Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Movie
From LoveToKnow Sci-Fi
Director: Mike Newell
Screenplay by: Steven Kloves
Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Mystery/Thriller
Released: November 2005
Rating: PG-13 sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images
Runtime: 157 minutes
The first thing an older fan of the Harry Potter films will notice in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is just how grown up all of the kids have become. Watching Harry, Ron, Hermione and their friends literally grow up before the eyes is a huge part of why this franchise is so popular. It is a unique characteristic that no other film series to this date can boast and stands as one of the major reasons why these films will prove be timeless classics in the in the years to come.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Plot
As Harry Potter begins his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry the scent of danger is already in the air, but nothing can match the excitement of the Tri-Wizarding Tournament. Three other wizarding schools have sent their best to Hogwarts to compete in the tournament's events throughout the school year, but the rules are very clear: no witch or wizard under the age of sixteen is allowed to put their name in the Goblet of Fire to earn a shot at the trophy.
At fourteen, unlike his friends, Harry has no desire for glory and is instead more concerned about the threat of an evil wizard's return, but someone else has other plans for him. Shocked when his name is pulled from the Goblet of Fire, Harry reluctantly assumes the role of contender in the tournament and begins to prepare himself for another dangerous adventure filled year at Hogwarts.
Goblet of Fire Film Adaptation Notes
To put everything from this book into the film would have required not only an intermission, but a pillow, blanket and cozy armchair. So much happens in this story on the page. The film makers choose to leave out the start of Hermione's quest to free the house elves from a life of slavery, which was a good choice. The subplot belongs on the page not on the screen and because it would have had audiences sitting confused in their uncomfortable theater seats for much longer than needed to tell the story of the Goblet of Fire. Even though the events involved expose more of Hermione's personality to readers it isn't needed on screen to portray that she is dedicated and loyal to her causes.
As these movies are made the line between literature and film becomes a very bold stroke and divides the story of Harry Potter into two very distinct tales. The novels give readers so much insight into all of the characters and focus on Harry's life within his magical world, but on the screen Harry shines brighter than the rest and stands as an icon of a true theatrical and literary hero. I suspect that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (now in pre-production and set to start filming in February of 2006) will not fail in delivering yet another great film adaptation of another great Harry Potter novel.
Cinematography & Sound
Finally after three films audiences are shown a professional Quiddich match in a pitch that rivals every sports arena you've ever seen on Earth. Towering high above the ground fans are packed into the vast stadium and sport banners in support of their favorite players the likes of which you've never seen before. This is just one of the film's many spectacular locations.
A dive into the gloomy depths of the lake on the Hogwarts grounds provides a glimpse at an array of mystical undersea life. A new interpretation of the mermaid is clearly anchored in the lore that these creatures are not a sailor's best friend as they zip through the waters swimming more like sharks than dolphins, but are also represented through a variety of different aquatic species.
As much as there is to see in Goblet of Fire the music and sound carry you through the journey every bit as much as they do in previous films. Still full of emotion and enchantment the signature notes of Harry Potter are uniquely strung together in a fresh new score. Combined with the roaring dragons and shrieking mermaids the sound and music of this film become another beloved character in the experience.
Goblet of Fire Performance
There are three characters in particular that if cast incorrectly would have crushed Goblet of Fire, (the three other competitors in the tournament), but both skill and looks were matched perfectly - Perfectly. What is really great, though about this film is that we are finally getting to see the now teenage actors who started as children really start to blossom. With so much emotion running through this film and with the ever rising threats upon their characters grace under pressure is something that none of these actors need to worry about. Expect great things in the darkest and most dangerous times that lie ahead for these characters.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Final Thoughts
I've compared this film's "birth of a villain" aspect to rival that of Darth Vader's introduction as portrayed in Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. We have a story with an ultimate villain and an ultimate hero, who start with the same roots and are turned into what they are by the events that unfold around them. True, technically, this is the Harry Potter villain's rebirth so to speak, but the effect is the same. This is the film in which the audience is supposed to see just how bad the bad guy really is and I all have to say is this: I'm a lot more frightened by Lord Voldemort than I ever was by Darth Vader.
Goblet of Fire Links
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