[HPFGU-Movie] Re: Mirror of Erised scene, more opinions

[Adana Robinson]

>From: "norsecode" <norsecode at yahoo.com>
>>
>Adana wrote:
> > The mirror of Erised scene is an example, and the one
> > I had the most problem with.  In the book, Harry went
> > back more than once, over several nights. He lost
> > interest in his schoolwork and even in his friends.
> > It was clear that the mirror had a hold on him.
> > In the movie, it seems to be a one-night deal, and
> > Dumbledore shows up almost immediately to give his
> > pep talk. The dialogue is almost the same as in the
> > book, but the scene and mood are not nearly as strong.
> > It's almost a footnote, just a set-up for the end
> > fight with Quirrell.
>
>Frankly, I think it would be hard to convey on film the fact that
>Harry keeps returning to the mirror any better than Columbus does.
>Dumbledore's saying, "Back again," sends the message that he's been
>going back at least a few times.
>
>Barb responded:
> > I didn't get that impression at all from the movie.
> > In fact, it was probably the most powerful scene in
> > the movie for me.
>

Keeping in mind that I've only seen the movie once (so far!), the way I 
remember it, Dumbledore said "Back again" after Harry had collected Ron and 
they'd both looked into it, and Ron had gone back to bed.  Harry was back 
again, and it seemed like he'd been there some time, maybe all night long, 
maybe, but it seemed to be the same night.

I think the scene was done very well, and reminded me again of why I like 
Dumbledore so much--some people never do learn that you can't live in the 
past--but I was trying to look at it from a perspective of a person who 
hadn't read the book (and it's hard to get into that mindset!)and I didn't 
think it would come across as strongly to the non-initiated.  I have friends 
and family members who will *never* read the books, but I have hopes of 
dragging them to the movie, and since I think that this is one of the 
strongest scenes in the book, I wanted it extremely clear in the movie what 
this was doing to Harry.

I know, I know--nitpicky!

I also couldn't stand the cheesy body-squashing special effects in the 
Quidditch scenes.

I did think Daniel Radcliffe made an excellent Harry--exactly as I'd 
pictured him--and Rupert and Emma were great too.  I have loved Maggie Smith 
in everything I've ever seen her in.  The guy who played Quirrell was a bit 
of a disaster.

I was disappointed in Draco (runs for cover--knocks on door of 
"Snape/Rickman's-not-sexy" bunker from other list, seeking admittance).  
>From the books, my imagination had pictured him as taller, a bit 
older-seeming, with more menace behind his arrogance.  This pipsqueak kid 
("Blondie") reminded me more than anything else of a whiny, wanna-be evil 
Macauley Culkin.

Adana--awaiting howlers

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