Hello, Everyone. Welcome to my Blog, Filmijunkie—I am Venkatesh today, explaining about The first Harry Potter movie.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a 2001 super film directed by Charis Columbus and produced by David Heyman, inspired by j K. Rowling’s book. The movie follows Harry’s first year of study at the boarding school of witchcraft and wizardry., where he learns he’s an infamous wizard. Warner Bros. Pictures purchased the movie rights in 1999 for a value of 1 million. The film was first made in the United Kingdom in 2000, with Columbus leading the cast from the list of directors. The movie was a commercial success, grossing 974 million in its first run and over 1 billion in subsequent releases. Seven sequels followed it.
Story:
This is the story of Harry Potter, a typical 11-year-old boy working as a slave to the family of his aunt and uncle. Harry discovers that Harry Potter is a wizard and is asked to join Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is taken from his everyday life from his normal life by Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), the groundskeeper at Hogwarts, and quickly brought into a world alien to him and the audience. Famous for a tragic incident that occurred at the time of his birth, Harry quickly makes friends at the new school. Harry soon realizes, however, that the wizarding world is more dangerous than he thinks and promptly discovers many wizards who are not to trust.
Directed by: Chris Columbus
Screenplay by: Steve Kloves
Based on: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
by J. K. Rowling
Produced by: David Heyman
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe
Rupert Grint
Emma Watson
Richard Harris
Robbie Coltrane
Alan Rickman
Warwick Davis
Richard Griffiths
John Cleese
Ian Hart
John Hurt
Fiona Shaw
Maggie Smith
Julie Walters
Cinematography: John Seale
Edited by: Richard Francis-Bruce
Music by: John Williams
Production companies: Warner Bros. Pictures
Heyday Films
1492 Pictures
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures
Release dates: November 4, 2001 (Odeon Leicester Square)
November 10, 2001 (UK)
November 16, 2001 (US)
Running time: 152 minutes
Countries: United Kingdom
United States
Language: English
Budget: 125 million
Box office: 1.024 billion
Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe is Harry Potter
Rupert Grint is Ron Weasley
Richard Harris is Albus Dumbledore
Maggie Smith is Professor McGonagall
Robbie Coltrane is Hagrid
Saunders Triplets is Baby Harry Potter
Fiona Shaw is Aunt Petunia Dursley
Harry Melling is Dudley Dursley
Richard Griffiths is Uncle Vernon Dursley
Derek Deadman is the Bartender in Leaky Cauldron
Ian Hart is Professor Quirrell
Ben Borowiecki is Diagon Alley Boy
Warwick Davis is a Goblin Bank Teller
Verne Troyer is Griphook
(as Vern Troyer)
John Hurt is Mr. Ollivander
Richard Bremmer is He Who Must Not Be Named
Geraldine Somerville is Lily Potter
Harry Taylor is a Station Guard
Music:
John Williams composed the soundtrack for Home Alone, working with Chris Columbus. The score was recorded in Los Angeles and London, with “Hedwig’s theme” being retained. James Horner initially composed the score but ultimately changed his mind. The soundtrack album was released on October 30, 2001.
Box office:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone broke records for the highest opening weekend ever in the UK and Ireland, grossing 16.3 million and 9.6 million without previews ($13.8 million). The film also set a record single-day gross on the first day, surpassing Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in the US and Canada.
Review:
J K Rowling’s novel was beautifully translated from the book to the screen. The acting, the director, and also the extra effort are superb,
Chris Columbus did a great job as director; it was amazing that he did not receive the Academy Award nomination; the acting was fantastic, particularly from veteran actors like Alan Rickman, who played Severus Snape in one of his final performances.
The Harry Potter film, directed by Chris Columbus, aims to establish the foundations of the Harry Potter universe but struggles with rushed elements, sloppy editing, and an awkward connection between Hermione and Harry. The film excels with costumes and sets but lacks convincing CGI scenes. The John Williams score is impressive, but the film may not appeal to fans of the series.
Conclusion :
When I first encountered Harry Potter in 2001, I expected to be blown away. I wasn’t. I walked away, pretty disappointed. The second time I saw the film, I knew what to expect and how it fits into the overall story of Harry Potter. It was a much more pleasant experience. I won’t call this a GREAT film, but I think it worked “sort of okay” this time.
I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that some people will never get past their initial reaction to this film, and because of this, they will never get into the Potter universe. Some folks suggested combining the first two novels into a movie to get to the good stuff a little earlier. I’ll better understand that theory after I’ve screened Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), which is up next.