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Deathly Hallows Part 1
Nov. 20th, 2010 12:28 amSo yes, last night I went to see Deathly Hallows Part 1. And I have some thoughts. I am suffering a time hangover today, however, so I probably won't be as articulate as I could be.
First of all, the major draw for me to go was the fandom aspect. I'm finding any excuse to put on a Hogwarts robe and act silly with other people to be rewarding in and of itself. The fact that the HP-NYC people are all so enthusiastic, fun-loving, and entertaining just amps that up.
I also got to run around with a tape recorder and ask people questions. We'll see what/if any of it winds up in![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
snapecast, but it was a convenient excuse to talk to strangers. Plus, I ran into someone from the HP Lexicon Forum (my first foray into HP fandom) who was but a young teenager at the time and now he's a grown adult! So this was sort of sweet.
Anyway, Deathly Hallows was not my favorite book. Truth be told, I only read it the once and have not gone back. So there was loads I'd forgotten. There were parts I did like, however, and most of them were in the first half of the book. I loved the angsty, suspenseful wind-up as Voldemort truly came into his own. I loved the chapter when Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow because the scene with Nagini in a Bathilda Bagshot suit was right out of a horror film as it played in my mind's eye. The camping, well, not so much. But Malfoy Manor. And Luna's room. And Dudley thanking Harry. And Snape impersonating the Lady of the Lake. These were touches that stuck with me. It's just that the second half of the book was Titanic-like. Which means if I was going to like either of the DH films, the likelihood would be the first one. And even though the films have not had the best track record, it kinda didn't matter. I was going to be among fans and get swept up in the moment. And I did! And it was fun. Oh, and my students totally asked me if I was wearing a "Harry Potter tie" in class, which lead to an amusing conversation about leisure time and having a work/life balance.
So, right, the film. It was, dare I say it . . . good! Visually, it was stunning. The animation during the Deathly Hallows storytelling was breathtaking. The mountain/camping scenes featured some gorgeous scenery. The pacing was good. Many important story points were hit. I actually enjoyed myself. Of course, I am also the only person I know who didn't rage at HBP. But experience has taught me not to get too hung up on film expectations matching the book too closely. A lot rolls off my back, frankly. I choose no to get worked up, as life is too short for me to garner genuine rage over a movie.
But in a more detailed fashion? Here are ( some pro/con points )
So there you have it. Some listy semblance of a critique. I was glad not to have reread the book as there were bits I'd forgotten. I do plan to see it again with a friend to see if my impressions change upon second viewing. But nothing can quite replace the celebratory atmosphere of a good line party. So even if the film had turned out to be utter shite, it would've been worth it just for the party.
And of course, it didn't hurt that I was in high spirits, revved up from having Noel Fielding and Phill Jupitus say my name and discuss my question on the Buzzcocks QT
First of all, the major draw for me to go was the fandom aspect. I'm finding any excuse to put on a Hogwarts robe and act silly with other people to be rewarding in and of itself. The fact that the HP-NYC people are all so enthusiastic, fun-loving, and entertaining just amps that up.
I also got to run around with a tape recorder and ask people questions. We'll see what/if any of it winds up in
snapecast, but it was a convenient excuse to talk to strangers. Plus, I ran into someone from the HP Lexicon Forum (my first foray into HP fandom) who was but a young teenager at the time and now he's a grown adult! So this was sort of sweet.Anyway, Deathly Hallows was not my favorite book. Truth be told, I only read it the once and have not gone back. So there was loads I'd forgotten. There were parts I did like, however, and most of them were in the first half of the book. I loved the angsty, suspenseful wind-up as Voldemort truly came into his own. I loved the chapter when Harry and Hermione visit Godric's Hollow because the scene with Nagini in a Bathilda Bagshot suit was right out of a horror film as it played in my mind's eye. The camping, well, not so much. But Malfoy Manor. And Luna's room. And Dudley thanking Harry. And Snape impersonating the Lady of the Lake. These were touches that stuck with me. It's just that the second half of the book was Titanic-like. Which means if I was going to like either of the DH films, the likelihood would be the first one. And even though the films have not had the best track record, it kinda didn't matter. I was going to be among fans and get swept up in the moment. And I did! And it was fun. Oh, and my students totally asked me if I was wearing a "Harry Potter tie" in class, which lead to an amusing conversation about leisure time and having a work/life balance.
So, right, the film. It was, dare I say it . . . good! Visually, it was stunning. The animation during the Deathly Hallows storytelling was breathtaking. The mountain/camping scenes featured some gorgeous scenery. The pacing was good. Many important story points were hit. I actually enjoyed myself. Of course, I am also the only person I know who didn't rage at HBP. But experience has taught me not to get too hung up on film expectations matching the book too closely. A lot rolls off my back, frankly. I choose no to get worked up, as life is too short for me to garner genuine rage over a movie.
But in a more detailed fashion? Here are ( some pro/con points )
So there you have it. Some listy semblance of a critique. I was glad not to have reread the book as there were bits I'd forgotten. I do plan to see it again with a friend to see if my impressions change upon second viewing. But nothing can quite replace the celebratory atmosphere of a good line party. So even if the film had turned out to be utter shite, it would've been worth it just for the party.
