Introduction
The Harry Potter books are among the most well-known books written by J. K. Rowling, exploring the mysteries of the magic school Hogwarts. Delving deeper into sorcery and deep secrets, the author explores the themes of bravery, friendship, and dedication. With the books becoming popular, movie adaptations were introduced to the fan base worldwide.
Nevertheless, while there are many similarities between the books and movie adaptations, there are still significant differences between the versions. Due to the time constraints and more creative approaches, the film adaptation lacks a gradual build-up of the plot and internal thoughts. It distorts character details, which might stem from the focus on audiovisual perceptions of the audience.
Pacing and Flow
The first noticeable difference between the book and the movie adaptation is that the book has a more leisurely pace and gradual story build-up. Such an approach explains the ambiguity of details and the author’s digressing. For example, in the book, Quidditch, the popular wizarding sport, is given more attention since there are no time constraints and limits. The game is explained in more depth, first emphasizing that it is “played up in the air on broomsticks and there are four balls” (Rowling 63).
Moreover, later, Oliver Wood, the Captain of the Gryffindor team, delved into the game’s rules, stating that “Quidditch is easy enough to understand, even if it’s not too easy to play” (p.134). Meanwhile, while the game is highly appreciated in the movie, stating that it is the “best game there is,” it is given a relatively shorter time due to a focus on the Hogwarts mystery (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 1:24). Therefore, due to the shift in the focus and time constraints, the pacing of the movie is fast, and there is no digressing.
Details
Moreover, although the movie adaptation of Harry Potter incorporates as many details as possible, aspects of the book still offer more depth, especially in the characters. In general, books use expressive language and literary devices and techniques, such as metaphors and imagery, to introduce characters and evoke certain emotions in the readers.
For instance, in the book version, J. K. Rowling introduces Dudley as a boy with “a large pink face, not much neck, small, watery blue eyes, and thick blond hair that lay smoothly on his thick, fat head” (Rowling 16). According to the author, the little boy had much resemblance to his father (Rowling 16). Such descriptive narration of Dudley’s features is intended to evoke disgust in the readers and see that the character is just as revolting outside as he is inside.
Meanwhile, in the movie, the audience sees that descriptions of characters are often distorted. Although Dudley’s father indeed had blonde hair, the child had thick brown hair instead. Moreover, in the movie, the audience does not observe distinctive features, such as rosy cheeks or a neck that can be barely seen.
Internal Thoughts and Perspectives
Finally, internal thoughts and perspectives in the book are the elements the movie adaptation lacks. For example, in the book, when going to the zoo, Harry Potter encountered magic for the first time when the glass vanished, and the snake escaped, leaving Dudley in deep shock. As the family learned that Harry talked to the snake, Uncle Vernon grounded the boy, putting him in the cupboard. Harry’s thoughts can be carefully examined as he was “wishing he had a watch” since he was hungry, yet he “couldn’t risk sneaking to the kitchen for some food” if nobody was asleep (Rowling 23). By reading the internal thoughts of Harry, the audience is exposed to the traumatizing experience and abuse of the child who was not only kept in the cupboard but starved for weeks.
In contrast, Dudley is seen falling into the snake cage in the movie. Moreover, when home, as Harry explains that the snake escaping reminds him of magic, Uncle Vernon takes him to the cupboard, and the last phrase said to Harry is that “there’s no such thing as magic” (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 8:25). However, the audience does not observe the consequences experienced by Harry, which limits viewer’s understanding of the child’s emotions.
Conclusion
Hence, the film adaptation lacks a steady development of the plot and inside thoughts and has distorted character details, which may result from the focus on audiovisual audience perceptions due to time constraints and more innovative techniques. The book’s slower pacing and gradual build-up of the tale are the first noticeable differences between it and the film version. Such a strategy explains the author’s wandering and the obscurity of the details.
Additionally, despite the Harry Potter movie adaptation including as many specifics as possible, there are still elements of the book that offer more depth, particularly in the characters. Books typically introduce characters and provoke specific feelings in readers using expressive language, literary devices, and tactics such as metaphors and imagery. The elements missing from the movie version of the book are interior thoughts and opinions. The audience does not see Harry’s consequences, which limits viewers’ comprehension of the child’s emotions.
Works Cited
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Directed by Chris Columbus, Performances by Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, Warner Bros., 2001.
Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Bloomsbury, 2001.
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