected from thousands of auditioning children to play the roles of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively.[11] They have played their characters in the first five films, and on 23 March, 2007, Warner Bros. confirmed that all three would return for the sixth and seventh.[3] Other notable Potter character portrayals include Robbie Coltrane's Hagrid, Alan Rickman's Severus Snape, Tom Felton's Draco Malfoy, Maggie Smith's Minerva McGonagall, and Richard Harris and Michael Gambon's Albus Dumbledore (Gambon took over for the third film following Harris's death in 2002). Each reprised their characters for Order of the Phoenix, along with Jason Isaacs as Lucius Malfoy, Gary Oldman as Sirius Black, and Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort.[12]
The first four films were scripted by Steve Kloves with the direct assistance of Rowling, though she allowed Kloves what he described as "tremendous elbow room".[13] Thus the plot and tone of each film and its corresponding book are virtually the same with some changes and omissions for purposes of cinematic style and time constraints. Rowling has asked Kloves to keep being faithful to the books.[14]
The fifth Harry Potter film, Order of the Phoenix was released by Warner Bros. on July 11, 2007, in English-speaking countries, except for the UK which released the movie on July 12.[15] The sixth, Half-Blood Prince is scheduled for a worldwide release in November, 2008.[16] Production of Deathly Hallows is confirmed, but no date has been set.
Response
All the films in the series have been a tremendous financial success, causing the franchise to be seen as one of the major Hollywood tentpolls, akin with Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, James Bond, Spider Man, Shrek, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
However, opinions of the films generally divide book fans right down the middle, with one group preferring the more faithful approach of the first two films, and another group perferring the more stylised character-driven approach of the later films.
Some feel the series has a "disjointed" feel due to the changes in directors, as well as Michael Gambon's interpretation of Dumbledore differing from that of Richard Harris's. Most will acknowledge that each of the directors has had strengths and weaknesses (however, as Rowling's novels themselves evolve over time, some of these elements may actually be the result of the story's plot, rather than the director's choice).
Chris Columbus's approach was extremely faithful to the source material, recreating the book as much as possible. A criticism is that his two films contain much action but little emotion, undeveloped characters, and an abundance of expository dialogue. Such a strict recreation of the book also results in a slow pace, and consequently, the films are accused of being too long.
Alfonso Cuaron's approach was more stylized and lively, using many handheld long takes and dark uses of colour. Unlike Columbus, his dislike of expository dialogue or explanation of backstory (most notably the Marauder's story) led to criticisms of his approach being "style over substance". His reimagining of Hogwarts and student attire caused some to feel the continuity of the series had been hurt. Furthermore, his quickfire pacing led to a shorter film, leading some to call Cuaron "lazy". However, a large number of film fans and Rowling herself consider Cuaron the best director the series has had.
Mike Newell's approach focused more on humour and character development. Newell delved more into interactions between the students and their relationships, creating the feeling of a British boarding school. A criticism is that Newell left in moments of slapstick, childish humour (such as Madame Maxine eating something out of Hagrid's beard) in favour of the book's subplots, resulting in a rushed, disjointed film.
It is worth mentioning that the passage of time has changed perceptions of the films. For instance, at the time of its release, Chamber of Secrets was almost universally praised as superior to the first film, due to the darker tone and improved acting of the leads. However, as later entries became even darker and the performances continued to improve, it became less praised and thought of simply as "more of Columbus doing the same thing as the first". Furthermore, both films were criticised for lacking character moments, but the repeated airings of "Extended TV Versions" on the ABC and ABC Family networks, which incorporate deleted scenes into the films, have been able to add a few character moments back in. Columbus's films have benefitted the most from these "Extended" versions.
The series will continue under the direction of David Yates.
Films
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (November 16, 2001)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (November 15, 2002)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (June 4, 2004)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (November 18, 2005)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (July 11, 2007)[15]
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (November 21, 2008)[16]
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (TBA/2010)
Trivia
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is ironically the shortest film in the series so far, its book version is the longest in the series.
Footnotes and references
- ^ http://harrypotter.warnerbros.co.uk/site/ Official Warner Bros Harry Potter UK site (accessed 9 June 2007)
- ^ http://www2.warnerbros.com/orderofthephoenix/ Official Warner Bros Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (accessed 9 June 2007)
- ^ a b "Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to Reprise Roles in the Final Two Instalments of Warner Bros. Pictures' Harry Potter Film Franchise". Warner Bros. 2007-03-23. Retrieved 2007-03-23.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Spelling, Ian (2007-05-03). "Yates Confirmed For Potter VI". Sci Fi Wire. Retrieved 2007-05-03.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "WiGBPd About Harry". Australian Financial Review. 19 July 2000.
- ^ "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". Guardian Unlimited. November 16, 2001.
- ^ "For Spielberg, making a Harry Potter movie would have been no challenge". Hollywood.com. September 05, 2001.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Rowling, J.K. "Rubbish Bin: J K Rowling 'veto-ed Steven Spielberg". J.K. Rowling.com. Retrieved 2006-06-20.
- ^ "David Yates to Direct Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for Warner Bros. Pictures". Time Warner. 2005-01-19.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "IGN: Trouble Brewing with Potter Casting?". ign.com. Retrieved 2006-07-01.
- ^ "Press Release: Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson Selected". Warner Brothers. August 21, 2000.
- ^ "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". IMDB.com.
- ^ "Mzimba, Lizo, moderator. Interview with Steve Kloves and J.K. Rowling, February 2003". Quick Quotes Quill. February 3, 2003.
- ^ "Mzimba, Lizo, moderator. Interview with Steve Kloves and J.K. Rowling". Quick Quotes Quill. February 2003.
- ^ a b Cite error: The named reference
hpana-releasedatewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b "Confirmed: HBP movie release date". MuggleNet. 2006-08-04. Retrieved 2006-12-17.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
