Harry Potter's Page - Harry Potter Discussion Hall > Deathly Hallows Movie in Two Parts!

Dijares

Mar 12 2008, 08:21 PM

It's confirmed by the LA Times! Deathly Hallows will be in two parts!

QUOTE

WATFORD, England -- It's official: Eight will be the magic number for the "Harry Potter" film franchise.

After months of rumors, Warner Bros. and the producers of the massively successful movies will announce Thursday that they plan to split "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," J.K. Rowling's seventh and final "Potter" novel, into two blockbuster films -- one to be released in November 2010 and the second in May 2011.

The films will be titled, simply, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II," according to producer David Heyman. Director David Yates, who returned for his second tour of Potter duty with "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and is quite popular with the cast, will direct both "Deathly Hallows" films, which will be filmed concurrently. Screenwriter Steve Kloves also returns and, by completion of the franchise, will have written seven of the eight films.

One devoted "Potter" reader that is especially happy to hear the news is Daniel Radcliffe, the 18-year-old actor who plays the title character in the wizardry epic.

Some cynics will see the move as simply doubling the box-office payday, but Radcliffe told The Times that the split is purely in service of the story.

"I think it's the only way you can do it without cutting out a huge portion of the book," Radcliffe said recently during a break on the set of "Half-Blood Prince," the sixth "Potter" film, which is due in theaters on Nov. 21. "There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut -- although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans -- but the seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go."

Producer David Heyman said the decision was made with some anxiety and only after considerable deliberations. The producer joked that "while my wife and Warner Brothers were pleased" to hear that the Potter movie magic will continue into the next decade, he himself fretted that the cynical observers would see the decision as a purely mercenary move.

"I swear to you it was born out of purely creative reasons," Heyman said during an interview in a converted airplane factory outside London that has been home base to all of the "Potter" productions. "Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book. You can remove scenes of Ron playing quidditch from the fifth book, and you can remove Hermione and S.P.E.W. [Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare]and those subplots . . . but with the seventh, that can't be done."

Heyman said he approached Rowling with some trepidation about the strategy but found that she signed off on its logic rather quickly. "I went to Jo and she was cool with it," Heyman said, "and that was quite a relief."

Rowling has also been a more frequent visitor to the sixth movie's set than with previous installments. One big reason is that she is no longer busy trying to finish the "next" Potter book; she walked away from her signature character in July 2007, when the climactic "Deathly Hallows" hit stores, and continued the history-making ways of the series by selling 11 million copies during its first 24 hours on shelves.

The filming of "Half-Blood Prince" began in September, and Radcliffe said "it's been brilliant." He added: "It's also, I think, the funniest of the films so far."

The "Potter" films have pulled in a staggering $4.5 billion at the box office worldwide. Heyman said now that the "Potter" team knows they can split "Deathly Hollows" in half, the next challenge is figuring out the division.

As Heyman put it: "The question will be, where do you break it? And how do you make them one but two separate and distinct stories? Do you break it with a moment of suspense or one of resolution? These are the interesting challenges. But each book has presented its challenges."

Warner Bros. Chairman Alan Horn and Jeff Robinov, president of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, are expected to discuss the new plans for "Potter" on Thursday during a presentation at ShoWest, the convention of movie exhibitors in Las Vegas.

So what do you think, HPP fans?

Where do you think they should cut the movie?

What do you think they'll HAVE to keep out since they've not put in certain things from previous books?

Let us know!

baty4potter

Mar 13 2008, 05:58 AM

Maybe right before Ron reunites with Harry and Hermione or right after? Not sure, but I'm not going to go back and read the book again so I can give you my *professional* opinion. ;~)

Also.... I do think it's a good idea, and I'm all in favor of it!

Grubbly-Plank

Mar 13 2008, 08:51 AM

Maybe at the end of the chapter 'The Tale of Two Brothers' just as they apparate from the Lovegoods house!

That would get everyone going!!

(my book is the UK version so not sure if the US version is the same)

dobbyman

Mar 13 2008, 09:19 AM

I personally, think it a little lazy... it'll probably be good for the die hard fans, but really, I don't think it will make a better film. I feel like it'll drag out way past its welcome, but it may be a good move. I just think it's ridiculous that they feel they can't slim down the film. Really it's just lazy... but whatever, we'll see. I really don't see where they can cut it, but whatever...

Fletch

Mar 13 2008, 11:56 AM

I like the idea of the split as quoted in the MTV article. An MTV article goes on to speculate as to where they should cut the film. The best, most logical place, to divide the two films comes with the death and funeral of Dobby the house elf, corresponding to the chapter entitled “Shell Cottage.”

That would be an excellent divide.

Perseus_Evans

Mar 13 2008, 02:58 PM

QUOTE(dobbyman @ Mar 13 2008, 10:19 AM) [snapback]138820[/snapback]

I personally, think it a little lazy... it'll probably be good for the die hard fans, but really, I don't think it will make a better film. I feel like it'll drag out way past its welcome, but it may be a good move. I just think it's ridiculous that they feel they can't slim down the film. Really it's just lazy... but whatever, we'll see. I really don't see where they can cut it, but whatever...

Lazy? Seriously?

Well opinions are always specific to the individual, but I think "lazy" is a bit of an exaggeration. And it kind of seems the opposite of lazy to make two films, but that's just me.

As someone who's chosen to name himself after the house elf who has been cut from every film other than CoS, I would think you'd be a bit more pleased...

I myself was worried that some of my favorite scenes would be cut, and one of them was Dobby's death scene (Not that I could figure out how they'd get around that plotline).

Bottom line is they had to do it, because even though they've reduced the number of loose ends by eliminating plotlines here and there in the movies, there are still too many to tie up for one movie. I, for one, am very pleased...

Now... where do you think Part I will end... I personally like the idea of it ending with the destruction of the locket...

MrsGinnyPotter

Mar 13 2008, 04:22 PM

I am thrilled as i found out last night. ( not the official announcement)
But as for the place of spilti found several good places.
1) Directly in the middle(page 379 US Version) when-well durring this part.

QUOTE

She saw Ron, who stood there holding the sword and dripping onto the threadbare carpet. Harry Backed into a shadowy corner, slipped offf Rons rucksack and attempted to blend in with the canvas. Hermione slid off her bunk and moved like a sleep walker toward Ron, her eyes upon his pale face. She stopped right in front of him, her lips slightly parted her eyes wide. Ron gave a weak hopefull smile and half raised his arms.

And then just cut. i mean yeah the acctual [sp] ending might be a little choppy, but could you imagen the starting off point? i mean Hermione just lets him have it! and i think that will be the real point is when is the best time for the ending AND the begining....

2)or just a couple of chapters later. The very end of The Deathly Hallows.

QUOTE

"Come out there with your hands up" Came a rasping voice throught the darkness. "We know your in there! You've got half a dozen wands pointed at you and we dont care who we curse!"

3) Final one i promis! Its on page 487 (US)

QUOTE

The goblin made no sign of encouragement, but continued to frown at Harry as though he had never seen anything like him. "I need to break into a Gringotts vault."

Some of these would be great cliff hangers whitch is what i think it should be... i mean whats the best point about a "to be continued"? a cliff hanger! and i know the 3rd one is kinda late in the book, but in the second half of the book things just fly along, which means in my opion we should seprate the exciting form the imformational!

sorry it was so long but i ahd alot to get out!

baty4potter

Mar 13 2008, 04:28 PM

QUOTE(Grubbly-Plank @ Mar 13 2008, 08:51 AM) [snapback]138819[/snapback]

(my book is the UK version so not sure if the US version is the same)

US and UK versions are the same.

QUOTE(dobbyman @ Mar 13 2008, 09:19 AM) [snapback]138820[/snapback]

I personally, think it a little lazy... it'll probably be good for the die hard fans, but really, I don't think it will make a better film. I feel like it'll drag out way past its welcome, but it may be a good move. I just think it's ridiculous that they feel they can't slim down the film. Really it's just lazy... but whatever, we'll see. I really don't see where they can cut it, but whatever...

WB is danged if they do and danged if they don't. They have always been criticized for cutting too much out of the films, so to make this the best they could this was their decision.

I truly don't think it has to do with only die hard fans liking one more edition, I feel that *especially* for the last book it needs to go by the book; I personally don't want a 4 hour movie. Of course that's just my professional opinion. ;~)

QUOTE(dobbyman @ Mar 13 2008, 10:19 AM) [snapback]138820[/snapback]

I personally, think it a little lazy... it'll probably be good for the die hard fans, but really, I don't think it will make a better film. I feel like it'll drag out way past its welcome, but it may be a good move. I just think it's ridiculous that they feel they can't slim down the film. Really it's just lazy... but whatever, we'll see. I really don't see where they can cut it, but whatever...

QUOTE(Perseus_Evans @ Mar 13 2008, 02:58 PM) [snapback]138824[/snapback]

Lazy? Seriously?

Well opinions are always specific to the individual, but I think "lazy" is a bit of an exaggeration. And it kind of seems the opposite of lazy to make two films, but that's just me.

As someone who's chosen to name himself after the house elf who has been cut from every film other than CoS, I would think you'd be a bit more pleased...

I myself was worried that some of my favorite scenes would be cut, and one of them was Dobby's death scene (Not that I could figure out how they'd get around that plotline).

Bottom line is they had to do it, because even though they've reduced the number of loose ends by eliminating plotlines here and there in the movies, there are still too many to tie up for one movie. I, for one, am very pleased...

Now... where do you think Part I will end... I personally like the idea of it ending with the destruction of the locket...

I truly needed to read the whole thread, it would have saved me editing so much. lol

But anyway, I agree with you Perseus, I'm afraid they will edit parts that I really loved in the book. You mentioned the Dobby's death, and I would be afraid they would edit where Hermione was being tortured, which still could get cut depending how important they think it was. It wasn't so much her part but Ron's reactions when she was crying out.

I do need to go back and read; this puts a whole new light on things.

MrsGinnyPotter

Mar 13 2008, 07:17 PM

QUOTE

I do need to go back and read; this puts a whole new light on things.

i think we all should baty before jumping to hastly conclusions, i feel as i read i will find stuff i realy scared they were going to cut from the movies. little stuff like when harry couldnt produce a patronouse because of the locket.

the_prisoner_of_azkaban

Mar 14 2008, 06:33 AM

Ooooh tell ya what at least we'll finally have some consistency. David Yates will have done four HP's by the end which is great!

Dijares

Mar 14 2008, 08:03 AM

What I'm a bit concerned about is, if they're not going to cut a lot from the last book (and I truly hope they don't), how will they add in parts that they've cut from the previous films? i.e. Charlie, etc. Or the mirror, which Harry uses to save them from the Malfoy's basement?

Or, like, the Percy thing? How will they go about all that?

Maybe they'll add some of it into HBP so it's consistent with DH?

Maybe Harry will find the mirror at Grimauld Place when they first go there?

What do you think?

Fizzing_Whizzbee

Mar 14 2008, 02:14 PM

In my own personal opinion I'm glad the movie is getting split.

With that said though, I dont know why they are releasing the two halves so far apart. Particularly since the whole thing is being shot at the same time. I guess the studio execs want a good foundation to kick off the holiday and summer movie seasons, but its just going to be difficult for us fans to wait 6 months between parts.

To me the ideal place to break the movie is right before the meeting with Luna's dad. Would have to maybe add a line or two, but basically just have them apparate to the outskirts of the town, looking in the distance towards the Burrow wanting to visit. But Harry saying how they need to talk to Xenophilius and have fade out as they walk up to the rather shabby looking castle tower.

dobbyman

Mar 14 2008, 04:38 PM

QUOTE(MrsGinnyPotter @ Mar 13 2008, 04:22 PM) [snapback]138825[/snapback]

I am thrilled as i found out last night. ( not the official announcement)
But as for the place of spilti found several good places.
1) Directly in the middle(page 379 US Version) when-well durring this part.
And then just cut. i mean yeah the acctual [sp] ending might be a little choppy, but could you imagen the starting off point? i mean Hermione just lets him have it! and i think that will be the real point is when is the best time for the ending AND the begining....

2)or just a couple of chapters later. The very end of The Deathly Hallows.

I'm sorry... but I really think those two would be bad places to cut. Though they are good cliffhangers for a book, but for a movie... not so much. I didn't look up to see what your third one was though, I'll check that later.

I've thought up a few myself, and you can all let me know what you all think of them:

1) After Harry visits his parent's grave with Hermione and they are walking away together in the snow. I actually think the movie should bag their disguise of the Polyjuice Potion so we can feel more for Harry's character in that scene (which I think is really important.)
The second part would then also open with the ultra exciting Bathilda's house scene.

2) When everybody has been caught and they're riding away in the cages... which would be the best one if they're looking for a cliffhanger.

3) After Dobby dies, and Harry is sitting on the shore looking out across the ocean (like he does in the U.S. cover art if I'm correct.) This one would be the best one if they wanted to go with continuity with the other films which have ended on somewhat of a conclusion... and it would also be a nice tragic ending.

About my "lazy comment." Let me explain why I said that. Although, I'm beginning to accept (and actually LIKE) the split movie idea, I'm afraid they'll be "lazy" with their editing and make two 3 hour films that don't need to be... but now that it's confirmed that David Yates will film them both, I'm extremely hopeful and optimistic they won't be considering how short he was able to make the last one.

I'm getting more excited as I've come up with possible endings... as long as they do this right, I'm for it!

(side note: with Yates directing this last installment, he will have directed half of the film series! CRAZY! Even though I kinda wanted Alfonso Cuaron back... Yates will do great though, I'm sure. Should be interesting.)

Perseus_Evans

Mar 14 2008, 09:35 PM

QUOTE(Dijares @ Mar 14 2008, 09:03 AM) [snapback]138834[/snapback]

Maybe Harry will find the mirror at Grimauld Place when they first go there?

That would make sense.

I have a theory that Kreacher might end up being the one to save them from Malfoy mansion... His storyline was purposefully left in the OotP movie, and when Yates asked if he was necessary (wanting to save money on the digital effects no doubt), I recall JKR said he would come into play later or something similar. Was she talking just about Locket Lake?

I wonder if maybe she knew bringing Dobby back at this point in the overall story didn't make sense, since the movies had cut his presence out of GoF AND OotP (in both cases using Neville as the plot device rather than Dobby, by the way. He was the source of the Gillyweed AND the finder of the Room of Requirement. I hope that means the get to have Neville show up at the Hog's Head from behind Ariana's portrait, but I digress).

Anyway...

The movie-only audience won't feel the same for Dobby as it might for Kreacher (People who don't read the books seemed to find Dobby a bit annoying in CoS). They'll have to find out about Kreacher's visit to the Lake, because it's a fundamental plotpoint surrounding the Locket... I can't think of how they would get around that storyline. But after the trio wins him over and we come to like him, it would be all the more tragic for us to see his death while saving them later within the same film or films? The movie audience loves a good dark character and Kreacher is certainly that. Especially one that ends up a tragic hero. (Coughs the word "Snape")

Too convoluted?

It's almost like JKR got to use a time turner and retell the story in a different way for movies 5, 6, and 7.

dobbyman

Mar 14 2008, 10:37 PM

QUOTE(Perseus_Evans @ Mar 14 2008, 09:35 PM) [snapback]138838[/snapback]

I have a theory that Kreacher might end up being the one to save them from Malfoy mansion...

YES! I would think that'd be much more beneficial for the whole overall effect and emotional saddness of the scene. Not having him before makes it feel like he can't show up randomly (like you said.)
Kreacher's dying would make the MOST sense, and it wouldn't hurt the meaning to the fans, (I wouldn't think.)

Kreacher reminds me tremendously of Gollum.

Grubbly-Plank

Mar 15 2008, 04:14 AM

QUOTE(Perseus_Evans @ Mar 14 2008, 09:35 PM) *
I have a theory that Kreacher might end up being the one to save them from Malfoy mansion...

Why would you want to change the book?? Personally I think that would be a terrible thing to do. No Harry Potter fan would tolerate that. Dobby's an important part of the book - he lays down his life for his friends. How are you going to have the scenes with Harry digging Dobbys grave with a spade and not by magic, showing love and respect for a friend & putting a stone of remembrance with the words 'Here lies Dobby, a free elf', and then Griphook saying to Harry that 'he's a very unusual wizard'? Kreacher comes into his own in the book as it is. His change in attitude towards Harry because he's being treated with kindness and at the end when he leads the house elves out in the final battle against Voldermort. Whats wrong with it the way it is??

the_prisoner_of_azkaban

Mar 15 2008, 06:20 AM

I think it should remain Dobby, as a personal preference, I just don't want them to change the books. Dobby's death was so emotional for me and it just wouldn't have the same effect with Kreacher

Dijares

Mar 15 2008, 09:17 AM

QUOTE(Fizzing_Whizzbee @ Mar 14 2008, 03:14 PM) [snapback]138835[/snapback]

In my own personal opinion I'm glad the movie is getting split.

With that said though, I dont know why they are releasing the two halves so far apart. Particularly since the whole thing is being shot at the same time. I guess the studio execs want a good foundation to kick off the holiday and summer movie seasons, but its just going to be difficult for us fans to wait 6 months between parts.

I think a lot of this will have to do with the special effects. I'm sure they'll start at the beginning and go on through. They'll probably continue with working on the second half after the first half has been released.

Perseus_Evans

Mar 15 2008, 11:26 AM

QUOTE(Grubbly-Plank @ Mar 15 2008, 05:14 AM) [snapback]138843[/snapback]

QUOTE(Perseus_Evans @ Mar 14 2008, 09:35 PM) *
I have a theory that Kreacher might end up being the one to save them from Malfoy mansion...

Why would you want to change the book?? Personally I think that would be a terrible thing to do. No Harry Potter fan would tolerate that. Dobby's an important part of the book - he lays down his life for his friends. How are you going to have the scenes with Harry digging Dobbys grave with a spade and not by magic, showing love and respect for a friend & putting a stone of remembrance with the words 'Here lies Dobby, a free elf', and then Griphook saying to Harry that 'he's a very unusual wizard'? Kreacher comes into his own in the book as it is. His change in attitude towards Harry because he's being treated with kindness and at the end when he leads the house elves out in the final battle against Voldermort. Whats wrong with it the way it is??

I don't WANT to change the BOOK. I'm talking about the movie. And I don't want the story to change, but it started to long ago.

Sorry to say it again, but the movies are a somewhat different story sometimes. Because of that they have to rethink some things. The movies haven't included Dobby since CoS, so the movie-only fan has very little connection with Dobby. And frankly, if the first time we see him again is when he saves Harry from Malfoy Manor, it may seem a bit too convenient and cheesy to those who haven't spent the time within the novels.

I cried like a baby when Dobby died, because of every interaction he'd had with Harry throughout the series. I cried because of Dobby's love for Harry. I cried during the burial because his sacrifice was voluntary and not a product of the house elf enslavement.

The movie audience won't feel the same. The SPEW plotline was non-existent. Dobby didn't come to Hogwarts to work.

I'm not saying "Hooray!! It's going to be Kreacher." I'm saying "I'm ready to accept the changes that are inevitable." If I'm not, I will be disappointed by the movie. I prefer to enjoy the movies without getting too caught up in the differences.

baty4potter

Mar 15 2008, 11:29 AM

If they are going to make two movies to make sure nothing is left out I would be totally ticked to see them change the story line in anyway. That is the whole purpose of doing two movies. It would be totally heartbreaking to do Dobby an injustice.

After talking with wickedwitchofthewest, and her frustration of why the movies are so far apart, AND what about the DVD release?, are they going to be two different movies sold at separate times?, which of course it will, I realize there is going to be much more criticism of WB for making two movies and two DVD.

I personally think it was the writers and and staff that made the decision not WB on a whole. The criticism of why now and not before because it never mattered before that they chopped up the movies so whats the difference is also coming into play.

For me I say pishposh on all!! I am happy that they are *finally*, and *hopefully* going to do justice to at least one of the books. Now we need to stop complaining and just sit back and enjoy.

Steps off

and takes a bow. ;~)

Perseus_Evans

Mar 15 2008, 12:24 PM

QUOTE(baty4potter @ Mar 15 2008, 12:29 PM) [snapback]138847[/snapback]

The criticism of why now and not before because it never mattered before that they chopped up the movies so whats the difference is also coming into play.

The HAVE to do it now. They didn't before. This is the first time that cutting pieces of the story would mean not finishing the various plotlines opened throughout the movies. Though, as you know, I've been an advocate of splitting the movies (or the 3 1/2 hour marathon version) from the start.

Even with all the pieces that have been omitted from the movie version of the series altogether (and again, I'm sorry that Dobby is probably one of them, whether tis justice or not), they still have so many major plotlines to finish that to fit it all in one movie would be impossible. They have too much to tie up.

For instance, the row with Percy was cut, so he may not be there for Fred's death scene.

But we've had the Ginny loves Harry plotline from the first moment on platform 9 3/4, so that has to play out over the next two (three) movies (no matter what Bonnie has done in her personal life).

I don't like it much. But I stopped hating it after I realized that I couldn't enjoy the movies until I considered them to be a parallel HP universe, so to speak. Similar in most ways, but sometimes very different...

the_prisoner_of_azkaban

Mar 15 2008, 07:17 PM

I hate to be the one to say it, but perhaps WB is really just looking out for themselves and it has nothing to do with the fans.

The HP franchise is absolutely massive and they make a FORTUNE from each movie. So if they can make double the amount by splitting it into two, well financially it makes sense.

That's why the movies are coming out further apart then you might like. They're milking the franchise.

crmhpfan

Mar 15 2008, 08:36 PM

QUOTE

The HP franchise is absolutely massive and they make a FORTUNE from each movie. So if they can make double the amount by splitting it into two, well financially it makes sense.

Too true. It's great that they're splitting the film in two parts, but I thought you could view the other half straight after the other, not a whole HALF A YEAR afterwards.

baty4potter

Mar 16 2008, 10:34 AM

QUOTE(Perseus_Evans @ Mar 15 2008, 12:24 PM) [snapback]138848[/snapback]

The HAVE to do it now. They didn't before. This is the first time that cutting pieces of the story would mean not finishing the various plotlines opened throughout the movies. Though, as you know, I've been an advocate of splitting the movies (or the 3 1/2 hour marathon version) from the start.

I don't like it much. But I stopped hating it after I realized that I couldn't enjoy the movies until I considered them to be a parallel HP universe, so to speak. Similar in most ways, but sometimes very different...

I've felt the same way, also, about splitting the movies, but again you and I know WB isn't going to please everyone.

And I've always had to separate the movies and the books; like you I'd have never enjoyed the movies if I didn't hold them as a separate entity; the same yet separate.

QUOTE(the_prisoner_of_azkaban @ Mar 15 2008, 07:17 PM) [snapback]138855[/snapback]

I hate to be the one to say it, but perhaps WB is really just looking out for themselves and it has nothing to do with the fans.

The HP franchise is absolutely massive and they make a FORTUNE from each movie. So if they can make double the amount by splitting it into two, well financially it makes sense.

That's why the movies are coming out further apart then you might like. They're milking the franchise.

I'm sorry to say that I totally disagree with you on this one. I truly, in my heart, feel the decision began with the writer/director/producer, and it then had to be pitched to WB. I think they felt they needed to do the *right* thing with this one.

And yes, WB is going to make money on this, why else would they be in the business? And Yes, by splitting them so far apart it is going to be a big money maker for them.

But again let's think about this... The movies are released on DVD and none of the deleted scenes are there, in the proper place, they are at the end. But.. It comes out on TV and voilà there are the deleted scenes shown on the Disney channel. So what I'm getting at is WB does know what they are doing because don't you think for one minute when all is said and done that they won't release a directors cut with the deleted scened. Now *that* is how they are *really capitalizing on this puppy! And all the studios are doing that.

Keep one thing in mind NO ONE has to go buy the directors cut, and no one has to buy into the dual movies. You can sit back and just wait for the regular DVD's to be released, or not see it at all. It's us geeks that will fall in line and just enjoy what last bit of Potter we can get.

But on this one being 2 parts, I again feel it has to do with writer/director/producer.

crmhpfan

Mar 17 2008, 01:38 AM

Lol I just realised something: 7th book split into separate parts - Voldy splitting his soul into separate parts. Sorry, that just made me laugh for some reason

Perseus_Evans

Mar 17 2008, 02:51 PM

QUOTE(crmhpfan @ Mar 17 2008, 02:38 AM) [snapback]138872[/snapback]

Lol I just realised something: 7th book split into separate parts - Voldy splitting his soul into separate parts. Sorry, that just made me laugh for some reason

Here's another one for you...

Voldy originally thought he'd split his soul into 7 parts, but at the end it turned out there were 8.

1. Voldy himself
2. The Diary
3. The Ring
4. The Locket
5. The Cup
6. The Diadem
7. Nagini
and
8. Harry

I was surprised JKR would have allowed the story to be extended to 8 films, rather than the powerful number 7, but I think she probably realized it was appropriate...

crmhpfan

Mar 17 2008, 03:42 PM

QUOTE

Here's another one for you...

Voldy originally thought he'd split his soul into 7 parts, but at the end it turned out there were 8.

1. Voldy himself
2. The Diary
3. The Ring
4. The Locket
5. The Cup
6. The Diadem
7. Nagini
and
8. Harry

I was surprise JKR would have allowed the story to be extended to 8 films, rather than the powerful number 7, but I think she probably realized it was appropriate...

srivathsan

Mar 18 2008, 09:24 AM

I'm somehow not fond of the two movie idea. I don't think there's anything about DH that makes it un-condensable(is that even a word?) into one movie just slightly longer than 3 hours. I feel that there is just not enough material in the book to spread it over two movies. And it isn't like there aren't going to be any cuts at all. Some things that work in the book just won't work in the film, so they will still end up cutting out stuff or changing things. Because of that, there won't be as much content in each script(if it follows the book) as one might think. This will lead to elaborating on some of the events taking place in the book or even adding completely new things into it, which aren't exactly essential. This will make the two movies even more unfaithful to the source material than a single long movie would have been. But if they don't make such changes, it will lead to two badly structured films. Also, it would simply be bugging from a non-HP fan point of view to wait to watch the resolving of plot points that were begun six months previously. If they can work around all this, then we might have two very good films. Anyway, I wanted HP to go with a big bang. Guess we're just going to have to settle for two medium sized bangs instead. Hehe.
I'm still optimistic and am hoping for the best. But I just can't ignore all these problems. Time will tell...

baty4potter

Mar 18 2008, 06:17 PM

Well, I hope you're wrong Sriv, but like you said time will tell.

I'm going to go back and read again, and then I'll be able to know more myself. I think since so many people complained how they chopped up GoF and actually all the movies with the exception of SS that they feel they should do the *right* thing and make the movie more closely to the book. As far as I'm concerned they could do that with Prince also. ;~) hahahaha

Perseus_Evans

Mar 18 2008, 10:35 PM

QUOTE(srivathsan @ Mar 18 2008, 10:24 AM) [snapback]138887[/snapback]

I'm somehow not fond of the two movie idea. I don't think there's anything about DH that makes it un-condensable(is that even a word?) into one movie just slightly longer than 3 hours. I feel that there is just not enough material in the book to spread it over two movies.

Here's the thing... Every other book was slower paced. Much of the previous 6 books were spent idling away time at Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, Hagrid's, in class, etc. Book 7 was all action or critical plot-activity from cover to cover. There was very little filler...

Let's go through it now...

The opening at Malfoy Manor - cuttable - movie time 0
The 7 Harrys - Required - movie time - 15-20 minutes
The Burrow and Wedding - reducable but required for DD's will- 15-20 minutes
The escape to Grimmauld Place - required - 10 minutes
Lupin's visit - cuttable - 0 minutes
RAB and Kreacher's tale - required - 10-15 minutes
The interrogation of Mundungus - 5-10 minutes
The Ministry - Reducable but required - 15-20 minutes
Camping with the Locket - Required - 10-15 minutes
Enmity and Discord with Ron - Required - 10-15 minutes
Godric's Hollow - Required - 20 minutes
The Silver Doe - Required - 10-15 minutes or more depending on how far they want Ron's drama to go

2 to 2 1/2 hours so far.... One movie out of the way...

The Lovegoods - debatable - 10-15 minutes or 0
Malfoy Manor - required - 15-20 minutes
Shell Cottage - cuttable (I'm sorry, I still say Dobby will not be included) - 0
Gringotts - required - 15 minutes
Hog's Head - required - 10-15 minutes for Aberforth's story
The Battle of Hogwarts - 20 minutes (minimum)
The Shreiking shack - required - 10 minutes
The Prince's Tale - required - 10 minutes
The Forest Again - required - 5-10 minutes
King's Cross - required - 10 minutes minimum
The flaw in the plan - required - 10-15 minutes - Neville, Molly, the protection that Harry's sacrifice created
The Duel - 15 minutes minimum
The Headmaster's portraits - required - 5-10 minutes
Epilogue - cuttable (my fiancee says required, but she doesn't work for Warner Brothers)

2nd movie: 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours

I'm not even considering all the little things here either... I'm just talking about the minimum time to accomplish all the major action.

Sure the times are estimates, but can you really look at that list and think that any of those scenes aren't required?

srivathsan

Mar 19 2008, 10:42 AM

Actually, there are scenes from that list I still think are cuttable.
From the first one, I'd cut out the wedding completely. Sure I'd like to see it. But it just doesn't get anywhere. And there isn't any Scrimgeour anyway. So someone else will have to end up giving the trio the stuff that DD left for them. And that can be done without the wedding, and in lesser than five minutes of screen-time.
I'd also cut out the escape to Grimmauld place, since I'd be cutting out the wedding itself. Harry, Ron and Hermione can just go there of their own will to Grimauld place to sketch out their plan of action.
And since Mundungus has not appeared in OOTP and nor will he appear in HBP, I don't see any plausible way to introduce him in DH. The whole storyline with the locket, Umbridge and the Ministry can be skipped that way. They can just end up finding the locket with Kreacher.
The whole Ron related problems and his storming out should not take more than ten minutes at the max in my opinion, if they appropriately intercut between the trio's camping and some of the other stuff happening with the Wizarding world.
I agree that Godric's Hollow is required, though it doesn't actually add much to the final resolution. It's just such an emotional part of Harry's journey that it is just absolutely necessary to have it. But they can omit Bathilda Bagshot and her subplot I feel. At the end of Bathilda's tale, there's nothing added to the plot except another failed attempt of Voldemort's to kill Harry. I know that Harry's wand gets broken. But I feel they can fit in the wand breaking bit with some other scene, like when the trio gets caught and taken to Malfoy Manor.
That's about the list for the first film. I agree with you more or less on the list of the second movie though. But most of those scenes, other than the Battle of Hogwarts and King's Cross, won't take that much time. Really, I'll be surprsied if the duel between Harry and Voldemort lasts for more than 3-5 minutes(not including all the things that lead up to it. Agree about Molly, Neville etc. with you).

So, at my calculations, the first movie now comes up to a meagre hour and half or a good deal lesser. The content for the second one will easily fit in a two hour movie. What do we have then, if we put the two together? A movie which is about 3 hours and 15 minutes long.

Even if they make two films, each one will definitely not be as long as you're predicting Perseus. They will make it just about two hours long I bet. That will lead to a total run-time of about 4 hours and still they will make some of the cuts I mentioned, just because they have to, since certain plot points opened in earlier books weren't even introduced in the earlier movies, and there simply won't be anything to resolve with respect to those. This will lead to, as I said, unnecessary elaboration of certain things, that might make the end product even more unfaithful to the book.

I hope none of these problems occur. Trust me, even though I'm saying all this, in my heart, I really do want to enjoy both movies. I'm just not confident enough that they can do it right.

Perseus_Evans

Mar 19 2008, 03:57 PM

Well Sriv, I was more or less speaking to your point that there's not enough to work with, rather than the secondary point that there's a lot that can be cut. I think there's a bit of contradiction in the argument, but I'm not looking to battle that one out.

My low-end estimate is about 2 hours apiece, but I admit, my scene by scene estimations aren't based on much more than "feel".

Obviously we won't agree on what is required vs cuttable, but as always... Each individual may differ in opinion, without differing in what we hope is true (that the movies are well-done and complete)

baty4potter

Mar 19 2008, 04:03 PM

I personally think that they have capable writers where they can introduce characters back into the story line even though they haven't been in the last two movies. It's not like they never introduced them before.

Lets face it, if that were the case Dobby wouldn't be mentioned at all, and I have to say I'd be totally disgusted if he weren't in it.

And for the wedding.... Why not have it? I'm not understanding that at all. It's part of JK's book, are you saying it was crap? If so then why even waste your money on the movie at all?

To leave stuff out like you said, Sriv, would only change the book. Haven't we had enough complaints about the books being changed.

And if they run into a problem I'm pretty sure JK would tie things up.

None of us are successful screen writers so lets give the writers some credit here. Like I said, adding a character back into the movie, since he was already in one, I don't think would be that hard.

srivathsan

Mar 20 2008, 12:23 AM

Perseus, I'm not talking about what can be cut. I'm talking about what would mostly be cut, even if it were a two-part movie. Like the bits with the Ministry of Magic and Mundungus etc. since they didn't introduce some plot points in earlier movies to resolve them now. To show those things, they will have to somehow open them up in these movies and then try to resolve them as well, which is what I mean when I say that they are going to try to un-necessarily elaborate things, which might lead to a sloppy edit. But like Baty is saying, if they can pull it off, then great.

Anyhow, I do know that this is all speculation and that we're all entitled to our opinions. Like I said, I want ALL of what I am saying to be proven false and for me to think 'that's perfect' when I see both the films. I really do. It's just that I don't want to get my hopes too high up lest I get disappointed. I can't handle disappointment when it comes to HP. Hehe.

Aragorn

Mar 20 2008, 12:43 AM

The only scene I would really like to see cut is Gringotts and all that leads to it. I'd rather have the films be off by one Horcrux than sit through forty-five minutes of spectacularised special effects. Frankly, that part of the book nearly put me to sleep anyway. I'd rather see time that would be devoted to it devoted to more important things like the Battle of Hogwarts or Malfoy Manor.

the_prisoner_of_azkaban

Mar 20 2008, 05:15 AM

I think there is a very strong change of the Malfoy Manor scene at the beginning being cut or at least shrunk down a little. Much more affective to open with the broom scene....action action action.

Aragorn

Mar 20 2008, 12:01 PM

QUOTE(the_prisoner_of_azkaban @ Mar 20 2008, 06:15 AM) [snapback]138918[/snapback]

Much more affective to open with the broom scene....action action action.

Broom scene? Huh?

I could see them actually getting caught at Xenophilius Lovegood's so that they don't go back to the woods only to get caught.... but... what broom scene?

srivathsan

Mar 21 2008, 12:01 AM

I think TPOA is referring to the scene at the beginning of the book, with Yaxley and Snape entering Malfoy Manor and the bit with Charity Burbage. I think he wants it to begin with the Seven Potters.

Aragorn

Mar 21 2008, 12:24 AM

QUOTE(srivathsan @ Mar 21 2008, 01:01 AM) [snapback]138924[/snapback]

I think TPOA is referring to the scene at the beginning of the book, with Yaxley and Snape entering Malfoy Manor and the bit with Charity Burbage. I think he wants it to begin with the Seven Potters.

Hmm... Seven Potters is likely to get cut, I think. (And I suppose hope a little, too.) The CG cost for that scene would be through the roof... and it's not very key to the story. I'd like to think they skip a whole chunk and just start at the wedding of Bill and Fleur. Moody can die there - and George can either lose his ear there or just have nothing happen to it. Nothing like that to help secure a PG-13 rating.

the_prisoner_of_azkaban

Mar 22 2008, 09:23 PM

QUOTE

I think TPOA is referring to the scene at the beginning of the book, with Yaxley and Snape entering Malfoy Manor and the bit with Charity Burbage. I think he wants it to begin with the Seven Potters.

Yea I was referring to it opening with the 7 Potters. I think it would be dramatic and really plunge you straight into the story. I think it depends on whether the directors want to set the scene (if so they will start with the Manor), start with the action (7 Potters) or have a contrast where it moves from something really happy and joyous to something really dramatic (the wedding). But if it's spilt in two I don't really see them cutting anywhere near as much....of course in saying that DH is about the size of Philosophers Stone and Chamber of Secrets put together.

Hehe and Srivathsan....POA's a girl

Wow I just spoke in 3rd person, very confused.

Lilysowl

Mar 22 2008, 11:20 PM

QUOTE(the_prisoner_of_azkaban @ Mar 22 2008, 11:23 PM) [snapback]138942[/snapback]

. . . Hehe and Srivathsan....POA's a girl

Wow I just spoke in 3rd person, very confused.

*Lololol* Sriv really has been away a long time, for I always thought POA was a girl.

MrsGinnyPotter

Mar 23 2008, 02:38 PM

No matter what WB would have done, some one some where would have dissagreed to it. So i am super excited for the movie(s). Do i think the factor that by having two movies there would be twice as much money made a difference in their decision?Yeah, because no matter what anybody says, WB is a Business. I do not however think that they based their decesion on that one fact. They incorperated everyones opion, including Jo's and David Heyman ( i think thats the producer...) and then they went to us, read the thoughts and opions, they clicked on polls to find the percentage of readers who thought that it was a good idea and a bad idea. They didnt just one day come in to work and was like, kay deathly hallows is two movies next. They delibrerated, they planned they went throught every single little detail. and they decided.

srivathsan

Mar 24 2008, 01:56 PM

QUOTE

Hehe and Srivathsan....POA's a girl Wow I just spoke in 3rd person, very confused.

Oh I knew that! Must have been a typo. Hehe.

xc coach

Apr 10 2008, 12:12 PM

<still giggling about POA...a girl?>

Can anyone say "Lord of the Rings"? Peter Jackson already successfully (IMHO) split up a well-known series and made movies that, while not true-to-the-original-in-every-aspect, still are satisfying to watch. Even for rabid fans like me who grit their teeth when Faramir doesn't let Frodo go... But I digress. This isn't the LOTR thread...

Two movies for the last HP movie is a brilliant idea. Giving me six months to ponder in between the two episodes is good, too. At least it's not a year (like the LOTR series was).

For LOTR, some liberties were taken with the story lines so that the movies flowed better than the books. It wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing for some extra creativity on the part of the HP writers to make the split seem logical. Where ever the split ends up.

By the way, I'm really impressed with the time-line you guys (girls? ha-ha) plotted out for the movie. It's always interesting to see what really ends up happening because so often you guys hit the nail right on the head.

the_prisoner_of_azkaban

Apr 10 2008, 04:45 PM

But L.O.T.R was already split into 3 books/3 movies. Although Peter Jackson did sorta extend some of the movies into the next book etc if that's what you mean?

Can anyone fill me in on the 'guesstimated' release dates?

Dijares

Apr 11 2008, 07:43 AM

QUOTE(the_prisoner_of_azkaban @ Apr 10 2008, 05:45 PM) [snapback]139090[/snapback]

Can anyone fill me in on the 'guesstimated' release dates?

Release dates are already set for Nov 2010 and May 2011.

Perseus_Evans

Apr 11 2008, 04:51 PM

QUOTE(the_prisoner_of_azkaban @ Apr 10 2008, 05:45 PM) [snapback]139090[/snapback]

But L.O.T.R was already split into 3 books/3 movies. Although Peter Jackson did sorta extend some of the movies into the next book etc if that's what you mean?

Can anyone fill me in on the 'guesstimated' release dates?

Not that I want to keep up the LOTR thread, since we must retune to Potterwatch... but...

Originally Tolkein considered the story a single volume. It was the publisher who chose to split the story into three volumes. As I recall Tolkein wasn't pleased with the title of the third as "Return of the King" kind of gave away a bit of the story... Might have ruined a bit of the suspense of the battle of Gondor...

But anyway. Potterwatch... Two movies is fine with me.

the_prisoner_of_azkaban

Apr 11 2008, 06:43 PM

QUOTE

Release dates are already set for Nov 2010 and May 2011.

Thanks dij!

Kane

Jun 2 2008, 02:44 AM

I think this is a great idea. One: this means that they can fit more into the film(s) and Two: It also means us fans wont have to sit for ages watching one big long film. I really think this makes sense.

Harry's-Girl

Jul 1 2008, 04:19 PM

QUOTE(Dijares @ Mar 12 2008, 08:21 PM) [snapback]138817[/snapback]

After months of rumors, Warner Bros. and the producers of the massively successful movies will announce Thursday that they plan to split "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," J.K. Rowling's seventh and final "Potter" novel, into two blockbuster films -- one to be released in November 2010 and the second in May 2011.

I just checked not to long ago and it said that Part I comes out on November 19, 2010 and Part II comes out on January 1, 2011.