Dragon over London...

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-Movie at yahoogroups.com, "Geoff" <geoffbannister123 at ...> wrote:
>
> --- In HPFGU-Movie at yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <bboyminn@> wrote:
> 
> Steve: 
> > ...
>  
> > ... Harry's ... last year was 1997-1998. 
>  
> > As to the shot of the modern London skyline, I think that was a cinematic decision. Objects like the "London Eye" are iconic, it is probably one of the most recognized object in the London skyline, and nothing says London more.
> > 
> > Without this recognizable object, we could be seeing pretty much any generic city in Europe. 
> 
> Geoff:
> I did post a timeline for Harry and for the publication of the books in post 17467.
> 
> Steve, as someone who lived in London for over 40 years, your last 
> sentence left me undecided whether to be laughing out loud or 
> hopping mad!
> 
> What about Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben,The Tower of 
> London to mention but a few and which have all been there much 
> longer than the Eye? Which other city could claim these as
> generic?
> 
> Tower Bridge did occur, for example, in OOTP when the group are 
> flying from Privet Drive to Grimmauld Place.
>

Steve:

Tower Bridge, the Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, etc... are all iconic ... for people who live outside the bubble of their own little world. I've never traveled to London, but I would recognize those building. However, one must ask, how many 10 year old's would recognize them? But, I guess the same could be said for the London Eye. Still, I think the London Eye is the most iconic modern structure in London; Unique in the world. 

In a sense, a bridge is a bridge, a palace is a palace, a clock is a clock, and a tower is a tower, but the London Eye is a heck of a lot more than a Ferris wheel. Again, I think, the most iconic structure (to the semi-initiated) in London.

Keep in mind, I'm agreeing with you, people SHOULD recognize all those other iconic structures you mentioned, but what people should do, and what the can do are very different things. Far too many teenagers can't even find the USA on a globe. Sad but true. 

In truth, I really don't think the movie makers were thinking that much about the time line. I suspect Uncle Vernon's car does not fit the time line. I suspect other cars on the road are not 'period' cars. I think to some extent, the time or timeline are not addressed in the movies. 

Technically, the point is right; the London Eye was build in 1999, one year too late for this story. But again, I think from the movie perspective, the events occur in a non-specified year. That does cause continuity errors, but I suspect only those members of LOON (Loyal Order Of Nitpickers) will notice them.

Steve/bboyminn