|
JANUARY 16, 2004 at 12:25 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: Entertainment Weekly via ComingSoon.net
Entertainment Weekly
has a short interview with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban director Alfonso Cuarón in their latest issue. He talks about author JK Rowling's influence on the film, real-life parallels with Potter characters and more:
We knew we'd be getting a different kind of Harry Potter when Warner Bros. hired Alfonso Cuarón -- the stylish Mexican auteur behind 2002's lauded carnal carnival Y Tu Mamá También -- to succeed Chris Columbus and direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. But an allegory for our Patriot Act age? That's a surprise.
Why HP3?
The moment I read the book, I was hooked. It's a myth for our times. You read about Fudge and the Ministry of Magic -- that's Tony Blair! And Guantánamo is not that different from Azkaban. There are Dementors over there, too. [Smiles impishly]
You've made some cosmetic changes to J.K. Rowling's world. Is she cool with your renovations?
Really cool. She actually encouraged me: "Please don't be literal." At the same time, we wrote a scene where there was this organ, and tiny people were jumping on the keyboards. She said, "Nope, no tiny people at Hogwarts."
While you were shooting, Rowling's fifth book was released. What was the reaction on the set?
There are what I call "the Harry Potter Talibans" here -- they read it in one weekend. I promised I was not going to read it, because I'm a little over-Harry Potterized. The day the book came out, I saw it and said f--- it, I'm just going to see how it opens. Next thing you know, I've read it all.
So you're having fun?
Loads. Though after so many bluescreens, you just snooze. The other day, I joked, "Give me a sex scene! Somebody, please: Get naked!"
See the entire 2004 movie preview in the magazine if you're a subscriber or AOL member (keyword: Entertainment Weekly).
Thanks very much to Ev for the transcript.
While we're on the subject of interviews with Alfonso, here's one we overlooked at the time: Empire Online's article Inhereting Hogwarts. They sat down with Cuarón around the DVD release of his hit Spanish movie, Y Tu Mamá También, in October 2002:
Do you think you can do both - create both art and do business in Hollywood?
Well, yes, there are some amazing examples. Every year I think some of the best movies come out of the Hollywood structure. I'm talking about people like the Coen brothers, Woody Allen and Scorsese.
Are you enjoying relocating to Britain for the shooting of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?
I've always liked London and spent long periods here but never quite as long as this. I'm just having a blast working on this film and collaborating with everyone and walking around London everyday.
Thanks to Wizard News for the link.
Reader Comments (76)
click to read...
Your Thoughts
click to write...
Copyright © 2002-2010 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
Points: 429
Unregistered says:
Very Funny! So JK Rowling has a say in the films! This is really cool. For some the immature people around here, who could not identify what is a joke, there would be no sex scenes in HP.(Just a reminder)
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 12:31 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 399
Rhiannon Silverflame says:
Oh, now there's an attention-grabbing headline.
Very clever. ;)
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 12:32 PM EST
Quidditch Captain
Points: 6166
Alex Seeker says:
Hehehe I do like Alfonso he seems to have a wicked sense of humour! As long as the basic storyline is there I will be looking forward to all those little touches that keep the film interesting - after all nothing goes in with KK's approval! Nice to see all these new interviews :-)
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 12:35 PM EST
Magical Creature
Points: 3064
Phoenix Feather says:
I am very glad to see the JKR still has a large role in what gets into the film. That is as it should be. So she makes sure that the important stuff gets put in, so conversely, what stuff that we have assumed is important has been left out?
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 12:36 PM EST
Transfiguration Professor
Points: 2990
Choralee says:
I am very pleased to hear that JKR was on set to approve all changes made to the films look. Cuaron sounds like so much fun, and I can understand why he would be yearning for a different kind of scene - I can't recall any film, where he has been involved, where a bunch of blue screen work was used.
I am waiting patiently for June. Anxious, but I know between now and then I will be able to read news on both PoA and GoF, as production for it starts soon! Double the news will hopefully keep me occupied!
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 12:55 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2034
Professor Snape says:
HAHA, he sounds like he has a hilarious sense of humor. thats cool that the directors of the movies work closly with j.k. i can't wait to see this movie. ahhhh going nuts.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 1:08 PM EST
Werewolf
(Moderator)
Points: 5479
MoonyDawn says:
I think its really cool that she actually encouraged some of the changes. It makes me feel better knowing she still has her say.
I hope he didn't say "Give me a sex scene! Somebody, please: Get naked!" in front of the kids! Although they have probably heard it all before anyway.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 1:13 PM EST
Witch
Points: 676
Madame Rosmerta says:
It sounds like Alfonso Cuarón has a great sense of humor! I like how when he finds out someone has a birthday, its sung in English and Spanish.. I love this statement: "There are what I call "the Harry Potter Talibans" here -- they read it in one weekend. I promised I was not going to read it, because I'm a little over-Harry Potterized. The day the book came out, I saw it and said f--- it, I'm just going to see how it opens. Next thing you know, I've read it all"
He is caught up in HP just like we all are! Can't wait till June!!!!!
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 1:25 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 9051
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Very nice to see that JKR is having a strong influence. It will make the movies consistent with each other. I am also glad that she is allowing some leeway. It makes identifying something really important easier, since she won't let it be changed.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 1:40 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1069
Minnie20 says:
Haha that was funny, "The day the book came out, I saw it and said f--- it, I'm just going to see how it opens. Next thing you know, I've read it all." exactly what I would say and do.
It's so cool to hear that he actually wrote scenes with J.K. I can't wait till the movie comes out because it'll probably be the best Hp film out of all of them.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 2:02 PM EST
High Inquisitor
Points: 23488
KT Lady says:
I love Alfonso...hes so likeable! Haha! Im sure people wouldnt mind a little action in the movies! l.o.l ONLY kidding!...;)
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 2:07 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1080
Petronilla says:
It really seems that Alfonso is a very particular director.
I am sure that this film is going to be full of emiotions...
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 2:19 PM EST
Witch
Points: 585
Joyce says:
I can't wait to see what he has done with POA. It is always reassuring to know that JK has the final OK on the Harry Potter Films.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 2:45 PM EST
Points: 927
ChelCho says:
That headline grabbed my attention too, Rhiannon Silverflame!
He seems like a very enthusiastic person. I'm glad that he's enjoying his time on this project. His enthusiasm and creativity will show in the final project, no doubt.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 3:31 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2119
hpchik898 says:
That's sort of interesting but the title of this article made it look a lot more!
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 3:40 PM EST
Heir of Slytherin
Points: 5499
Spazzingduck says:
Now THAT was an interesting headline... all I hope is that he stays loyal to the books.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 3:50 PM EST
Points: 7828
Rococoed says:
The headline was an excellent way to attract attention, Cheeser. It is cool to know that J.K. Rowling wants the films to be slightly different from the books, not just translations onto the screen. I also nearly said f--- it when I saw book five at midnight on June 21st. It looked too long, but I still finished in only three days. Only 140 days now...
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 3:54 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1155
AFawkes05 says:
That's hilarious. This director is going to be wonderful. I bet his humor can be seen in the movie.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 4:26 PM EST
Squib
Points: 166
Kathryn Leblanc says:
I am hopeful that the stylishness of his earlier works won't overwhelm the franchise. Chris Columbus had a very subtle touch and I liked that. I think Cuoron will do a good job, but I am not sure whether it will really be Harry Potter. Mind you, I don't imagine JK will let him get away with much!
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 4:34 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 399
Rhiannon Silverflame says:
ChelCho:
No, I won't deny my slasher's mind was all over that headline for naughty reasons. *hangs head in mock shame*
But no matter what people's reaction, it was certainly effective, wasn't it? ;)
Really, really looking forward to seeing this film; the fact that he was so passionate about the book speaks well for the film's end result, and I doubly appreciate that he's perceptive of the sociopolitical parallels. With that in mind I'm confident that he'll do a great job of really, finally making an HP film that's capable of connecting with people.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 4:44 PM EST
Daily Prophet Journalist
Points: 2597
dance_gear says:
i like Alfonso Cuaron....i agree what an attention grabbing headline...i think that POA will rock...no doubt about it in my mind...i agree...you cant just read the opening of OOTP and put it down...if you have HARRYPOTTER-ITIS...or OVER-HArryPOTTERIZED then you just gotta read all of it...i think its cool that J.K.'s so encouraging towards the changes in POA...well ne wayz i cant wait to see it...oh and i dont think there should be ne sex scenes in POA...perhaps little attraction between Ron and Hermione...but thats it....
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 4:56 PM EST
Seer
Points: 15207
Brittany Radcliffe says:
Hell yeah!! i would love a good sex scene in the books and the movies!! go him for saying that!! HA. seriously that would be funny. he seems like a guy i would like to have a conversation with...it would be hillarious!!
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 4:58 PM EST
Witch
Points: 955
kab240 says:
Brittany Radcliffe!!!! WHY would you want a sex scene! Mental, that, I'm telling ya! It would completly ruin the film!
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 6:05 PM EST
Hufflepuff Princess
Points: 24832
Waddi Wasi says:
Cuaron seems like a great guy and he cracked me up by asking for a sex scene =D I wish he would continue to direct the HP movies but I like how they change the directors, making the movies diverse.
And of course he had to read number 5, no one can resist the charms of Harry Potter.
WW
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 6:25 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1826
snapelupinfan says:
Very funny! Give me a sex scene! Get naked Hey, he is the director, why didn't anyone follow his orders... ;)
Would have been great...
Well, at least there are "just" 4 1/2 month to wait and I still haven't seen the trailer when I was in cinema. Where the hell (sorry!) is it shown here in Germany??????
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 6:32 PM EST
Gryffindor Chaser
Points: 3637
Angelina Johnson says:
"Somebody please: get naked" l.o.l. He's so funny, i just can't wait to see the movie.
Posted Jan 16, 2004 at 6:56 PM EST
Back to top of page