Okay I’m gonna start off by saying that this is probably my least favourite film but my favourite novel. Its been years since i’ve read the whole series though so who knows, that may change. But re-reading this, I was just reminded at how good it is, how much I forgot what happens in the book, is missing from the movie and how intricate of a story JK had conducted. The big reveal of Sirius in the shrieking shack is way juicer in the book and we learn a lot more about what happened the night of Jame’s and Lily’s death. I’ll also mention that my favourite character, Remus Lupin [AKA Moony], is introduced in this one so it holds a special place for me. Mind you he became my favourite character only after reading the book but I will say David Thewlis does a great job of portraying his cool, eccentric, laid back shabbiness.
We also discover in Prisoner that news from the Wizarding world leaks into the Muggle world. Like Sirius’ look out is also publicised in the Muggle world, as just a mass lunatic on the loose.
The Mauraders Map is ingenious. Of course a bunch of clever, adventure seeking teens would create a tool like this and of course JK has the mind to think of it. Its so wonderfully creative. I love that we start to learn more about what Harry’s parents were like in school. Jame’s circle with Remus, Sirius and Peter, unlike Lily who portrays more of a demeanour like Hermione, is a lot more like the twins or Harry and Ron themselves.
I would kill for a spin off based on the original Order of the Pheonix, following how Lily and James met, how the boys create their animagus’, Lupins transformations, the planting of the whomping willow, bullying Snape, etc. Their whole journey from high school to after, eventually joining forces with others against Voldemort and his death eaters, up to the night of Pettigrew’s betrayal and Voldemort’s downfall…
Okay so when Harry uses the map to get to Hogsmede by a secret passageway, he goes through the one eyed witch hump. Now I have a pretty abstract imagination and every time I read about this witch statue, I am so confused. I honestly just cant picture how its supposed to look like/work. Like how big is this statue? Do they climb through a small hole in the hump to the floor or does the hump go straight down stairs? I just don’t get it. Again, this is one of those times where I am eager to see but also hoping JKR is taking the creative reins for details like this in the HBO series, so I can see exactly how she meant it to be. I just can’t see it.
A scene that I admire in this film is when the Gryffindor boys are in their dormitory and they eat the magical lollies [Ron does a roar like a lion, Harry steams up like a train, etc]. It kind of summarises a lot of the comradery that goes on between the scenes with the kids and also a reminder that everything in this world down to the sugar you consume, is in fact magical. Theres a lot of missing pieces in the films and a small snippet like this helps bring them into the story.
I guess time is always an issue when condensing these stories but an interesting wizarding device is given to Harry by Ron in the first chapter called a Pocket Sneakoscope. “If there’s someone untrustworthy around, its supposed to light up and spin”. Its not that prevalent across the story and you barely notice it until you’ve already read it and then go back and read it again. The times it sets off, Petrigrew is always in the scene and you gloss over it without even realising. So cleaver.
On a side note, I wish that the films conveyed the connection between Harry and Hedwig as strong as it comes across in the books. They have such a special bond, as any person and their pet would have but you’re reminded of it a lot more in the books so when it does come to that fatal scene in Dealthy Hallows, its a lot more heart wrenching to comprehend. Also we learn in this story that the ordinary animals like cats, rats and owls in the Wizarding world are also magical and can have magical powers. I mean duh, that does explain how the owls just know exactly where to deliver but I never would have guessed the cats and rats too just from watching the films.
There’s another reason why Harry Potter will forever be a timeless story to tell and I think it has something to do with the time it was written. Before advanced technology, before mobile phones and social media took over. It was created at the perfect time and makes the story a little more pure. Like when Harry is waiting around in Diagon Alley to just bump into Hermione and Ron whenever that may happen. Technology is like magic itself and although wizards would ever have the need for it, I can’t see how it wouldn’t spill in. Nevertheless, nothing could possibly beat apparating, floo powder and delivery owls.
In Prisoner we are introduced to so many more magical creatures like Red Caps, Kappas, Grindilows, etc. Sometimes I wish I could just peak into the mind of JKR, its so impressive. The actual book that she created ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them’ by Newt Scamader is a full guide to the creatures, what they look like, where they originate from, eat, etc. But i guess now that’s all been shared on the internet anyway. Gosh I love it.
Oh and we get the first glimpses of Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang. Perfectly casted in the next film if you ask me. And no wonder Harry is blushing over her already, she’s the Ravenclaws only female Quiddich player and is their team’s Seeker. A few details that aren’t told in the films unfortunately.
And a quote to leave for my love letter to Prisoner aka another fan letter to JKR…
“Turn to page 394”.