I have to admit this. I understand the Harry Potter world better on film than in the books. It must be the production designer in me but the reason I admire the Harry Potter films is because they showcase the different styles of the directors chosen to helm an installment. My favorite in the eight-part movie franchise is Alfonso Cuaron’s ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.’
Seeing Cuaron’s take on Harry Potter and his magical world was a shift from Christopher Columbus’ typical Hollywood family-friendly fantasy interpretation on the first two books. While the first two movies focused on Harry discovery of what it’s like to be a wizard, the third book exposes him to the dark side of the wizarding world. The dark side, in this case, is not just about Voldemort trying to hunt him down but the discovery of Azkaban captive Sirius Black.
Seeing Cuaron’s take on Harry Potter and his magical world was a shift from Christopher Columbus’ typical Hollywood family-friendly fantasy interpretation on the first two books. While the first two movies focused on Harry discovery of what it’s like to be a wizard, the third book exposes him to the dark side of the wizarding world. The dark side, in this case, is not just about Voldemort trying to hunt him down but the discovery of Azkaban captive Sirius Black.
Image source: Fanpop.com
With trademark Cuaron artistry, the colors in Harry Potter aren’t sharp and bright, instead they border on being cloudy and thick. This interpretation creates a realistic balance as Harry and friends learn that they still have a long way to go in the wizarding world. The scenes also come out like colorful book illustrations. Perhaps it’s with the way Cuaron frames his shots but his capability to make an ordinary scene look exquisite is something to be admired.
Image source: Wikimedia.org
I’m David Berkowitz, a production designer working for an independent film production company. For many years, I have dreamed of creating projects as massive as the Star Wars saga and similar movies. I’m from Los Angeles, California but when it comes to basketball, my heart is stuck in the Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls era. Follow me on this blog.