More than just a good Harry Potter movie?
Hey Guys,
Welcome back to the lab.
Today we are going to talk about one of my all-time favourite films. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Now for those that know me, it's fair to say I'm a big fan of the wizarding world, yet that's not the sole reason why I want to talk about it today. I want to speak about it because I genuinely feel that through its use of performances, direction, story and soundtrack, that it's a very strong film.
Part of the Wizarding World, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (PoA) is the third film in the Harry Potter Series, based on the book of the same name. Directed by Alfonso Curon and starring Daniel Radcliffe; Emma Watson; Rupert Grint & Gary Oldman (Amongst many others), it is often considered to be the strongest in the Potter Franchise. But Why?
Let’s Get Into It.
After having the first two films in the franchise helmed by Chris Columbous, the third film saw a new director take on the role to bring their unique style and tone to the film. This was none other than Alfonso Cuaron. Alfonso’s unique vision brought a new sense of darkness and tension to the story whilst still keeping in touch with the wonder of the first two films. This helped to feel like the storytelling and characters had aged alongside the audience. Showing that the threats the characters will face going forward would be alot more dangerous.
The story itself is much darker in tone than the first two installments, much like its books, which is quite a leap for the franchise (And again books) to take. Yet it works wonderfully. Through this film we see the characters face real and true dangers of this wonderful world they find themselves in, such as werewolves. Having the overall tone be darker and more gritty fits with what is going on. It’s also nice to have its central antagonist be different to what has come before in the shape of Sirius Black (Played by Gary Oldman)
Having had the central antagonist be Voldemort thus far, a change in Villain is refreshing for the franchise. Unless the viewer has read the book then they won't know what to expect. It brings more tension and mystery to the overall film. Oldman is also fantastic in the role of Sirius Black. Playing a man who has lost absolutely everything and on a vengeance for revenge and then switching to the opposite when we discover his true intentions at the end of the film. Whenever Black is spoken off, a darker colour pallete and visuals are used for most of the film. It is only towards the end of the film when we discover who he truly is, does this lift ever so slightly to show he is actually on our trio's side.
Let's speak about the main trio themselves. Harry; Ron & Hermionie (Played by Daniel Radcliffe; Rupert Grint & Emma Watson respectively). As with all of the films in the franchise, the three leads are great in this film, especially when you consider how young they are too. They each have to tackle new sides to their characters and make the audience feel they have grown since they were last on screen, and they do it brilliantly. The chemistry between the three of them also shines in this film (Again like the others). There isn't a bad performance from the central characters in this film. Supporting characters such as Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) , Professor Lupin (David Thewlis) & Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) help with their amazing performances to round off the overall spectacle.
We also have to talk about the cinematography and shots in this film by Micheal Seresin. Seresin uses the camera so effortlessly to help us feel truly one with each character and then using the camera to seemingly transition the shots whilst helping to keep the tone and feel of the film. One notable example is when Harry is standing in the ClockTower which is used for a scene transition. Truly Remarkable stuff indeed.
It would also be remiss to go without mentioning the soundtrack. Composed by John Williams, it is one of my personal favourite soundtracks. Each track helps to heighten the emotions and situations of the scenes and story that is unfolding for the audience. My personal favourite track is named ‘A Window To The Past’. This plays when Lupin and Harry are on the bridge speaking about Harry’s Parents. Whilst it is such a simple scene, the beautiful use of the score really helps to feel the emotions Harry goes through when hearing about his parents. It really is beautiful work.
Overall, whilst PoA continues to be one of the strongest films in the Harry Potter franchise, i do seriously think it is a strong film overall. Its use of Story, Cast, Soundtrack and Cinematography really helps highlight that. This film will always be a comfort film of mine and one of my all time favourites. I love it so much.
10/10.
I also want to take this time to address the elephant in the room JK Rowling. Now her views recently have been nasty and damaging indeed, and we do not agree with them. There are some people that will then ask “Why do you still love Harry Potter then?” and the answer is simple. Whilst I am not a fan of its creator and their views. This FICTIONAL world that has been created gives me joy and happiness. I can happily separate the Work from the artist in this instance and enjoy the product. JK Rowlings Views and comments are not condoned anywhere, especially here at The Review Lab.
That’s it for this post today, thank you for reading.
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We will see you soon for a new post.
Stay Safe, Look out for one another.
Harry x
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