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Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

#1
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7/12/07 at 11:28am
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Well I started the last one. Might as well start this one. Is their any official word about when this one starts production and when it will be released? According to IMDB it has a release date of November 2008. But, the IMDB can be wrong.

**Also, please use spoilersif discussing plots to the HBP. I haven't read the book yet. Thanks!**

Bring back John Doe! Or at least resolve the cliff-hanger with a 2hr movie or as an extra on a dvd release.

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#2
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7/12/07 at 12:32pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd s
Well I started the last one. Might as well start this one. Is their any official word about when this one starts production and when it will be released? According to IMDB it has a release date of November 2008. But, the IMDB can be wrong.

**Also, please use spoilersif discussing plots to the HBP. I haven't read the book yet. Thanks!**
Sounds about right to me. They've all generally been 18 months apart. I'm sure pre-production is already in progress and they'll probably start shooting after the actors are done appearing at premieres and in the press for OoP. Saw Dan Radcliffe was on "Larry King Live" last night. If I didn't hate LK so much, I would have watched.

I'm currently re-reading HBP in preparation for the imminent delivery of my "Deathly Hallows" next Saturday. Too bad BN.com can't deliver by owl.

Uncle Joe: I'll never marry you, Selma Plout!  You may as well take off that wedding dress and put it back in your Hopeless Chest!

--Petticoat Junction--

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#3
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7/12/07 at 2:28pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Yates and crew start filming this September. During post-production of Phoenix, they started working on Prince. If I'm not mistaken, Steve Kloves has been working on Prince for a long while...I would say somewhere around a few months after it was released.

In an interview discussing his returning to writing, he did state that him and Michael Goldenberg were trading notes while Goldenberg was finishing up on the Phoenix script.

So, it seems that they have had plenty of prep time for this film.
"Because he's the hero Gotham deserves.  But, not the one it needs right now.  So, we'll hunt.  Because he can take.  Because, he's not a hero.  He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector.  A DARK KNIGHT."
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#4
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7/12/07 at 4:37pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Just finished my run through of the first six books last night...all for the second time. It's a very well-written series, and I think Book 6 is quite strong...should be some great stuff in the film.
Hey buddy...did you just see a real bright light?
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#5
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7/12/07 at 5:18pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Book 6 is practically a blueprint for a film, unlike Book 5 which was composed almost entirely of detours. They could take the dialogue for everything up to the Hogwarts train directly as is and have a screenplay for the first 15 minutes of the movie. It's that tight. They'll be no excuse if they screw this one up.
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#6
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7/12/07 at 5:46pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Adam,

I reread Prince a week and a half ago and I agree, except for the Pensieve scenes. I mean, how many flashbacks can the filmmakers really get away with?

Also, I don't think they can cut Quidditch out of the next film considering what happens to certain characters because of specific Quidditch stuff (Ron heroics getting him Lavender and Harry and Ginny's moment after they win the House Cup.)

Harry's suspicions of Draco is the driving plot of the story, so that should translate fine for the film.

Still, I'm a bit worried how they'll handle the wealth of information that involved with the Pensieve scenes.
"Because he's the hero Gotham deserves.  But, not the one it needs right now.  So, we'll hunt.  Because he can take.  Because, he's not a hero.  He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector.  A DARK KNIGHT."
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#7
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7/12/07 at 6:40pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

I'm going to spoilerize this post just for people who haven't read the book:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cory S.
Adam,

I reread Prince a week and a half ago and I agree, except for the Pensieve scenes. I mean, how many flashbacks can the filmmakers really get away with?


Warning Spoiler! Click to show
Also, I don't think they can cut Quidditch out of the next film considering what happens to certain characters because of specific Quidditch stuff (Ron heroics getting him Lavender and Harry and Ginny's moment after they win the House Cup.)

Harry's suspicions of Draco is the driving plot of the story, so that should translate fine for the film.

Still, I'm a bit worried how they'll handle the wealth of information that involved with the Pensieve scenes.

Warning Spoiler! Click to show
I think the flashbacks are fine as is, because — unlike many of the revelations in OOTP — they are inherently visual, and most of what they show would be incredibly interesting to watch. I'm sure they'll simplify them, but as long as the evolution of Voldemort survives intact, I think it will play fine regardless.

As for Quidditch, I think it can work well as a primarily off-screen storyline, ala Prisoner of Azkaban, particularly since Harry is oblivious to what happens in the climactic match.

The book divides, rather cleanly in fact, to the following relationships:

Harry and Dumbledore/Evolution of Voldemort

Harry/Ginny & Ron/Lavender/Hermione

Harry/Half-Blood Prince

Harry's suspicions & Draco/Voldemort/Snape

If they simply donate 30-40 minutes to each storyline, they'll have a cracklin' good movie. If I were tackling the screenplay, I'd pull each of the storylines out of the book and streamline them into 40 minute mini-scripts, then look at how to weave them back together.
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#8
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7/12/07 at 9:36pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

What has me most optimistic about the sixth movie (aside from the source material itself) is that Kloves read the book and basically asked to come back because he felt so strongly about it. That indicates that he probably had a pretty instinctive grasp on bringing it to film.
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#9
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7/12/07 at 11:37pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

A long shot, but J J Abrams, who has a hard-on for non-linear storytelling would have been a good choice to pen HBP. I don't think it's possible for this guy to write anything without a flashback.

Christopher Nolan, who shares a similar propensity for messing with time line could direct

--
H
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#10
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7/13/07 at 8:32am
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

My biggest concern at this point is with Yates coming back, since I didn't think the acting and editorial work in several key areas fell short in OOTP. It is nice to know that Kloves is coming back, since I haven't hated any of his scripts for the series and outright loved the one for Goblet of Fire. We can just hope that Yates doesn't strip all of the flavor out of it in order to bring in the shortest movie possible.
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#11
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7/13/07 at 12:09pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

I am currently re-reading the Half Blood Prince right now (great minds think alike Malcolm) in preparation for the final book, which I have special ordered to come in next Friday night!

I am really excited about HBP being brought to the big screen. I can say one thing, parents better think twice before bringing their kids to this one.

JC
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#12
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7/13/07 at 12:19pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

HBP is my favorite book in the series - it's astonishingly rich and mature. Speaking of the movies, OOTP can really only serve as a prelude, a bridge between Voldemort's return and HBP's revelations.
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#13
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7/13/07 at 12:36pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Y
HBP is my favorite book in the series - it's astonishingly rich and mature. Speaking of the movies, OOTP can really only serve as a prelude, a bridge between Voldemort's return and HBP's revelations.

I agree. I do my best to space out listening to the audio tapes to make the experience last longer (I sound like junkie between highs ), but had a hard time with it while listening to HBP. I stayed up until 4:00am(on a work night) for the final half of the book, and couldn't hardly sleep after it was over.

It is probably the most gripping and story connecting book of the series, and it's the reason I have been chomping at the bit for 7.21.07 to finally get here. I'm sure there will be some depression after it hits me that the seires is over, but I am going to make sure and soak this last one in.

HBP is every bit as good the second time around, and I've really enjoyed going through it again. The best thing is, unlike the last time, I will be able to follow HBP up with the DH's without the 2 year wait.

What do you think about that $80.00 price tag for the final audio cd's?

JC
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#14
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7/13/07 at 4:24pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh.C
What do you think about that $80.00 price tag for the final audio cd's?
I feel very, very fortunate that I prefer sitting in bed or the tub with a hardcopy in my hand.
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#15
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7/13/07 at 5:51pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

You'll go blind!
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#16
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7/13/07 at 6:46pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Just curious. I know muggle interaction is discouraged. Although, the British PM knows about the magic community. Is it ever discussed what Voldemort's thoughts are on muggles? I know disdain. But, does he want to take over or destroy the muggles?

Bring back John Doe! Or at least resolve the cliff-hanger with a 2hr movie or as an extra on a dvd release.

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#17
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7/13/07 at 6:53pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

While I do like Half Blood Prince, I'm not sure it will turn into an exciting movie.

It an exposition heavy book. Voldemort's background is interesting, but not much really happens until the last few chapters.

Half blood Prince is just a big buildup for Deathly Hallows; consequently, it is not a very satisfying read on its own.
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#18
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7/13/07 at 7:44pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Sheffield
While I do like Half Blood Prince, I'm not sure it will turn into an exciting movie.

It an exposition heavy book. Voldemort's background is interesting, but not much really happens until the last few chapters.

Half blood Prince is just a big buildup for Deathly Hallows; consequently, it is not a very satisfying read on its own.

Certainly the same arguments apply to OotP. Maybe even moreso.

That kind of gets to why I think GoF works so well as a film- the individual events of the Triwizard Tournament work to form satisfying and exciting acts. You don't get that nearly as much in the other books/movies.
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#19
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7/14/07 at 8:29am
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by todd s
Just curious. I know muggle interaction is discouraged. Although, the British PM knows about the magic community. Is it ever discussed what Voldemort's thoughts are on muggles? I know disdain. But, does he want to take over or destroy the muggles?

Voldemort wants to destroy everyone. He is a loner at heart and really doesn't care about anyone (not even his own followers). He is isane with power and control, and wants to be feared more than anything else.

He hates muggles due to his father being one. He sees this as a weekness, and his family history (Salazar Slithering) are known for hating anything that is not "Pure Blood".

You will get lots more of Voldemort's past in the HBP, and as always, I recommend reading the books if you really want to understand the details.

JC
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#20
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7/14/07 at 1:28pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

I'm about two-thirds of the way through re-reading it now. One thing that strikes me about it is that while OOTP is almost always meloncholy on page as well as screen, HBP (colossal downer of an ending aside) is actually a remarkable cheerful book for being set in the middle of a war. Harry's come out the other side, and is ready to reconnect and accept his mantle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by todd s
Just curious. I know muggle interaction is discouraged. Although, the British PM knows about the magic community. Is it ever discussed what Voldemort's thoughts are on muggles? I know disdain. But, does he want to take over or destroy the muggles?
Clearly, he hates muggles due to the situation with his father. That said, I'd imagine he'd treat the muggle community with distainful indifference. He doesn't care when his people murder and torture muggles, but I think he considers them so far beneath him they're not even worth bothering with.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Sheffield
While I do like Half Blood Prince, I'm not sure it will turn into an exciting movie.

It an exposition heavy book. Voldemort's background is interesting, but not much really happens until the last few chapters.

Half blood Prince is just a big buildup for Deathly Hallows; consequently, it is not a very satisfying read on its own.
There's LOADS of character development, though. I think all of the stuff between Harry/Dean/Ginny & Ron/Lavender/Hermione is a scream. And the exposition is handled in a screen friendly way. Unlike the conclusion to OOTP, which is pages and pages of sheer dialogue, we SEE Voldemort's development.

And if they start the film with Spinner's End, like in the book, you have THAT dangling over your head the whole time.

It's not an action-heavy book, except the end, but the drama is much more external than in OOTP, where most of the conflict is inside Harry's head.
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#21
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7/14/07 at 2:39pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

I think 6 will play well. It's Harry and Dumbledore. It's a relationship piece.
Hey buddy...did you just see a real bright light?
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#22
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7/14/07 at 4:23pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck Mayer
I think 6 will play well. It's Harry and Dumbledore. It's a relationship piece.

Correct Chuck, and this will be Gambon's chance to shine or lay a golden egg. As I have already said (as one of his biggest critics) he did a much better job in OotP, but will need to step up his game even more for HBP, where he should see much increased camera time.

I also think there's plenty of stuff that will translate to film, Slughorn and his potions lessons and "privileged" meetings, opening sequence with LaStrange, Narsissa Malfoy and Snape, Voldemort flashbacks......

There is plenty of rich material to fill a movie before the big finale in the final portion of the book.

JC
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#23
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7/14/07 at 6:19pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

The character development aspect of Half-Blood Prince is a very close cousin to the stuff in Goblet of Fire.

With the relationship stuff, it's just fun to read like Goblet of Fire. There are going to be some very funny moments in this film if Yates can capture what Newell did with that 20 minute section in between the first task and the second task in Goblet of Fire. Half-Blood Prince has that kind of fun, that kind of energy during those moments.
"Because he's the hero Gotham deserves.  But, not the one it needs right now.  So, we'll hunt.  Because he can take.  Because, he's not a hero.  He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector.  A DARK KNIGHT."
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#24
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7/14/07 at 7:36pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Sheffield
While I do like Half Blood Prince, I'm not sure it will turn into an exciting movie.

It an exposition heavy book. Voldemort's background is interesting, but not much really happens until the last few chapters.

Half blood Prince is just a big buildup for Deathly Hallows; consequently, it is not a very satisfying read on its own.
Disagree 100 %
Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus.
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#25
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7/14/07 at 8:28pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tino
Disagree 100 %

I think he has a point. While I enjoyed reading the book (about to read it again ), it is not overtly "cinematic." That is not to say a great film can't be made from it, but it seems to me that it will be more difficult than most of the other books.
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#26
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7/14/07 at 8:58pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidJ
I think he has a point. While I enjoyed reading the book (about to read it again ), it is not overtly "cinematic." That is not to say a great film can't be made from it, but it seems to me that it will be more difficult than most of the other books.

Should be easier than Order of the Phoenix though.

HBP has a pretty simple through-line:


Warning Spoiler! Click to show


- Periodic flashbacks showing Voldemort's earlier years

- Romantic Comedy-like relationship stuff with Hary/Ron/Hermione/Ginny

- Harry's suspicions about Malfoy

- Finale



In fact, if they are really looking at getting one of the movies in at closer to 2 hours than 2.5 hours, HBP is probably it.

EDIT- Looking earlier in the thread I see Adam said basically the same thing.
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#27
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7/15/07 at 9:48am
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

I just finished re-reading HBP, and one thing I love about the finale is that
Warning Spoiler! Click to show
when Dumbledore and Harry get back and find that the shit has hit the fan, both have plans already in action and players on the move to intercept. The D.A. is to Harry as the Order is to Dumbledore, and it was nice to see that by the sixth book Harry was already starting to fill Dumbledore's shoes. During the aftermath, when everything is scattered, people keep asking questions and it's Harry that keeps calmly answering them. He knows more of what's going on now than anybody except Snape and perhaps Voldemort. If OOTP showed how far Harry has left to go, HBP showed how far Harry has already come.
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#28
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7/15/07 at 4:13pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Adam-

Agreed. On the other hand, the thing that will be of interest to me how they develop is how openly violent HBP really is. I mean, think about it... right off the bat


Warning Spoiler! Click to show
When Draco kicks Harry's head in on the train, breaking his nose with the description of "pouring blood" as Harry is left rigid.. amongst other scenes


I mean, mystical peril is one thing that is kind of fantasy and you can think about differently, but in HBP, there is a lot of direct, easy to understand pain & suffering and cruelty.
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#29
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7/15/07 at 5:26pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

I don't think that bit is that bad, the tough one is going to be:


Warning Spoiler! Click to show
The curse Harry uses on Draco in the bathroom that practically flays his skin off. That's almost certainly going to have to be toned back but still be sufficient enough to get across the horror of what Harry does.
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#30
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7/15/07 at 6:38pm
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Re: Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince discussion...

Right, I was just using the opening example. I'm saying right off the bat we go pretty dark and there are lots of seriously painful and tricky to show on screen, almost without getting an "R". Not that it's that gory, but that violence to children, especially that kind, tends to get danders up.
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