Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 covers more than half of the final novel in J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter series. This film follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione as the world they know becomes shrouded by darkness and surrounded by danger. The Dark Lord, Voldemort, and his Death Eaters have taken over the Ministry of Magic and fear plagues the wizarding community. It is the trio's job to find and destroy Voldemort's horcruxes, but not without learning more about themselves, their enemy and the road that lies ahead of them.
The Movie's Magic
This film is definitely the darkest of the Harry Potter series so far. Gloom and despair run rampant as hope seems to be fading quickly throughout the wizarding world. For a large part of the time, the story takes a slower, more somber pace. However, one mustn't overlook the times where things begin picking up. These more action-packed and danger-filled scenes are clearly emphasized by the musical talents of Alexandre Desplat. But where Desplat's magic can truly be appreciated may be in the slower portions of the film. His music helps mold and create the air of despair and eerie sadness that lingers in the wizarding world. Complementary to Desplat's music are the incredibly aesthetic sceneries and sets involved in the film. These invaluable elements come together to beautifully set the tone for this film.
The Spellbinding Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson return once again to fulfill their roles as Harry, Ron, and Hermione, respectively. These young actors have literally grown up in these roles, and their natural talents only become more and more clear with each passing film. Their ability to portray these characters is clearly evidenced in this film where they give their most heartfelt performances yet. They help convey their character's fears, hopes and strength in these trying times they face. This only contributes more to the dark aura that envelopes this film. They are again reunited with their extraordinarily talented and renowned cast members, including Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Helena Bonham Carter. Fiennes continues to fulfill the frightening position of Lord Voldemort, while Rickman once again perfectly personifies the character of Severus Snape. Bonham Carter does another excellent job of depicting the deliciously deranged Bellatrix Lestrange.
The Transfiguration:
A full review of this film would not be complete without taking the time to thoroughly recognize and commend the brilliant work of Steve Kloves. Kloves has written the screenplay for all of the Potter films except for the fifth, Order of the Phoenix. This time Kloves has managed to adapt nearly 500 pages of Rowling's novel into a film only marginally longer than two hours. He has done this so seamlessly as to appear not to have even lost anything in the story's transfiguration from novel to film, maintaining the story's true character.
Overall:
Overall, this movie is an epic journey in search of a means to the end. The characters are still developing and learning as the overarching conflict between good and evil grows even stronger. This film is an excellent buildup to the inevitable final battle and the highly anticipated finale of the Harry Potter series.
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
- Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson
- Director: David Yates
- Writers: Steve Kloves (screenplay) and J.K. Rowling (novel)
- Rated: PG-13
- 146 minutes
- 9/10
Nicholas Greiner - Currently, I'm finishing up my college career at the University of Central Florida. I plan on graduating at the end of the summer with my ...
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