Now, Bryar has requested that I discuss the actors who portrayed Bellatrix Lestrange, Sirius Black, and the Malfoy clan. Because there are multiple characters included in this request, this will be my weekly update. Next week I will discuss predictions for the coming DVD, which I might add comes out in 10 days (!!!!!!!!!!)! I digress.
Bellatrix Lestrange
Bellatrix Lestrange was played by Helena Bonham Carter, who has not received any formal training in acting (as a fun side note). This does not show, however, while she plays Bellatrix.
In the series, Bellatrix doesn't come into the plot until book 5 (Order of the Phoenix). Her character, however, is one of pure evil. Carter was able to completely delve herself into this evil; like I said about Rickman's performance of Snape, when Carter walked onto the screen as Bellatrix chills went up and down my spine. The resemblance Carter has with the description of Bellatrix in the novel is perfect, even without the makeup. That is not the most important characteristic Carter obtains for the portrayal of Bellatrix, but it is one that definitely stands her apart from the other possible actresses.
Though Bellatrix's evil nature isn't necessarily described completely in the books, I feel that Carter hits the nail right on the head; the maniacal laughter and evil expressions Carter uses throughout definitely help bring to life the character of Bellatrix. The scene that sticks out very clearly in my mind is in the fifth movie when the Order and the Death Eaters are in the Ministry.
All in all I would definitely say that the choice to cast Carter as Bellatrix was perfect.
Sirius Black
Sirius Black was played by Gary Oldman, but only appeared in films three, four (briefly), five, and seven (briefly). The character was killed off during the fifth movie, but still played a role in the remainder of the series in Harry's flashbacks.
Oldman was able to encompass the playful, rebellious and protective nature of Sirius, especially in his relationship with Harry. Sirius was more of Harry's friend than godfather, due to his incapability to fully take care of him, and due to Sirius' desire for companionship. These characteristics, I feel, were more highlighted in the books than the movies.
During the third movie, Oldman did a fantastic job of showing how Sirius had become weakened due to life in Azkaban, and how his spirit had dwindled a bit. However, I feel that Oldman could have done a little better in the fifth movie with showing more energy. Sirius, though an older man, was always described as energetic and playful. During the fifth movie, especially in the scene at the ministry, I do not feel that Oldman was able to show that side of Sirius, merely the protective and loyal side.
Despite the few nit-picky details, I would still say that Sirius was portrayed well through Oldman.
Malfoy Clan
I would love to go in-depth with all the Malfoy characters, but I will only choose Draco to go into fully. I will, however, touch on Lucius.
Lucius Malfoy was played by Jason Isaacs. Lucius throughout the series was an evil, but cowardly character, always described as having a "slow drawl". I definitely think Isaacs hit all of these characteristics dead-on. I definitely have no complaints on casting Isaacs as Lucius!
Draco Malfoy was played by Tom Felton. Like his father, Draco was also considered to be an evil yet cowardly character with a "slow drawl", which Felton was able to encompass as well. His Slytherin and pure-blood pride were also two main driving points behind his entire being. Felton was able to hit on this throughout the series as well.
My favorite scene including Draco, honestly, is during the sixth movie (Half-Blood Prince) when he is about to "kill" Dumbledore (I put this in air quotes because we all knew he wouldn't do it...coward). The gravity of the situation at hand and how petrified Draco was during the scene was something that readers could only attempt to imagine while reading. During the movie, however, I could definitely see the emotions Draco was struggling with. Felton did a fantastic job at interpreting this scene.
Up until the ending of the 7th movie part 2, Draco hadn't truly ever forgotten his debt to Harry and the gang, but due to his pride and cowardliness, he was never able to express it. I'm very glad that Felton was able to show that as well, even in the last scene when they run into each other at Platform 9 3/4; Draco could only nod in their general direction.
Overall, those casted to play the Malfoy clan made yet another fantastic portrayal of characters from the books.
Coming up next...
Next week I will be making predictions on the DVD, as well as discussing other topics revolving around the movies. The next two updates will be my last on the movie series, and then I will revert back to discussing the books. As always, any requests/comments/concerns, please share!
First, respective to your order, Bellatrix, something I always wondered about is whether or not she had romantic feelings for Tom Riddle/Voldemort. It seemed to me that she did, even though married, she seemed like she truly loved him. This was one characteristic that proved she could not be wholly evil, for as Albus Dumbledore has said often, evil, such as Voldemort, has no capacity for love, and will be forever lost due to that lacking. One other fact I will briefly mention is her shame, and her pride, both steming back to her will to-for lack of a better word- impress the Dark Lord. She wants to weed Sirius out of her family for his treachery.
ReplyDeleteNext, Sirius Black. I agree that he didn't seem so light hearted as I saw in the books, in fact, if memory serves me, he was boyish in his actions, and in his smile. He seemed very "aged" through his Azkaban visit, but I don't think the other part of him should have died there, as it felt it did in the movies.
Lucius Malfoy. He seems to have an agenda for pure pride. If I were to psychoanalyze him, I would say he seeks to fulfill a lost dignity in himself and his ability to have a family, protect that family, and ensure the strength of the wizarding bloodlines. Possibly steming from Mr. Malfoy, senior. This drove it into Lucius, which is instilling the same twisted values in Draco, who, as it seems seeks to please his parents, he is cowardly indeed, his heart isn't evil, just slightly corrupted by a lifestyle tainted by false glory.
Now I need to get back to homework... HOORAY!!
I'd definitely agree with you that Bellatrix may have had romantic feelings for Voldemort. I have had that exact thought many times throughout the series, especially in the movies with the added visual expressions and whatnot. I don't think JK wanted to make that a focal point, however; she just wanted us to understand that there was a deeply continuous emotional investment by Bellatrix.
ReplyDeleteAs for Sirius, I'm glad you agree. He was supposed to be portrayed as boyish and somewhat immature. Oldman (ironic) portrayed the more aged aspect of his character. Still a great casting choice though, I feel!
The Malfoy family is definitely known for their pride, that's a given. I think that could be traced way back in the series to the beginning of the family hah. I think Lucius was a little weaker than he tried to make himself out to be; he overcompensated. Draco received the same tendencies, but they are more visible in his character.
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate it!
Bellatrix is plain evil and Carter does an absolutely awesome job portraying her crazy side (the only side she has haha). I always thought it was weird that Rowling didn't give her a more dynamic backstory. She seems to have always been evil and never really changes or evolves. This is weird to me because almost ALL her characters are so dynamic, even Voldemort has a story that shows how he got to where he is. I think she should have put something in the books about how she was brainwashed by the Black family, make it clear that she couldn't have been born that way.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree, Sirius is an awesome character played by an equally awesome actor, but there was a lack of feeling for his character in the 5th movie. Whether it was the lines the Oldman was given that didn't click with the audience, or his performance, they didn't show off his personality enough in the movie. Therefore, the audience didn't really connect with him.
Although I agree that Carter stole the show on numerous occasions throughout the movies... it saddens me to think that her character got more screen time JUST because Carter did such an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteI have read through each book twice. Once when they came out, and once before each movie came out, and quite frankly, Bellatrix was a minor character at best in the books. Known mainly for being the one who tortured Neville's parents, the movie took this character and made her one of the biggest antagonists (next to Voldemort, I don't think there was a more memorable Death Eater in the movies).
I really wish they would have stuck to the books more. Don't get me wrong, Carter definitely ENHANCED the movies, but that's not what her character was about in the books.
I started noticing a change towards a darker tone in the books after they switched directors (between Chambers and Prisoner). One that I don't think was at all necessary until the 5th or 6th book. The second director made it more of a heavy and depressing storyline. When I was reading the books up until Order of the Phoenix, I read them with more of an upbeat childhood/heroic sort of tone. For me, the tone of the books never changed until the exact moment that Cedric died and Voldemort came back.
SIDE NOTE THAT PROBABLY WASN'T ADDRESSED IN THIS POST: Although they completely jacked the entire 6th movie, the one scene that I think hit the ambiguity of Snape's character (in the book as well) on the head is when Dumbledore pleads with Snape "Severus, please."
That scene sent chills down my spine and it was perfectly acted out. At that point, you really don't know if Dumbledore was pleading his life or if he was pleading Snape to go through with the plan Dumbledore had talked to him about (as you know, it was the latter) but that one line summarizes Snape in his entirety...
Thanks Chris, such a long comment! I'll try to hit on everything:
ReplyDelete1. Carter--I would agree with that one slightly. Yes, it would have been nice if the books had developed her character a bit more, because then it would have justified why she received so much on-screen attention. I think, though, that the reason it was more dynamic on-screen than in the books was because: 1) It added drama, which is exactly what movies are about, and 2) It allowed for a deeper interpretation of the book. I would have to say that, though her character was a little overdone on-screen, it covered pretty well the dynamic that I had imagined to be the relationship between Voldemort and Bellatrix.
2) Darker tone--I have been saying that for YEARS! I didn't mention this in the post, but I am so glad someone else feels the same way. When the third movie came across as more ominous and dreary, I was very disappointed. It wasn't until the seventh movies that I began enjoying the movie series again, to be quite honest, due to my disappointment from movies 3-6. Too many discrepancies from the book. However, that is something I could rant about for pages, so I will digress.
3) Snape--I truly LOVE that part in the movie. Though I don't enjoy the 6th movie very much, that part is one that was done extremely well. The essence of mystery and hatrid that filled me while reading the 6th book also filled me while watching this scene in the movie. Very well done. When reading the book, however, I was purely convinced that Snape was a bad guy. It wasn't until a later conversation with a friend, who was convinced that Snape and Dumbledore had a prior agreement, that I was conflicted. In the movies, if I had not read the book first, I would have felt the exact same way. Great interpretation.
Once again, thanks for the comment! I appreciate your opinions!