For Moving Pictures I reviewed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.
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| The seventh and penultimate film of the Harry Potter saga, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” opens with Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) erasing her existence from the minds of her Muggle parents. Not only do her actions represent all of the key characters’ growing maturity, but the event also symbolizes the largely successful efforts of screenwriter Steve Klowes (“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”) and director David Yates (“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”) to eradicate the miasma generated by the three previous mediocre installments. |
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| Contemporary politics permeate much of the film. Voldemort’s lieutenants transform the once pacifistic, liberal Ministry into a fascist, right-wing nightmare of propaganda-fueled oppression. Paralleling much of the 21st century Western European mistreatment of immigrants, Half-bloods and the Muggle-born live in fear of interrogation, torture and expulsion from the magical society. The new masters nullify individual rights, often classifying the less fortunate and different as enemies of the state. |
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| Like much of the previous Harry Potter installments, standard fantasy tropes permeate the tale. Harry-as-Arthur allusions rise beyond mere conjecture when he acquires a magical sword from a pond, but alas, sans Lady. Predictably, obscure items left behind by their late mentor Dumbledore all play important roles in their quest. A major onscreen death lacked any surprise but was effectively and emotionally portrayed. |
Check out what else I had to say at Moving Pictures.