Books versus the Movies

I've always been one of those obnoxious movie goers who absolutely spit on novel based films. If the directors weren't using the book as the script, I used to leave the theater disappointed, angry, and hurt. But now, after seeing the newest Harry Potter movie, I understand why that is completely wrong.

When reading the final Harry Potter book, I was completely overwhelmed by how fast paced it seemed and how sad and dark it was, and because of the fact that it was the last book in the series, I devoured it in a day and a half. I remember thinking to myself, now that would be a great film.

Seeing it up there on the big screen, however, made me realize that the book is meant to be read, and only read, and the movie is meant to be seen, and only seen. They are two different experiences that really shouldn't be related to each other.

There were moments when Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way through vast forests and towns searching for horcruxes that seemed to drag endlessly on, and I often was confused about what was going on. I had no idea why Harry carried around the shard of mirror, even though I know it plays an important role later on.

As someone who actually did read the book, I can't imagine what someone who didn't read it must have felt. There's so much to take in, to remember and piece together, and yet this is only part one of the finale.

Maybe this whole time, I really just never understood the concept of translating literary work into film. It's great when you can finally see your favorite story actually visualized, but is anything really ever as good as the tale that you loved in your own head? I don't think so. Some things just can't be compared, no matter how accurate it might be.

I love David Yates' camera work however, despite the minor plot flaws. And of course, I never realized how superb some of the acting is in those movies. I love the members of the Order, including David Thewlis as Remus Lupin and Brendan Gleeson as Mad Eye Moody, and who can ever forget the chilling face of Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort?

The characters, I think, will continue to survive way past the expiration date of the movies. Who knows? 100 years down the road (or maybe even less if things keep going like they have been) we might just be seeing new faces taking on the reins and retelling the story of the boy who lived.