Liked it
Harry Potter: Differences Between The Books and Films
This article shows the key differences from the movie adaptions of the Harry Potter series to the novel series.
Hello, welcome to another Daniel Bowen article. Instead of reviewing games this time I am targeting a subject that millions of people across the world know of, Harry Potter.
Although J.K Rowling wrote what must be the best modern fantasy series of recent years it must be said the films miss out a some things from the books. It is a challenge fitting a book that is several hundreds of pages long into a 2 hour film but surely a lot more could have been included into each book as the bits that are missed out are generally the bits that really makes the reader connect to the characters.
Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s in USA) Stone.
This was probably the closest film adaption of any of the books. However the film shifts straight to Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Hagrid dropping off the baby Harry after finding that the rumours had been true and had defeated the Dark Lord (Voldemort) and been the first person to survive the Avada Kedavre curse (killing curse). In the book it starts showing the Dursleys as arrogant, “I’m better than you” thinking people, showing Mr Dursely going to work and seeing wizards in “funny costumes”.
Another thing missing is during Harry,Ron and Hermione’s travels to get the Philosopher’s Stone the trials are mostly the same but in the films Professor Quirell’s Troll Trial was left unmentioned.
Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets
This is generally true to the book and all bits that are not mentioned are in the DVDs deleted scene features including the Malfoys in Borgin and Burkes.
While on the way to Hogwarts in the flying car in the book Ron notices the train out of the window, but in the film Ron lands the car on the tracks to find the train nearly hitting them.
Nearly Headless Nick’s Deathday Party is completely missed in the film except for a small cameo when Nick mentions wanting to join the Headless Hunt.
The final major difference is the effects of the Polyjuice Potion. In the book it gives the drinker the exact same appearance , voice and disabilities for example bad eyesight. In the film Ron and Harry have to imitate Crabbe and Goyle’s voices.
Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban
Due to this book being the longest at the time some things had to be cut, for example the back story of Sirius Black wasn’t mentioned only his escape and there is no mention of the Fidelius Charm (hides locations from all who don’t know where it is) this is quite a big deal because then in the film is doesn’t show how Sirius Black betrayed the Potters (even though he didn’t)
Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire
This is where the books start loosing a lot of story that the directors must of thought made no real difference.
In the book the Weasleys go to Harry’s Uncle’s house to collect him blowing up their living room and the Weasley twins giving Harry’s cousin a pig tail is completly abandoned. In the film he wakes up after Hermione wakes him in The Burrow.
It also completly leaves out Hermione’s group S.P.E.W (Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare) after seeing them in the Hogwarts kitchen. While I mention it there is no appearence of any house elf. The segment where Dobby gives Harry the Gillyweed in the book is replaced by Neville giving it to him in the film.
Harry Potter and The Order Of The Phoenix
The first difference would be the complete absense of the wizarding sport of Quidditch. Ron’s part of joining the team as keeper is completly missed and is quite disappointing because it was a amusing read.
The chapters in St Mungos are missed out as in the film the Wealey children are rushed home and Harry starts his Occlumency lessons with Snape.
The house elf Kreacher played a bigger part in the book as he was shown during only 2 occasions in the film.
Rita Skeeter is missed out when Hermione, in the book blackmails her to make sure she published true articles about Harry when The Daily Prophet is reporting lies.
This isn’t all the bits cut from the books as I couldn’t possible remember them all. Got more? Post them in the comments. I’m not going to report on The Half Blood Prince as I don’t want to wreck the film for any of you that havn’t seen it yet.
There is a I Like It button there. If you do like it please click it.
