Fan Focus: Jordan – September 4, 2011

13-year-old Jordan from Australia

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

I was one year old when the first book was published, so I obviously wasn’t able to read it then. I had no older siblings, and my parents hadn’t read me the books, so I didn’t know about Harry Potter until the first movie came out. At that stage I was just finishing Prep (5 year old kindergarten), and so I went to see the film, like the rest of my class, with my parents. Once I’d seen the film, I was absolutely hooked, went out and borrowed the first book from the library, and was thrilled to read that the first chapter was called ‘The Boy who Lived’.

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

I absolutely loved Deathly Hallows Part 2! I was lucky enough to see the film at midnight at the IMAX theatre in Melbourne, and the experience was one I will never forget. The atmosphere created when you watch a film surrounded by die-hard fans was incredible. We all laughed, cheered and cried at the same moments. Alan Rickman’s performance was perfect; the way that after developing a character for 7 films so that we hated him, and then making us cry with love for him in one scene was a feat few could achieve. The whole movie was just how I’d expected it to be, and much, much more. I couldn’t have asked for a better end to the series that has been my childhood.

What were your favorite scenes that were straight from the book?

Snape’s Memories were definitely a huge highlight. Benedict Clarke and Ellie Darcey-Alden did a great job as a young Snape and Lily, giving the perfect start to the scene. Alan’s performance was incredibly moving, reducing myself and everyone else to tears. I still cry even after having seen it six times. The moment when you see Snape holding Lily’s dead body, and then hear Dumbledore asking Snape if he still loved her, to which he replied ‘Always’, was word perfect to the book and massively tear-jerking. King’s Cross with Harry and Dumbledore was done very well, because it didn’t seem ridiculously cheesy. I couldn’t get over how true to the book it was; I was pretty much able to say every line with them the first time I saw it!

What scenes that were changed did you liked? Disliked?

I really enjoyed the addition of Neville/Luna. It’s the pairing that I always wanted to happen, and I was really shocked when it didn’t. I still find it weird how Neville ends up with Hannah Abbott, since he never really spoke to her much. The blowing up of the bridge was hilarious, as well as McGonagall’s ‘Boom’ line. The only things I found annoying were how Ron spoke the parseltoungue to get into the Chamber of Secrets. It really didn’t sound very convincing, and when I first saw it, I didn’t expect it to work. I also thought it was kind of weird how Harry apparently speaks parseltoungue in his sleep. As a true Ravenclaw (I’ve known it for years, and now it’s Pottermore official!), I really wish I’d been able to see the common room like in the book. I absolutely loved the epilogue, but I can’t get over the fact that Harry didn’t have the last line. In all other seven (unless you count Voldemort’s ‘Nyeahhhhhhhhhh’ as a line), Harry has spoken the last line in the film. I think it would have been good if the last line of the book had been the last line of the movie, but that final shot of the trio is very powerful.

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?

Alan Rickman should definitely be nominated for (and win) Best Supporting Actor. His performance was incredible, and I don’t think any other actor could have pulled it off. I think Dan Radcliffe’s performance should also be recognised; the way he performed in the Resurrection Stone scene especially was very, very good. The editing, make up and score were also done very well, so I think they should be nominated too.

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

The Harry Potter film series is definitely one of a kind. The way they have gathered together so many wonderful British actors and actresses is incredible, and I don’t think the films would be the way they are if it wasn’t for the stars in it. Being able to grow up with Dan, Emma and Rupert and watching them develop as actors and people has been a really special part of the films as well. My favourite would have to be Deathly Hallows 2. It was a wonderful end to the series, and seemed absolutely perfect. My least favourite is probably Goblet of Fire. I found it very ‘stop-start’, but I suppose that’s just the nature of the book. Having said that, it does have some of my favourite scenes in the series (Yule Ball especially – it’s funny, romantic, and it makes me want to punch Ron very hard). My other least favourite film is Half-Blood Prince. Although there was lots of humour (*cough*skinscene*cough*), it cut out an awful lot of the story (Memories, Half-Blood Prince, Battle, Dumbledore’s funeral). Though I did love the scene with Harry and Hermione after Ron first kisses Lavender. I’m a massive fan of their friendship, and I thought the scene was beautiful (even though I felt like punching Ron very hard – again).

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?

Ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined that one trip to the movies would have such an effect on my life. It’s only been in the last year or two that I’ve realised just how much Harry Potter has affected me. I have friends I didn’t have before, and I’ve learnt so much from just seven books. If Jo Rowling were ever to read this, I just want to say thank you to her. Her books were my childhood and I can’t imagine life without them. Harry has taught me all about the power of love and sacrifice, and how good really does conquer evil.

PS – The picture attached is of me at IMAX before seeing the last film. My amazing friend made this costume for me – it’s the Monster Book of Monsters 🙂