[HPFGU-Movie] What to omit- PoA

[Richelle Votaw]

> This is my first post here, so let me know if I missed a discussion
> hidden somewhere in the archives.
>
> The previous talk about trimming down GoF for a movie (or two) has
> made me wonder about my thus-far favorite book PoA, and what is being
> chopped out of it as we speak. Particularly, I am interested in the
> Quidditch matches, as they received sizable cutting in the SS movie,
> and may get simmilar treatment in the movie version of PoA.

Hard to say what will be cut in PoA.  They've got to have a minimum of 3
Quidditch games.  They absolutely must have the one where the dementors
come, because it's vital to the plot.  That's the second time Harry
encounters the dementors and the first time he clearly hears his mother's
voice.

Second, they must have the Quidditch game where Malfoy and his stooges turn
up dressed as dementors.  If nothing else for the joy of McGonagall marching
out shouting "An unworthy trick!  A low and cowardly attempt to sabotage the
Gryffindor Seeker!  Detention for all of you and fifty points from
Slytherin!  I shall be speaking to Professor Dumbledore about this, make no
mistake!  Ah, here he comes now!"  Well, besides that priceless scene there
is also the fact that it's the first time Harry successfully produces a full
strength Patronus, thus later on knows he can do it because he's done it
before.

Third, the Quidditch final.  It wouldn't be complete without savoring the
victory!  It is the first time that Gryffindor wins the Quidditch cup, so it
would be a nice high point.

So, what can be left out?  Maybe some of the pre-Hogwarts stuff, at the
Leaky Cauldron.  Of course, you've got to have him blowing up Aunt Marge.
And seeing the grim (that's really Sirius Black) unless of course they leave
out the whole Grim thing, which would be a mistake, I think.  You've also
GOT to have the train ride because they first encounter Lupin and the
Patronus there.  I suppose you can leave some of the classes out.  Limit
Divination to one class session.  Maybe.

All right, this is why I'm not a screenwriter.  I say keep it all and have a
five hour movie.  I'll watch it! :)

Richelle