How EFFECTIVELY do the opening scenes of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' create an atmosphere of fantasy and intrigue?
In recent years the fantasy genre has undergone a huge revival. Whereas it was once reserved for children's books of fairy tales, fantasy in both literature and film alike is increasingly becoming a more mainstream genre, enjoyed by people of all kinds.
Fantasy films are probably the most frequently stereotyped genre of all. They tend to involve things such as Dark Lords, magicians, quests and otherworldly creatures. But only when all these are believably portrayed are they interesting films. Fantasy films that have failed badly because of this (in my opinion) include 'Labyrinth' and 'Willow'.
High profile fantasy films released in recent years include the 'Harry Potter' series and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Both were based on sets of books, which were first released as films at around the same time- December 2001. People are forever comparing the stories, and the two groups of fans can be impressively passionate as they argue their cases. But which film is truly superior?
The 'Harry Potter' books are credited with saving the genre and introducing it to a wider audience, with their accessible storylines and language. However, The 'The Lord of the Rings' is widely believed to be the grandfather of all modern fantasy novels, despite earlier efforts, foremost those of William Morris (of wallpaper fame) and Lord Dunsany. Before the publication of the trilogy, in the 1950s, fantasy writing rarely reached publication.
Traditional settings for fantasy films include mostly parallel universes, and other worlds, where the normal rules of reality need not apply. Fantasy films have the element of surprise- the viewer can never predict exactly what is going to happen next. Although 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' uses this traditional stereotype (and don't forget, it was the tale that set the stereotypes!) 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' begins in a nice row of thoroughly modern little terraced houses with neat little lawns and cars in every driveway. The scene is set during the night and everything is very quiet. The street lights provide a misty feel to the place- until an old man (whom we have just watched walking down the road) rather dramatically puts most of them out using a small device not entirely unlike an ornately carved lighter, thus providing an ethereal glow for the ensuing conversation. The most immediate questions that spring to mind are 'What is that 'Put-Outer?' 'Why on earth would the man want to put the street lamps out?' and 'What exactly is this eccentric-looking old man doing in a nice, normal place like this Privet Drive anyway?' This last question was definitely intended by the producers of the film, as throughout the opening scene the film makes comparisons between the typical objects and behaviour expected, and those shown in this scene.
In recent years the fantasy genre has undergone a huge revival. Whereas it was once reserved for children's books of fairy tales, fantasy in both literature and film alike is increasingly becoming a more mainstream genre, enjoyed by people of all kinds.
Fantasy films are probably the most frequently stereotyped genre of all. They tend to involve things such as Dark Lords, magicians, quests and otherworldly creatures. But only when all these are believably portrayed are they interesting films. Fantasy films that have failed badly because of this (in my opinion) include 'Labyrinth' and 'Willow'.
High profile fantasy films released in recent years include the 'Harry Potter' series and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Both were based on sets of books, which were first released as films at around the same time- December 2001. People are forever comparing the stories, and the two groups of fans can be impressively passionate as they argue their cases. But which film is truly superior?
The 'Harry Potter' books are credited with saving the genre and introducing it to a wider audience, with their accessible storylines and language. However, The 'The Lord of the Rings' is widely believed to be the grandfather of all modern fantasy novels, despite earlier efforts, foremost those of William Morris (of wallpaper fame) and Lord Dunsany. Before the publication of the trilogy, in the 1950s, fantasy writing rarely reached publication.
Traditional settings for fantasy films include mostly parallel universes, and other worlds, where the normal rules of reality need not apply. Fantasy films have the element of surprise- the viewer can never predict exactly what is going to happen next. Although 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' uses this traditional stereotype (and don't forget, it was the tale that set the stereotypes!) 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' begins in a nice row of thoroughly modern little terraced houses with neat little lawns and cars in every driveway. The scene is set during the night and everything is very quiet. The street lights provide a misty feel to the place- until an old man (whom we have just watched walking down the road) rather dramatically puts most of them out using a small device not entirely unlike an ornately carved lighter, thus providing an ethereal glow for the ensuing conversation. The most immediate questions that spring to mind are 'What is that 'Put-Outer?' 'Why on earth would the man want to put the street lamps out?' and 'What exactly is this eccentric-looking old man doing in a nice, normal place like this Privet Drive anyway?' This last question was definitely intended by the producers of the film, as throughout the opening scene the film makes comparisons between the typical objects and behaviour expected, and those shown in this scene.
