Random thoughts about the movie, etc. -- Cuaron

[Nia]

Ginny wrote, responding to GulPlum's comments:

<snip>
> I felt CC used the camera in "creative ways" to avoid showing the 
> kids standing next to the adults.  Why?  Because they were taller 
> than many of them!  Or at least of a comparable height, and since 
> often the scene depends on the adult looking down and oozing 
> authority, this is important.  It is also necessary in scenes with 
> Hagrid, since Coltrane isn't nearly as tall as Hagrid is supposed 
to 
> be.<snip>

  Although I wouldn't presume to speak for "GulPlum,"  he is 
absolutely spot on about the emotional distance caused by Columbus' 
excessive crane shots.  Since none of the trio, despite all the 
media blather to the contrary, has grown enough to match any of the 
adult actors' height, Columbus cannot be defended for that reason.  
Also, the illusion of Hagrid's height is created by the same digital 
effect used in LOTR to make the hobbits appear small. Camera angles 
are irrelevant. (He and Harry are filmed from a variety of angles in 
Ps/SS) I know that those of us who have read and loved the books 
already feel very, very attached to all the characters, but to 
someone seeing this film "cold," Columbus' shot choices (overused) 
distance us.  It has the effect os making us into dispassionate 
observers rather than participants.

Now, your commment about the adults "oozing" authority does have 
merit, especially in the scene with Lucius Malfoy, since he is such 
a domineering and imposing character.  In the scenes in McGonagall's 
classroom, having her stand and the children all sit is quite enough 
to establish her authority.  Dumbledore is imposing already.  
Costune choices and the late Richard Harris' height all take care of 
that.  It's the use of the crane shots when unnecessary that 
contributes to depriving the audience of being drawn into the story 
as we were by the books.  You cannot feel a character's deepest 
emotions when "you are looking down on him."

IMO the underlying point to all of the criticisms of Columbus' work 
is that he had in his hands all the raw materials to transport his 
audience--to make a film that was utterly magical. Although I cannot 
deny that the movie was beautiful to look at, it's soul was missing, 
and creating a film with a soul is in all the little details.  :-)
--Nia