Worst and Best Changes from Harry Potter Books to Films
Harry Potter, a timeless and beloved series, has captured the hearts of millions with its magical adventures. However, when the beloved books were adapted into films, some changes were made that garnered both praise and criticism. In this essay, we will explore the best and worst changes in the Harry Potter film franchise, drawing from the original source material.
The Best Change: Harry Destroying the Elder Wand
One of the most significant and appreciated changes from the books to the films is the scene where Harry Potter destroys the Elder Wand. In the films, the moment is conveyed with a mix of suspense and emotion, making it one of the most memorable scenes from the series. This change not only ties together the storyline of the Elder Wand but also provides a sense of closure for one of the series' most intriguing conflicts.
The Worst Change: Harry Not Fixing His Wand Before Destroying the Elder Wand
A notable downside of the adapted screenplay is the omission of a detail about Harry's wand. In the books, it is mentioned that Harry’s wand, made of holly and containing a feather from Fawkes, a Phoenix, is actually a rare combination that proves powerful in its return to its rightful owner, Harry. However, in the films, especially the later ones, there is no acknowledgment of this detail. This aspect of the story is important as it emphasizes the unique and magical nature of Harry's wand and ties into the concept of the wand choosing the wizard rather than the other way around.
Other Notable Changes
There are several other significant changes and omissions that have been made in the film adaptations of the Harry Potter books. These include the following:
Winky and the Slug Club
Winky, a house elf, was an interesting and often overlooked character in the books. Her story, while complex, provided a deeper understanding of the magical world and the issue of slavery faced by house elves. Unfortunately, Winky's story and character were cut from the films, leaving her presence in the magical world a bit vacant. Similarly, the Slug Club, which was an integral part of Slughorn's character in the books, was also omitted in the films. This omission didn't just affect the storyline but also the depth of Slughorn's personality, who became merely a villain in the movies rather than a complex character.
Accidental Burning of the Burrow
The burning of the Burrow in The Order of the Phoenix is a notable scene that didn't make it to the film adaptation. This event is critical as it provides a dramatic and emotionally charged moment that highlights the ongoing conflict and threats facing the Weasley family. In the films, the Burrow remains intact, which can make the battle scenes a bit less impactful.
Severus Snape and Merope Gaunt
Severus Snape, one of the most complex and intriguing characters in the series, was portrayed differently in the films. In the books, Snape's character is more nuanced, and various hints suggest that he is not always as evil as he appears. In the films, Snape's anger and distrust are emphasized, and his true nature is not fully explored, which significantly affects his character development.
Similarly, the storyline involving Merope Gaunt, who is described in the books as a tragic figure who finds solace in Voldemort but is ultimately left with the terrifying realization that she is the one responsible for his existence, did not make it into the films. Her character was a key part of the explanation of Voldemort's origin, and her absence in the movies creates a significant gap in the narrative.
Imagination vs. Adaptation
Despite the changes and omissions, many fans still hold the films in high regard. According to personal experiences, the books always offer a rich and detailed world that can be built upon our imaginations, while the films provide a visual and emotional experience that can be captivating for many. For instance, the lamentable absence of Winky in the movies truly felt like a loss, adding to the overall story in a significant way.
However, it is generally acknowledged that the first few films, particularly Philosopher's Stone and Celebrity Hunt, are closer to the books in both storytelling and detail. As the books grew longer, it became challenging to translate the entire story into a film format without making significant changes.
Conclusion
The decision to adapt books into films is a challenging one, and the Harry Potter series is no exception. While the filmmakers have managed to convey the essence of the magical experiences in brilliantly crafted visual storytelling, certain decisions about what details to include or exclude were tough. Reflecting on the best and worst changes, we can understand the intricacies of both the books and the films. Ultimately, the diversity of interpretation and adaptation adds to the richness of the Harry Potter universe, providing something for everyone to enjoy—whether it be the imaginative world of the books or the visual spectacle of the films.