Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
dir. David Yates
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman
**** out of *****
Reviewer's Note: This is my first experience in the Harry Potter universe, so as such, you'll have to forgive me for the lack of knowledge surrounding the backstory that set up this film. Also... spoilers herein, but I'll assume more people that read this have some actual Potter knowledge, whereas I do not.
All things must inevitably come to an end, and this fall brings the beginning of that end for the storied Harry Potter franchise (or does it??) (yes, it does). So what better time to delve into the enchantment and magic that make up the Potterverse than just as it all begins coming to an end? So that's what this reviewer did... starting with the end.
As the film opens, Harry Potter is notably a wanted man (wizard?) and it seems that half of the film's characters want him dead, while the other half are willing to die to protect him. After an initial chase one finds Harry and friends Ron and Hermione out on their own, seeking to destroy the Horcruxes that give evil Lord Voldemort (Fiennes, who is wickedly evil in the role) his power/immortality. Along the way the three also attempt to find meaning in the gifts willed to them by recently-slain mentor Albus Dumbledore (killed by Professor Snape, one Potter spoiler this reviewer has known about since real-life trolls spoiled the ending to book six before it was released). This unravels a mystery related to some of the most powerful magical devices ever created, the Deathly Hallows.
A point to make for the casual viewer is that you technically need not watch the other films, or read the books, to prepare yourself for the film. Yes, there is a great deal of backstory that is helpful to know, but the opening scenes of the film clearly set the characters on two sides and it is fairly easy to tell who's who. When learning about the Horcruxes, viewers are reminded a dozen times that Harry has already destroyed two of them prior to this film, and their purpose is also spelled out (if not specifically alluded to several times). So while one may run into a sea of dropped-jaws and strange, perverse glances from one's friends upon seeing this film first, it gives a unique perspective.
And that perspective reveals a very well-made film, something quite astonishing for cynics who believe that quality ends after one or two films. Specifically the settings in the entire film, which lend an air to both the mystery of the Deathly Hallows and to the search for the Horcruxes. A good deal of the film takes place outdoors, in the woods, as Harry and his friends search for meaning. They are alone, painted in the solitude and isolation of the deep woods and the mountaintops, searching for meaning and guidance that the film makes quite evident that they have never been much without up until now (the film does an excellent job of establishing a dependence upon Dumbledore, so his loss clearly has affected the trio). Eduardo Serra, the cinematographer, creates some dazzling and simply breathtaking vistas through the lens. The set design team, together with Serra, have created a film so visually representative of its themes that one could film the scenes empty, without the actors, and they'd still have the same effect.
The effects in the film are also spectacular, as is the stunt-work, and both go hand-in-hand to showcase all of the magical spells that are cast throughout the film. It even contains a short animated segment, which details the origins of the Deathly Hallows, that both offers a nice break from the film and gives the origin a visual flair, which never seems to stray from the overall mood in the film or the scene itself. Though animated it feels like it is very much a part of this universe and it gives one excellent backstory.
These coupled with the spectacular performances make the film infinitely enjoyable. Indeed, it isn't just notable that the seventh film of a franchise has strived for this level of artistic quality and beauty, but that the film did so, period (as some films can barely scrape any together during their entire runtime). Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint are all on their A-game here, and one can imagine that this is due to the years they've lived and worked together, living and breathing as these characters. Yet they bring real emotion to the characters- as a first-time viewer it is impossible not to get sucked in and feel the weight that bears down on Harry Potter- the "chosen one"- or to feel the seething evil pouring from Fiennes' Voldemort (though he is woefully under-used in this film, his presence is always very much felt). Hermione and Ron do their best to help Harry shoulder his burden, despite the toll it takes on them- so many moments are filled with such an unnerving tension that one can't possibly look away.
That said this film does have its stutter-steps, most of them centering around the action in the film, which is both lacking and at times ineffectively executed (the opening chase sequence in particular is quite troublesome, as it is dark and very difficult to make out precisely what is going on, and there is never really any sense of danger). Of course, this being half of a two-part epic, one imagines (given the ending, especially) that the greater action of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is yet to come, so it is easy to forgive (much like The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was very slow-moving and sparse on action). The pieces are all being lined up for a final epic showdown, one that promises to thrill and satisfy. Yates' direction- though a bit uneven at times- is really most effective capturing the small moments between the characters that another director might have cut too quickly through, and in this regard this film is a resounding success.
Having never seen a Potter film or read a book, this reviewer didn't know particularly what to expect going in- but the fact that the film is (in large part) so effective on its own speaks to the talent of all of those involved, from Rowlings' pen, to Kloves' adaptation, to Yates' direction, and the marvelous performances by the cast. The second part of this great adaptation cannot come fast enough (July 15, 2011 is the release date, no doubt in part to convert the film to 3D, which will quite honestly do nothing for it anyway). In the meantime, this reviewer has some studying to do. One can only imagine how much more satisfying this grand conclusion will truly be to someone deeply immersed in the Potterverse- a place this reviewer plans to be by the 15th of July.
Check out the film's official site, find the film on IMDB, and read some of the reviews. Check out my other articles on my blog including current reviews, reviews for upcoming features, classic movie reviews and bad movie reviews. Request a film for review at xexisproductions@hotmail.com. You can also check out other reviews (and other great content!) over at Black Entertainment USA.
All Harry Potter Reviews:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
A wonderful, if flawed, introduction to the series.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Even better than the first.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
A fantastic film with an amazing final act.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
A tragic misstep for the Potter-verse.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
An excellent, excellent film in every way.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Coming soon!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I
The first Potter film this reviewer ever watched.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
Opening in theaters everywhere July 2011!
Comments
Great review. Can't wait to see what you think of the second part, the books, and the rest of the movie. Looking forward to reading your next review!
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