Big Screen Peter: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 2

 

review by Peter Lewis

As I’ve noted previously, I have never read any Harry Potter books. This isn’t a commentary on the books: I missed the phenomenon as a child and have yet to make time for them as an adult. My reflections are constructed with only the movie in mind.

Harry Potter 7 is truly the crowning jewel of the franchise. The film begins with virtually all hope lost: Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has found the Elder Wand and it appears as if his power will overtake the land completely and, in the process, destroy the last hope of (magical) humanity, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe).

Of course, as a friend noted, this is the perfect construct to begin the second part of a film. That sense of despair drives the moviegoers. We all love a good underdog.

But Harry Potter has never been much of an underdog. Sure, there have been plenty of times throughout the series that hope seems lost or it may seem as if he’s at his end, but he (and his friends) always pull through with this encompassing humanistic hubris that makes you wonder what sort of hero Potter really is. There’s never been any sort of true doubt, no demons to overcome. He was a purposeful boy throughout.

As a result, the action in HP7 seemed a bit, well pointless. Which isn’t to say it was bad. In fact, the entire film was beautifully shot. I’ve enjoyed each film more than the previous and the final installment is no different. The film is imbued with this grimy patina. While the movie feels honest and unvarnished, it was impossible to escape the thought that the hero will triumph once more.

However, even with that nagging suspicion, the film was quite gripping, with theatrical aplomb and action alike. Additionally, there were quite a few surprises to be had in the film as well.

Because I do my best to stay blind to all knowledge of a film prior to viewing it, the level to which Harry takes on Messianic responsibilities was a bit of a surprise and threw the entire film series in a new light: His mother seemed much like Mary, a point of particular devotion and respect for him throughout, while his father appeared as a Joseph – unfortunately forgotten to the point of neglect.

And though Harry might have experienced the utmost sacrifice for his “people” throughout, it was the work of his disciples that truly defeated the perpetration of evil/spread the word of Harry. In this light, Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) seemed very much a Paul figure; though never a true persecutor, he experiences a deep and inarguable conversion of personality, stepping up when the moment seems darkest and restoring hope to the knot of crestfallen defenders.

Exploration of this topic surely knows no real end (though I welcome thoughts, so please feel free to email me). I will curtail the prattling and end by saying that any film that can establish this sort of discussion and dissection is always worth your time and money.

It’s rare that a summer blockbuster is both well shot and well acted. It is a summer movie treasure.

• Harry Potter is playing at the Carmike 14 and the Malco Cinema 12 in Fort Smith, and the Malco Van Buren Cinema. Link here for time and ticket info.

Feedback
Feel free to contact Peter Lewis at [email protected]

You can also track Peter at his website.