Critique of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

A detailed Summary of Critique of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

I chose to watch and write a critique of the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The exposition of this film is longer than most expositions. This long introduction is necessary to inform the audience of Harry Potter's life before he finds out he is a wizard. The beginning of the film helps the audience to understand the reasons for Harry's social, psychological, and moral character traits. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone tells the story of Harry's first of seven years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. So the exposition isn't only an introduction to this film, but also an introduction to six more films that will eventually be released. In the exposition, Harry learns he is a wizard. This sets up a cause to effect organization. Most of the movie is organized in this way. The effect of Harry learning he is a wizard is him going to Hogwarts, the effect of that is he learns someone is trying to steal the sorcerer's stone, etc. This moves the story along and organizes the film. The story is also organized by character. As Harry (and the audience) learns more about himself and his abilities, the film becomes more interesting and moves along. The film is presentational. The audience looks in on the film. T

The mise en scene of the film is wonderful. The sets, props, lighting, costumes, and make-up all reinforce the magical world that Harry lives in. Goblins, trolls, monsters, and magic are portrayed as realistically as possible, using expert make-up, costume, and prop techniques. This helps the audience to be more engrossed in the film. Snape's costume and makeup help to reinforce his dark, evil character. He has jet black hair and an all black outfit. His skin looks hollow and pale. The lighting in Snape's classroom is very dark and eerie, which also reinforces his evil character. Dumbledore mitigates Snape's appearance. Dumbledore's robes are bright and beautiful. His hair is a brilliant white and his skin is healthy and bright. Dumbledore's costume helps to reinforce is good character.

he actors do not talk to the audience. If it was representational, it would seem less serious and it would be harder to get immersed in the plot.

There is foreshadowing that gives the audience small clues that Quirrel is trying to get the stone. When Harry thinks Snape is trying to curse him, the audience sees Quirrel is right next to Snape. Also, when Harry sees Snape, his scar starts to hurt (meaning that Voldemort or his servants are close by), but Quirrel is also in the scene. When Harry realizes Quirrel is trying to steal the stone, flashbacks to the foreshadowing create continuity. The way in which Harry defeats Quirrel and his parasite Voldemort is an example of deus ex machina. Harry's hands burn Quirrel who turns to ashes. This happens because of the love of Harry's parents. This is quite unrealistic but the whole movie is unrealistic so it goes along with the rest of the film. After Harry defeats Quirrel, the same dramatic question is asked. No one can be sure, but most people are certain Voldemort's spirit will survive without Quirrel, and will someday return.

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Approximate Word count = 1345
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Movies