|
|
|
 ith
the film release of J.K. Rowling's Harry
Potter and the Philosopher's Stone this November, the imagination
of millions of kids, teens and even adults will be quenched. Or will it?
The books have sold over 110 million copies in 200 countries; there are
bound to be a number of critics young and old with their own ideas as to
how the story should be played out.A literary phenomenon that took the world by storm in 1998, the story revolves around an intelligent, curious boy named Harry Potter living in an unloving family. But on his 11th birthday, Harry discovers he is actually a wizard and he leaves to study magic in a far off place. The place is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and it is here that Harry and his two new friends, Ron and Hermione, will become involved with a mystery - trying to discover what the Philosopher's Stone is and preventing it from getting into the wrong hands. A world that includes ghosts, witches, wizards, giants, trolls, unicorns, dragons etc. made the challenge of transforming the story onto the screen accurately not an easy one, but director Chris Columbus (Home Alone) believed staying true to the book was key. "It was a very simple, logical theory: if the books are so popular, why would you change them?" Columbus was introduced to the Potter books by his daughter in 1999, and she remained a constant consultant and critic of his work throughout production. Of course, the greatest and most thorough consultant was the creator and writer herself, J.K. Rowling. "Her attention to detail was just incredible," says |
|
|
Columbus, who was given advice and guidance
on everything from motivation for the actors to the texture of the
costumes. Rowling, who rocketed to fame from a trying existence of a single mother and out of work teacher, was doubtful about the filming of her beloved story. "I'm not against the idea of a film," she explains. "The vital thing for me is that (the film) would be true to the book." Despite all her doubts, she found the filmmakers'  efforts
exceeded her expectations. They even cast Dame Maggie Smith and Robbie
Coltrane, who she wanted to play a part in the film.Others joining the stellar all-British cast include Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Ian Hart and John Cleese. Finding the right actor to play the coveted role of Harry Potter was not as simple. After months of searching for the perfect Harry and thousands of auditions, producer David Heyman spotted child actor Daniel Radcliffe while watching a play. Early reports of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone have been so promising, the second installment is already underway, with Columbus eagerly agreeing to direct again. "You enter this world, and it's liberating. Now this world has opened up to me, and it's so much fun it would be hard to leave." - Jane Sanderson |