Novel vs. Film: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (part I)

Warning: This review is intended for readers who read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. For those of you who did not read the book, the following will spoil several key portions of plot.

My Philosophy: First and foremost, I will always be a reader. I firmly stand by the idea that Hollywood ruins most books with their inaccurate film adaptations. The Harry Potter films are the exceptions to the rule; they stand as accurate representations of key ideas and beloved characters.

Overall Analysis: After viewing the latest Harry Potter film, I noticed a few key pieces of information missing. Luckily, the missing information did not take away from the overall ideas presented in the novel, but their absence did lessen the intensity and overall effect of the book.

Hermoine’s Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare (S.P.E.W.): Prejudice shows its face in a myriad of forms, especially in book seven. Obvious representations are seen in the Malfoy family and their utter hatred for wizards with tainted lineages. As for every wizard, including many of the oppressed, turning a blind eye to elf enslavement, Rowling reveals the pervasive nature of prejudice in almost everyone-except for Hermoine Granger.

I understand the difficulties in presenting Hermoine’s empathy towards elves in the film, especially when previous films neglected her Elfish Welfare society. However, this film did not project Hermoine’s character as someone who cares for Harry’s recently inherited elf, Kreacher, in the least bit. Even without mention of S.P.E.W., the film could have made Hermoine sympathetic to elf mistreatment and abuse. In doing so, the relationship between the three wizards and Kreacher could have still symbolized a strength of character unmatched in the rest of the wizarding world.

Who needs a portkey? Let’s head straight to the Burrow!: The book develops an intricate plan, forcing the fleeing Potter-look-alikes to use a timed portkey to transport to the Burrow. Although the Death Eaters know the Potter-look-alikes take the portkey, they do not know the final destination. Suspense builds as some characters miss their intended portkey and others arrive before their scheduled time. The key concept here is: the Death Eaters cannot know where Harry Potter resides after his mother’s charm lifts, or he will surely die.

As suggested in the subheading, the film ignores this key piece of the plan. Instead, the characters head straight for the Burrow, as if a protection tantamount to Lily Potter’s ancient magic exists around the Weasley’s house. Initially, it seems almost too easy to protect Harry, causing the viewer to “miss out” on the suspense felt in the beginning of the novel.

The Importance of Secrecy Proves Unimportant: Constant vigilance: a concept learned from the late Mad-Eye Moody. Readers find themselves watching Harry’s back and wondering who will present him with the next danger. After a while, a reader will actually feel unwelcomed eyes bore into his very being, feeling as if he is in Harry’s predicament. These emotions create the foundation for book seven.

During the film’s wedding scene, Harry does not feel the slightest inclination to protect his identity from the guests. He does not become a distant cousin of the Weasley family. He does not attempt to lose himself in the crowd. He relaxes. He laughs. He even engages in delightful conversations, pertaining to Dumbledore’s legacy.

While visiting Godric’s Hollow, a place in which the Voldemort expects Harry, Harry and Hermoine walk openly through the streets—seemingly only worried about gaining more information.

In both events, the need for clever plans and strategy prove insignificant in the film. Even Hermoine’s character, known for her cleverness, loses a piece of her brilliance.

Ron, You Can’t Leave. Your Family Will Suffer. Never Mind, They Will Be Fine!: Book Seven shows the pure power of a corrupt government. Ron cleverly poses as horribly ill, in order to stay at home and not return to Hogwarts. If he chose to just leave, his family would have suffered.

Again, the film does not choose to recognize this key concept. Interestingly enough, the Weasley family does not feel the Ministry’s powerful grasp when their son leaves to aide a fugitive. The only news from Hogwarts is seen through a quick glance at the front page of the Daily Prophet . Without maintaining a true connection to Hogwarts, it will surely be interesting to see if part two of the film feels disjointed.

The Moral of the Story: I Still Loved the Film.

To some, the above points may seem major; to others, they may appear superfluous. I believe it is impossible to deny the quality and accuracy of all the Harry Potter films. However, the above points were made to suggest how a great movie becomes fantastic: mimic the same devices the author used to capture the world's attention.  

--Reviewed by Richard Vigdor