[HPFGU-Movie] Film theorist question

[TACtalk at adelanta.co.uk]

Matt said:-

>>Anyhow, as for the much maligned scene with Harry showing disrespect
>>towards Snape, I can understand both sides.  First, it makes sense to
>>increase the tension between two of the more developed characters in the
>>books.  On the otherhand it shows that early on Harry has no respect for
>>authority, which doesn't make sense for his character, as it was authority
>>that had been his whole life until 2 weeks before that.

Quibble;
Harry answering back to Snape is in the book. The film script wasn't
word-for-word, but if you look in Chapter Eight 'The Potions Master', you
have Snape asking all those questions, and then:-

'I don't know', said Harry quietly. 'I think Hermione does, though. Why
don't you ask her?'

If it's in the book, I don't think you can really argue that it doesn't
belong in the movie. I think that the response to Snape should have been
kept in; it showed that Harry wasn't intimidated by him.

If you read the first few chapters of PS/SS with the Dursleys, you will
also find that Harry doesn't take their bullying lying down. He cheeks
back.

Harry *does* respect authority, though; but only competent authority. He
shows respect for Dumbledore, McGonagall and, in the books, almost all of
his other teachers...but not Snape. The reason he doesn't respect Snape is
that Snape is unjust. He loathes Harry and picks on him for (apparently) no
reason; and Rickman conveyed that pretty well.

Regards,
Nicholas