Fan Focus: Eurico – August 14, 2011

19-year-old Eurico from Portugal

 
First off, how did you become a Harry Potter fan?

When the first movie came out, I was totally unaware of it. I remember listening to people talking about a wizard, they were really excited, but I just could not care less. But I guess, that truly somethings in life are meant to be. At that time, my grandmother was really sick. She had been in a hospital bed for a month or two when she passed away and I was truly heartbroken. She meant the world to me (and still does actually) and it was really a great loss. Everyone in my family got really worried about me so they arranged playdates, visiting some amusement parks, going to other places, etc… On one of these days, however, I went to see Harry Potter and I just got hooked. The magic, the people, the possibilities… I still think of it as a gift from my grandmother making it, at least for me, forever special.

Deathly Hallows Part Two!! Loved it? Hated it? Thoughts?

I have seen it twice now and the feeling was the same. I cried like a baby. It really is a perfect ending to the series – truly a movie that honors all of the Harry Potter History. I loved every single thing about it. To me, it’s really like the end of a part of myself. I was a little kid when I read and saw the movies and now, all these years later I’m in college, studying abroad and making myself a life. I feel a little bit like Jo – it’s my baby too. I will never have such a life-changing experience with another series of books/films. So, in conclusion, I think it’s a great movie, emotional and beautiful that I will always cherish like the end of my magical and extremely long childhood.

What were your favorite scenes that were straight from the book? What scenes that were changed did you like? Dislike?

There’s always this long discussion of what’s better the movies or the books. To me, it is very clear that as two completely different arts they each have their positive and negative aspects and cannot be compared even if the movies are inspired by the books. So I try to seem them as different and I try not to compare them. I do believe that the books were well represented by great actors and actresses, a brilliant screenplay, they had everything! As for the scenes, I loved the battle scene. It was emotional but still huge, I had the same feeling when reading the book, that gasping sensation that everyone is dying and anyone can die. I also loved the Snape part – and I was never a huge fan of the whole Lily/Snape love because it was really intense and sad. The Prologue was something to die for, although I still think it was rather short. I wish I could have seen more (Can I have seven more movies about the following years?). I think the movie was very accurate in passing the emotions that the book made us feel at that time, and that was something I never imagined happening. There was love potion on the popcorn I suppose.

The WB says they are pushing hard for DH:P2 at The Oscars this year! What do you think Potter deserves to be nominated for, and what do you hope it would win?

There’s been some fuss about the Oscars and Harry Potter this year, but I’m still astonished by the fact that the franchise never got one. It’s been really a long time with some great movies. I would love to see DH:P2 being nominated for Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role, Actress in a supporting role (Maggie Smith), Art Direction, Costume Design, Visual Effects and Writing. However, there are some really mind-blowing movies which never got a statue or were even nominated so it’s not really a big problem. Harry will still have its place on our hearts with ten Oscars or none. So, I hope we get some but I’m not worried.

Now that all eight films are out, how to feel about the movie series as a whole? Favorite? Least favorite?

It was really a nice adventure, wasn’t it? I love every single one of them because in their own particular way they are really special. At the top of my list you can find the first (I mean, the beginning is so brilliant and lovely), the fourth (so much excitement, so much drama I love it) and last two (Made me cry like a baby both). However I was never a huge fan of the fifth or sixth. I was expecting a lot more from them. But, I think that the movie series as a whole are amazing. The DVDs (and soon the Blu-Rays) will be part of my collection forever. I want, at least once in my life, to watch them all in just one day and discuss it. The small details and the whole plot. There’s always something we never notice – that’s what I love about them. A magical movie series indeed!

Do you have anything else you’d like to add? Maybe a theory you still believe to be true, a shout-out, praise for yours truly?

Well, I think everyone is desperate to finally get in Pottermore and be selected and have the whole experience. I’m really excited to see what’s there for us! And I am dying to go visit the amusement park. It’s quite far for me, but I will do it! Also, can I just add that if someone wants to talk to me, I’m on Facebook and on Tumblr. I guess all that’s left now is to thank Jo Rowling who made all this possible. It really changed my life and gave me new hope when I was hitting rock bottom. And of course to thank the MuggleNet Team for giving me the opportunity, and you for reading it and spending some time with me.