Details like Stan

[sophiamcl]

I didn't finish my second-viewing comments, so here goes: Here are a 
few things I really like:

Stan Shunpike is wonderful! The actors interpretation of the 
charatcter really stood out to me.(I haven't taken the time yet to 
find out the name of the actor, but I will so I can drop ´him a 
thankyou note!) Even though he had very limited screen-time, his 
character seemed rounded to me. It could havd been a throwaway-part, 
but this guy made it all his own. I truly enjoy well thought out 
performances--it's the little things that make all the difference.

I love how he reads the welcome-spiel froma tattered card and points 
to his nametag as he introduces himself (supposedly the card 
instructs him to), the little moment where he joins Harry in 
squinting at the bushes, how he makes a big deal about the weight of 
the trunk, the menacing delight in the line "he's a murderer," and, 
my absolute favorite: how he half-folds the ticket and takes a beat 
to consider Harry before giving it to him with a snazzy little 
gesture. Yesssss! Terrific. 

Other favorite moments: When Hagrid bends down to ask Harry"How am I 
doing my first day?", his face shining with anticipation and 
anxiousness for praise, and Harry, with understanding and love for 
Hagrid, gives the desired response--it feels so real to me, and says 
a bit about their relationship. (BTW I thought Robbie was better as 
Hagrid in this one than in CoS--possibly a script matter. In CoS his 
performance felt fake, as though he was impersonating himself as 
Hagrid rather than *being* Hagrid. I loved him in this one though.)

Did you notice that Buckbeak poops in Care of Mag. cre. class? The 
movie doesn't point it out, it's just a small detail to heighten the 
realism... :-)

It's been mentioned before, but when the camera slides through the 
giant clockwork in the time-turner scene, my insides melt, it's such 
a gorgeous shot, both ways.

Liked Lupin the first time, but even better the second time. So warm, 
and such a true and believable performace.


more to come...

Sophia