HP retrospective #2:



Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

2002, PG, Directed by Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Felton, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Jason Isaacs, Toby Jones, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters, Mark Williams, Bonnie Wright

Perhaps the hardest book to adapt overall due to the burden of sugar-coating the dark tone in order to make the whole thing accessible to young fans acquired from number one. Similar to this, producer David Heyman and his crew had only just grasped a sense of the phenomenon Philosopher’s Stone became; encouraging, yet pressurising. And so the formula continues: Dursely interaction, Hogwarts Express, danger at Hogwarts manifests itself with Harry undoubtedly at its centre and of course, a heart- warming resolution. A flurry of new characters (Dobby, Lucius Malfoy, Moaning Myrtle) manages to assert Chamber of Secrets as fresh and expansive of JK Rowling’s universe – which of course it does successfully judging by the reaction to that death scene in the first part of the Deathly Hallows. But here, most screen-time is awarded to Shakespearean thesp Kenneth Branagh as the cocky, slimy ‘celebrity’ author Gilderoy Lockhart as Professor Quirrell’s successor to the increasingly more ironically titled subject, Defence Against the Dark Arts. He provides laugh and spits intentionally eye-rolling dialogue and annoys. A lot. But that is his purpose. When an eye rolls, it rolls along with the Gryffindor and Slytherin alike, whilst Julie Walters’ Mollie Weasley gushes at his every word. Talking of the Weasley’s, this is the Potter with that Ford Anglia flying car and our first glimpse of – perhaps visually the most intricately designed location in the entire film series – The Burrow, the Weasley family home.

The story itself is sparked when the Chamber of Secrets is opened inside of Hogwarts, sparking fear of You-Know-Who’s return. But when random students (and cat’s) are found paralysed in terror, talk turns to the closure of school for the year. I always remembered the climax of Chamber of Secrets to be a lot more chilling than it is now, which stands testament to the claim that Columbus offerings are aimed more at a younger age than any of his successors. However, the comedy is presented more often in these early films – with Rupert Grint taking most of the credit for that. Some important tidbits are touched upon here – which enhances Rowling’s continuity –including Harry speaking Parseltongue and the first Horcrux unknowingly being destroyed, as well as the first use of Polyjuice Potion and Floo Powder. It seems a shame that all of the great factors make such a long film, with Chamber of Secrets containing more than enough detail. At 161 minutes, it is officially the longest Harry Potter film there is.

Still, Tom Marvolo Riddle being an anagram for ‘I Am Lord Voldemort’ still holds up as being cool too..!

3/5

Best Moment:

The Quidditch match here ranks as one of the best. Fantastically realised from Columbus, it’s a shame it does not endure for longer at the expense of other expendable moments (Hermione’s feline error with the Polyjuice Potion).

Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher:

Gilderoy Lockhart, author of a series of successful books that depicts his epic battles with magical, dark creatures – but in actual fact, a useless fad who ends up with memory loss. Left out of his brief appearance in Order of the Phoenix was probably for the best.

Best Character:

Colin Creevey has to be considered for being extremely annoying at one stage and then ridiculously sweet in the click of a camera. But this is the introduction of a much-loved character that steals the show in just a few scenes: Arthur Weasley.

Best Quote:

Arthur Weasley: Now Harry, you must know all about Muggles. Tell me, what exactly is the function of a rubber duck?