Three weeks until the release of Deathly Hallows: Part 1, and anticipation is merely bubbling below the surface. It has yet to reach nail-biting, flesh-ripping intensity when we quite literally cannot wait to see this film, but we're definitely close. I'm glad to say that for the rest of the time between now and then, my job is pretty much done for me. The L.A. Times blog Hero Complex is doing their tradition daily countdown until the day of release for the film, and that offers a spectacular outlet for footage, news, interviews, and more. Among my personal favorites at the moment is the interview with costume designer Jany Temime, who has recently been accused, and rightfully so I'm afraid, of fashion plagiarism for one of the costumes more crucial to the plot.The bulk of the past few days have been short posts where Daniel Radcliffe and Tom Felton express their own anticipation to see the finished product of their work. Toby Jones, who reprises his role as Dobby the house elf, was able to sneak in an intriguing interview. However, one of the most interesting features they've brought us so far is an exclusive featurette of Alexandre Desplat composing the score for the upcoming film. It comes right on the heels of the musical samples that have been recently released, and it certainly gets me excited to buy the soundtrack when it's released on November 16th. Check out the featurette below, and let me know what you think.
In the sector of more ensemble news, the MPAA changed their rating Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, but only slightly. It's still PG-13, but they've added on to their description "brief sensuality". I'm kind of hoping it's for the scene between Hermione and Harry. If you don't know what I mean, read the book. Also, it's recently been announced that the film will be roughly 147 minutes long, making it the third shortest in the series, but still pretty damn long. That's as long as Inception was, so don't try to sugar coat it. Finally, a featurette on the upcoming finale was released on monday, bringing a sympathetic look back on the series so far along with it. It's a nice watch to give you an idea of what's in store for the next film. Check it out.
Capping this week off, we have #6-4 in our countdown of the best moments in the Harry Potter film series. Comment below on what moments of the series you think made it into the top 3.
6. The Cave (Half-Blood Prince)
The next three scenes are all from Half-Blood Prince, and if you don't know why there are so many of these scenes on this list, then you just can't put two and two together. The climax of the penultimate film in the franchise consists of Harry and Dumbledore going on a mission to find a piece of Voldemort's soul, so that they can eventually destroy it. It's a solid ten minute sequence which ranges from their epic arrival at the caves to the terrifying confrontation between Harry and zombies. If ever there were a scene most fit for this time of year, it would be this one. It's the sort of scene that makes us question the MPAA's decision to rate the film PG. It ends on a high note, with the visual feast of Dumbledore conjuring a ring of fire to defeat the creatures and save Harry. It definitely tests the audience on a visceral and emotional level, and that's what the best scenes of this series should do.
5. It Feels Like This (Half-Blood Prince)
Many still criticize the sixth film's emphasis on the romantic sub-plots, but I can't help but admire it for taking one of the most realistic stabs at depicting real teenage relationships, without going into sexual territories. For all the magic and fantastical creatures, some of the best moments of the series are the more intensely personal ones. After Ron's victory in the Quidditch match, he sparks a sudden and rambunctious relationship with Lavender Brown, much to Hermione's dismay. In a sweet moment between her and Harry, we get an idea of the beautiful relationship between the two. They are both strong and loyal friends who are there for each other as a shoulder to cry on, rather than another person to sleep with. Anyone who has had a crush go unnoticed knows what Hermione feels in that moment, and it's one of the most relatable moments of this series.
4. After the Burial (Half-Blood Prince)
As we move towards the exciting climax of the film, Harry finally finds a way to extract an important memory from Professor Horace Slughorn, and that leads us into what is probably the funniest sequence of the series, and well as an emotionally touching one. As a matter of fact, Harry is pretty much high (as in drugs) throughout the course of the scene, due to a luck potion that he acquired early on in the film. It's a pretty hilarious change because we're used to him being somewhat controlled in his emotions, and he's sudden so hyperactive and energetic. It's still hilarious to see simulating an acromantula's pincer's in that pathetic geeky sort of way.
After surprisingly coming across Hagrid burying his dear friend Aragog, the two end up drinking their troubles away while singing an amusing little tune. The tone subtly turns from heartfelt hilarity to heartbreaking and morose as Slughorn recalls a gift Harry's mother gave him. It gets really emotional as Slughorn deals with his worst fear of finally having to own up to what he did years ago, or forever be considered a coward by his favorite student. Jim Broadbent had sold us on character throughout the film, but his work here is really among his best in any film. It's a shame he didn't receive a Supporting Actor nomination for his performance, but he still remains the standout of this episode.
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