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JUNE 17, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Posted by JEREMY
Source: LA Times via The Leaky Cauldron
As we gear up for the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the LA Times has begun the countdown by releasing a lengthy interview
with Harry Potter screenwriter Steve Kloves.
In the interview, they discuss his relationship with J.K. Rowling, as well as decisions they make when writing the script, and more:
What, if anything, can you say about the climactic moment between Snape and Dumbledore? In the book, it’s a short but intense scene.
It is informed by everything [Potter readers] have come to know is true. So if you watch the film carefully, there are performance moments that are quite extraordinary, Alan Rickman [who plays Snape] especially. There is something we added that you can look forward to, a short scene between Harry and Snape prior to the big event. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays to the audience. It should be a haunting moment for Harry. While I was writing, I just had a notion about a moment between him and Snape, something Harry could look back on and question as to why he didn’t act differently.
I’ve also read that most of Dumbledore's pensieve memories of young Voldemort, then Tom Riddle, have been cut from the film. (Not to mention: Dumbledore's funeral!)
In my original draft, I had every single memory but one, I believe. I even dramatized a couple of things that weren’t in the book in terms of Voldemort, like the death of Tom’s parents, things like that. I'm a Harry Potter fan, so my first drafts tend to reflect that, in that they tend to be long and all-inclusive. When [director] David Yates came in, he had a very specific point of view, which was that he wanted to showcase Voldemort’s rise without getting overly involved with his past as Riddle. He didn’t think that most of the memories would be as compelling on-screen as they are on the page. He liked them in the script, but he really felt that in the movie experience Voldemort’s story was more important than young Riddle‘s. We went back and forth on that for quite a bit. But he was very convincing, and I think it wound up working out well.
Are there any other changes or additions that you can talk about?
I know one thing David is very proud of is getting Quidditch right. I do think it’s the first time that it feels like a sport. And it’s comic, which is fun. Rupert Grint [who plays Ron] is great. We also do a lot with the kids coming of age, navigating sexual politics and all that. It’s pretty interesting to see these characters doing that because the movies have always been a bit chaste, and they continue to be on some level, but there’s more happening in this one. You realize how complicated it is between boys and girls. It’s a lot of fun seeing Ron navigate his first girlfriend.
To read the full interview, click here.
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Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1229
Elza Black says:
It already sounds like too much on the cutting room floor. It seems Riddle's memories were central and not to show Dumbledore's funeral?
Too very key items left out.
Posted Jun 17, 2009 at 2:50 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3656
Anastasia Popovick says:
It is sad there will be no funeral...but it sounds as though the other scenes will make up for it's loss. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I always am exciting to see Alan Rickman as Snape.
Posted Jun 17, 2009 at 3:17 PM EST
Furry Little Problem
Points: 4299
Juicybit says:
Great interview! And (even though I'm not a big fan of additional scenes) the new scene with Harry and Snape sounds good! Makes me so curious... someting to look forward to. It will probably turn out to be something really minor though.
I'm sorry to see the Riddle memories go, but I understand it's different on screen. I do love them in the book.
I'm a lot more sorry to hear Dumbledore's funeral is excluded - it was a nice peaceful chapter, things calming down after all the action and tension, even though it is a pretty sad scene, obviously.
And I'm so glad to hear Rupert was great at Quidditch. Go Rupert! :)
Posted Jun 17, 2009 at 3:45 PM EST
Mrs. Draco Malfoy
Points: 27761
Arika Granger Malfoy says:
Yea, I was a bit sad when he didnt do the screenplay for Order of the Phoenix, but at least he is back now! YAY!!
??????????????????
Posted Jun 17, 2009 at 4:28 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8934
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Nice interview. Give continued explanation and depth on how the movies are planned and executed. I really like all of the backhround material. Makes the waiting easier.
Posted Jun 17, 2009 at 4:41 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1824
Veela_gurl says:
I am always wary when I hear a scene was added, but I am anxious to see what it looks like. I also think that too much of Riddle's story was sacrificed. I've already accepted that Dumbledore's funeral is cut.
Posted Jun 17, 2009 at 4:51 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2076
Feelin' Felix Felicis says:
That was a very good interview. He has a demanding job trying to interpret the books into film. I'm very curious to see what scene they added between Harry and Snape. I'm also saddened that they cut out Dumbledore's funeral, how sad. I wish everything from the books could be added to the films. I don't care how long they would be, I would be so happy.
Posted Jun 17, 2009 at 7:40 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2860
mad_eye muggle says:
Interesting!I always love Steve Kloves's screenplay.I was so pissed off when he wasn't in OotP.Now,I'm glad...even though not all the scenes that I'm expecting in the book are in the film,I'm still adamant to see it and enjoy it.
Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 1:42 AM EST
Delusional Army Soldier
Points: 4399
ILoveHP! says:
I'm not sure about the memories part :( I mean they WERE studied by Harry and Dumbledore because it showed qualities in Riddle that are still in Voldemort that aren't significant at first look, but could prove very useful. So...
Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 2:24 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2407
KissingDraco says:
How "great" that they cut so many important scenes!! And instead added their own rubbish, that is so typical of them!! I knew they would manage to mess this film up too, like the others!
Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 4:03 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2292
Phoebe Gilmore says:
OK, I must be stupid or something. but I think I read that they cut the funeral. Surely they wouldn't do that? I mean WB has always been so loyal to the books. I mean, look at the fourth film, it's almost the same as the book. With Dobby giving Harry the Gilliweed (or however it's called. I only read that book in Dutch, so I don't remember the English name).
I now seriously wonder why I'm still going to these movies. The first two were pretty true to the book, but after those two they've only gotten worse. Plus, I'm convinced that the guy that plays Dumbledore thinks he's playing Gandalf.
Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 6:16 AM EST
Head Girl
Points: 425
Maggie_ says:
They cut the funeral? I can't believe it :( I would love to see that scene
Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 4:47 PM EST
Prof. Alfred W. Mandoore
Points: 2445
JAYSTARR says:
Brilliant...But, they should have not cut any scenes especially Dumbledores Funneral. At least show that part; We earned it and deserve to bury him honourably.
Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 8:02 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Points: 1670
DumbledoresArmy says:
*SPOILER*
After reading the news about those who have seen the pre-screening a while back I know what that scene most likely will be and I am not happy. We should not know in HBP that Snape might possibly be on Dumbledore's side. Its going to steal away a lot from the big moment in Deathly Hallows.
I can't stand how Steve Kloves tries to write these movies as his own book in movie form. I don't care what he think regarding what we, the audience, will think about an extra scene. If you were a HP fan then the scene with Snape and Harry, the extra Weasley Scene, would be gone the memories, and Dumbledore's funeral would be in it. Its rediculous.
Its JKR's story not his.
Posted Jun 18, 2009 at 11:58 PM EST
Wizard
Points: 786
Rudeboy2025 says:
Oh how I wish for a HP movie the length of Lord of the Rings movies.
Posted Jun 20, 2009 at 6:13 PM EST