[HPFGU-Movie] Re: Setup for OOTP-Finding the Central Thread

[Richard]

At 18:23 30/11/2005 , Steve wrote:

<lots snipped>

>Again, the core question is, where is the central thread of the story,
>and what is just peripheral 'fill'? It's not an easy thing to determine.

Well, Heyman's on record saying that the central thread (and the reason for 
engaging Peter Yates, based entirely on his TV series, "State of Play" - I 
could go on forever just how apt the parallels are) is a political battle 
between the Ministry and the Order, with Harry caught up in the middle.

The hearing, and the events surrounding it, is required to show just how 
corrupt the political powers-that-be are. We have to see the Ministry as it 
operates normally. Before Harry (and the rest of Hogwarts) can do battle 
with Umbridge on *their* ground, we need to see Umbridge and the Ministry 
on *theirs*. And then, of course, the final showdown at the Ministry to 
show just how shallow the Ministry's power is.

It simply wouldn't work for the structure of a political thriller that the 
first time we see the Ministry, it's deserted and in darkness. This 
building and what it stands for is what the whole story is about: we need 
to see what it does.

The conflict in OotP isn't between Harry and Umbridge, it's between The 
Ministry and the Order (including Hogwarts). If we're going to see the 
Order HQ (which we will - there has been talk of JKR's input into the Black 
family tapestry), we have to see the Ministry's HQ as well: we need to set 
up our antagonists.

Everything in the story has to be subsumed into that duality: the 
officiousness, corruption and blinkered outlook of the Ministry and its 
personnel (PLEASE bring back Percy!) -v- the integrity, courage and honesty 
of Hogwarts and the Order. The pristine life inside the Ministry -v- the 
chaos at 12GP; the "agents" inside each working for the other (Arthur, 
Kingsley & Tonks -v- Malfoy & his gang); in the middle, 
Emerging-Proactive!Harry (rather than Capslock!Harry, please!) trying to 
work out why nobody wants to believe him, but being ordered to trust Snape.

So, Steve, the hearing (and the Dementor attack which leads to it) is 
anything but peripheral to the story. It IS the story!

... at least how I see it, and how I hope Goldberg and Yates see it, too.

--
Richard, swamped in spam