|
JULY 15, 2003 at 3:50 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: Potterish
Brazilian site Omelete in May interviewed Richard Griffiths
(Vernon Dursley) and Harry Melling (Dudley) at the Chamber of Secrets DVD release party. Some revealing details seemed to have slipped under the radar at the time, but thanks to Potterish.com, they have surfaced.
The online translation is rough at best, but here are some highlights, via my own interpretation:
Omelete: How do you think people will react to this darker Potter?
Richard Griffiths:: The kids in the first film were 13, 14 years old and they are growing with the movies. It's natural that the films also have to grow more mature and complex. Hormones are changing these children ... I find that everything starts in the Prisoner of Azkaban. (See correct translation below - hey, I tried!)
O: What is the difference between Alfonso Cuarón [director of the third film] and Chris Columbus [director of the first two]?
RG: Clearly there's a basic difference, the way each one treats the project ... we all know the story gets shadier. What I found interesting is that Alfonso said we [the Dursleys] must have more fear. Harry is more powerful in each book. At the beginning, we were evil. Now, we want to be, but ... we're always fearful that Harry will do something.
I hope my translation fares well enough. If anyone can do a real translation, please send it in!
UPDATE: Below is a human Portuguese-English translation of the entire interview, courtesy of HPANA member KarenEikoo. Thank you!
During the launch party of the Chamber of Secrets DVD, Omelete (the site), had the oportunity to talk with some of the actors of the series. Read below for the interview with Richard Griffins (Uncle Vernon) and Harry Melling (Dudley.)
Omelete: Are you guys already filming with Alfonso Cuarón?
Richard Griffiths: To tell you the truth, we're already done. The only reason that we are here, it's because they don't need us at the set anymore.
O: What's the difference between Cuarón and Chris Columbus?
RG: You can't tell yet. We're a bad part of the story, the unliked. Of course there's the basic difference, which is the form of how each one treats the project and everyone knows that the story will become more darker from now on. What I thought was interesting, is that Alfonso showed us that there should be more fear. Harry's more powerful each time. We're not a threat to him anymore. Now he can act on his own, in a frightening way. In the beginning, we were evil. Now, we want to be, but we don't have this power anymore. We were scared all the time, that Harry was gonna do something to us.
O: Is it hard to be a Dursley in the real life?
Harry Melling: Truthfully, the people practically don't know me for Dudley, which is great. It would be really bad if they knew [Translator's note: I think he's referring to girls].
RG: What no one knows about Harry [Melling, (Dudley)], is that he wears those "fattening" clothes, which makes him gigantic. When he puts those clothes on he turns into Dudley Dursley, but at the end of the day, he takes it off and goes back to being this normal, healthy kid. I don't have that problem (slapping his enormous belly) Hahahaha.
O: And at school, what do your friends say?
HM: They keep on calling me Dudley Dursley, but they're joking around. It's fun.
O: Would you like to be Harry Potter, to change a little?
HM: No. I like Dudley. I like to interpret evil people, hehehe.
O: How do you think people will react at this darker Potter movie?
RG: The stories are becoming more dark and I think that's what makes them more attractive. Because the people that saw the first movie were 13 and 14 years olds, they're growing along with the story. So it's natural of movies to also grow, and become more complex and mature. Of course there will always be new children of 10 years, to see the first movie and repeat the cycle. They wouldn't be able to use the same people and repeat the stories changing just a little. It wouldn't be fun.
In the fourth book, new problems begins to arise, in normal relations of sexuality. The hormones are changing these kids. But I think everything starts in Prisoner of Azkaban.
O: And what about the fourth movie?
RG: I hope it is made. When I signed the contract for the first movie, there was an option on whether I wanted to be in the fourth one. But the difference between this option and really filming it, is really big. First the producers need to decide if they'll make it.
If this movie (Azkaban), goes well, they should make the next one. I don't know what will happen, but that production is something big. On one side, you think that there's no way that there won't be a fourth movie, since there's a lot of money invested here. But I've seen projects that were being filmed, and suddenly cancelled. Out of nowhere the people come and say "We don't have any more money to continue. Here's your payment, you can go home."
O: And you Harry (Melling), also have this option to be in the fourth movie?
HM: Yes. I received that option when I signed the contract for the second movie. But just how Richard was saying, it's just an option.
RG: But it's great. It means they like you!
O: How long did you guys work on this movie?
RG: We worked for about a month, and maybe we'll go back for a few more days, if they need to redo something.
O: Harry, do you get along well with the other kids?
HM: Yes, always. This month that we spent filming, I had to go to school with them.
RG: The children here have to study. It's classes with more than 300 kids.
O: Is participating in the Harry Potter movies turning into a routine, or is this impossible?
HM: A little. It's kind of like going to school: you wake up, change clothes and go. But of course it's more fun.
Once again, thanks to KarenEikoo for this translation.
Reader Comments (38)
click to read...
Your Thoughts
click to write...
Copyright © 2002-2009 HPANA. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. 
HPANA is an unofficial fan site, in no way affiliated with J.K. Rowling,
Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury Publishing or Warner Bros. Entertainment. All
trademarks and copyrighted material are the property of their respective owners.
About HPANA | Movie 6 | Send a news tip | Contact us | Privacy policy
Healer for all Occasions
Points: 3562
Madam Malkin says:
I think there are little clues dropped in the interview, but from what it says here, it really isn't anything we don't already know. Yeah, Harry is powerful, more so with each book, and yeah, pretty much the events that set the rest of the plot in motion for the rest of the sries starts in book 3. The end of book 3 really does put other events in motion. Mind you, it really is the first book that puts everything in motion. But I do think that it's true, book 3 is pretty important. So are all the others, but there are key things that happen in every book. It all takes a little turn in book 3.
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 11:08 AM EST
Witch
Points: 661
Flitterbloom says:
I love book 3.. I'm still trying to figure out whether I like book 5 or 3 better! I think that everything does start here. Harry learns stuff he didn't know here. The first 2 books were kind of just preparing him (and us) for the wizarding world, but now, he's beginning to realise how much of a threat voldemort is. I can't way to see how they pull the PoA movie off!
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 11:15 AM EST
Squib
Points: 189
willow80 says:
Yeah this interview didn't really gives us anything new. And like Flitterbloom, I'm having a hard time desiding which I like better, 3 or 5. Both books are really great, all of them are, but those two are the best. I am looking forward to seeing the new movie.
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 12:28 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 81
orangey_good says:
Does anyone else find it funny that the actor who plays Dudley is named Harry?? Just a thought. I too can't wait to see the PoA movie. All this waiting all the time... how do we tolerate it?? :D
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 3:07 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 378
wangoballwime says:
Wow..very interesting. I agree with him. I think the 3rd movie is going to be where "everything starts" so-to-speak, but it will also be a transition phase between books 1,2 and 4,5 since Harry does find a lot out in PoA.
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 3:23 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 340
Prongs1 says:
Man I really like book3 (not as much as 4 but hey) and I really hope they don't use CG for sirius dog form, I don't reakon thier gonna put it to PG13 cos it would restrict the audience (mind you they could just go with their parents so they might?)
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 3:51 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 390
OliverPavo says:
I can't wait for the hppoa movie to come out, I don't think they will change the rating to pg-13, for any of the movies.
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 5:16 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1303
wahnaroo22 says:
is it just me or did they seem to be trying not to put down the new director? i am sure if they had really enjoyed working with him they would have said something about it but they tried to sorta cover it up. (just my opinion)
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 5:47 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 361
LaDonna says:
I was hoping for more hints. I can't wait to see Ron's expression when Hermione hugs him in PoA or the argument scene in GoF. The movies are doing great. There is no doubt in my mind that they will continue it.
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 7:41 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1782
Juno Puddifoot says:
hmmm, I hadn't really thought that they wouldn't be doing GoF ... so I find that thought a bit disturbing ... I mean it would be huge to make
Posted Jul 15, 2003 at 8:16 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 502
Padfoot05 says:
Wow that was great interview he say they are done good i love that
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 12:11 AM EST
Points: 27
JaneGrey says:
I can't wait to see the third Harry Potter movie! PoA is my favorite of the series...I'm sure it is going to be great :) I can't wait to see gary oldman as Sirius!!!
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 12:53 AM EST
Witch
Points: 975
Lilune says:
I can't wait to see Hermione slap Malfoy! They better leave that in ... it'll be so funny
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 3:01 AM EST
Points: 367
Padfoot88 says:
PoA is my fave as well ... there is so much to reccommend it. It's got the most complete story, and the best plot and a gigantic twist.
I really hope they fangle the Time Travel bits properly ... it can get very confusing if you don't do it properly. *Shudders at the thought of the 2000 movie version of The Time Machine*
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 7:42 AM EST
Head Girl
Points: 479
eclektic says:
they didnt really reveal much; i felt disappointed that they didnt say more abt it. my favourite book of the series definitely is a toss up between the 3rd and the 5th. i cant seem to make up my mind! i cant wait for the movie.. im dying of anticipation here...
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 11:56 AM EST
Squib
Points: 172
HermioneGranger89 says:
i loved book 3 (not as much a 4 and 5.) i cant wait for the movie. i hope the make a 4th movie!
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 3:17 PM EST
Witch
Points: 576
Chandra80D says:
I hope they bump the ratings up - or else the movies will be just skimming the surface of how scary this stuff really is. Come on - if they make the 4th and 5th, they're going to HAVE to up the rating just a bit...or else it won't keep with the book.
But that's just me...
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 7:23 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2303
padfoot5312 says:
HGreenbacker8705 I agree not much information at all. They haven't said anything that hasnt been said before. Hope the rating don't go up because there are children that have been enjoying the movies and will be disappointed if they can't go.
Posted Jul 16, 2003 at 8:54 PM EST
Witch
Points: 657
Wotcher_Tonks says:
Richard Griffiths is a fantastic actor in his own right, and I loved what he said about Dan Radcliffe on the interview on the CD, about how much he had improved as an actor how beautiful it was to see him and the others grow.
I have to agree with him POA really is the beginning and is still my favourite book even though I know the future of Sirius.
Posted Jul 17, 2003 at 5:34 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2228
Snufflesmom says:
I was amazed at the way the "iffied" around the movie Goblet of Fire. Warner Brothers has bought all seven books for the purpose of making movies out of them. I can't imagine them not doing it.
I just hope that all the cast is able to return the movies 4-7. It would be difficult to get used to a new Harry, Ron, or even Dudley.
Just my thoughts
Everyone have a great weekend.
Posted Jul 18, 2003 at 8:39 AM EST
Student
Points: 246
Gryffindork says:
That is really interesting!! I can't wait for the movie to come out!!
Posted Jul 18, 2003 at 10:46 PM EST
Student
Points: 216
SingingLass says:
Okay, I just really hope the fourth movie is more then an "option"! Though I have read they are already working on the Goblet script, so hopefully it will turn into a reality. It is interesting to hear about Dedley's fat suit. I had been thinking that he would need to be much fatter as the movies progressed....since he is described as being the weight of a baby whale and as wide as he is tall.
::wavies::
Posted Jul 20, 2003 at 10:36 AM EST
Student
Points: 216
SingingLass says:
typo correction, so that I do not get hate mail or posts *Dudley* heeeeheeee
Posted Jul 20, 2003 at 10:38 AM EST
Student
Points: 286
FootBall73Chic says:
I hope that they film all the books. Doing some and not all is just not cool. And if they think that film 3 won't do well then they are living under a rock. Before 5 I think that most people favored 3. Even JK said that her favorite would probably be 3 if she picked a favortite but she won't because she can't pick a favorite out of "her children"
Posted Jul 20, 2003 at 11:25 AM EST
Student
Points: 268
Tadhgain says:
I have to say, the third book is probably my favorite(yes, I like it more than the 4th and 5th...). I was already disappointed with no Oliver Wood. I hope the new director does make it a great deal darker. The third is darker and I think the 4th should be rated PG-13. I mean, there's no nudity or severe language...but you see a dead body and a Dark Lord rise and the hero almost killed. Not to mention how horrible the Cruciatus curse will look. I dunno, I just have feeling that as the movies go on, more and more is going to be cut out.
Posted Jul 20, 2003 at 11:28 AM EST
Squib
Points: 147
narcissablack22 says:
I LOVE PoA because things really do start getting good there, so I SOOOO can't wait for the movie, it will be great! And i also cant wait to see professor Lupin. He shows up again later on in OotP so i figure he is a very important character.And Im excited to see that Harry has something to use against the Dursleys to get his way. I cant to see how it's all going to come together in the movie!!!
Posted Jul 28, 2003 at 12:27 AM EST
Back to top of page