IMAX adventures, part the second

[susanbones2003]

New thoughts
Just saw HP in IMAX again and had lots of new thoughts and 
observations to share with you all. 

A while back Richard introduced the idea of communicating important 
information visually rather than through exposition. The tongue 
flicking that clues us into Barty Crouch Jr.'s true identity plus 
that black leather jacket were great visual signals. I think that 
Mike Newell (MN henceforth) laid the foundation for another plot 
point by using the twins' ever-present small industry of taking bets 
on each of the tasks. While their betting on the World Cup and Harry 
were bits in the book, it wasn't a business  and then I realized, 
their book-making may be used to explain where they get start- up 
money for Weasley's Wizard Weezies (since the Tri-wizard winnings 
got no screen time). I can just hear them now explaining to 
Harry, "We made quite a packet off you, mate!" Throughout this film, 
MN showed such a great feel for not only what works but what is 
eminently enjoyable. James and Oliver never failed to deliver 
(favorite line from the film "Well done,  dragon!) and I am so 
thrilled he didn't waste these very talented boys. 

Another short-hand element (small perhaps, but demonstrated MN's 
great finesse) was the way he had of cutting from one place to the 
next. Two instances specifically: To show that Harry would be going 
to Dumbledore's office. We first see DD''s office window (light in 
window, of course) from the outside and at eye-level so the camera 
is literally in the air, making the viewer wheeling throught the air 
as well Then the camera cuts to inside the office. He also used this 
device when Fake Moody took Harry away from the return scene. They 
exit the arena, the camera pans up and that haunting music rises and 
then we see the window of FM's office (again with the light on) and 
cut to Harry and Fake Moody entering. It's a very deft way to cut to 
things and still keep us connected.

Bits I noticed that added to my experience:

The Durmstrang ship had little onion skin domes! What a nice touch 
that JKR herself must have liked!

The first time MN uses an architectural object to orient us, it is 
the carving on the bow of the Durmstrang ship, (please someone tell 
me what that is called. I just spent 30 fruitless minutes trying to 
google it!), it looks like a bird of prey (Viktor reference 
perhaps). The second time, it's a gargoyle on the castle that the 
camera focuses on and the pans down from. This vantage point is a 
motif used throughout the film, the camera showing us a view that 
the normal eye would never see. I am not sure what it means but it 
gives the film a lightness somehow, the feeling that we fly among 
and around Hogwarts, that we aren't limited to the ground.
 
As the last task began, all the champions, save Harry, had a second 
with them. Dumbledore comes out with him but it's obvious in his 
demeanor that he is not Harry's cheerleader or anchor. Harry looks 
noticeably wistful seeing the support each of the others has and all 
the enthusiasm each champion generates during introductions. When 
his name is called and the Gryffendor section explodes into cheers, 
a very thankful smile breaks across his face.

In the graveyard scene, near the time for Harry to escape, you can 
see Lucius pulling out his wand and LV warning him that Harry is his 
to finish. I couldn't have made that out on a regular scene. There's 
just too much detail to follow. 

Finally, that ending, that somewhat abrupt and perhaps less than 
satisfying ending
 I looked very closely this time. Hermione seems 
on the verge of tears, she's trembling almost when she says "Now 
everything's going to change." But this time I saw that with Harry's 
unruffled "Yes," that she seemed to take comfort. The fear in her 
eyes seemed to ease a bit. That was a great relief on my part.

It seems the challenge for directors coming at Harry is 1) How to 
approach Harry in a creative manner when JKR has created such a 
circumscribed and detailed world and 2) how to keep that damnable 
plot moving along at the same time! MN seems to have found the best 
balance yet. 
Let me hear your thoughts and additions to my observations!
Jen D