Analysis of the opening of Harry Potter

These are stills from Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. Below I analyse how the genre, location and characters are introduced or hinted within the opening.

 

 This image gives us the impression that this boy is being delivered to the addressed persons on the letter.

This image is the first part of the scene that we see. From this, we are inclined to think that Privet Drive has some important or significant role in the films and as we later find out, it is the place where Harry Potter is left to the Dursley's of number 4 Privet Drive. This not only gives us an idea of the location of where it is set but it gives us an idea of what genre of film this is. It does so because there is an owl perched on the sign. This is not something that you see everyday and so would suggest that there is a sense of magic or fantasy in this film. As well as this, owls are often associated with magic which would also suggest the idea of fantasy and magic being dominant in this film.

The character's importance are seen in this part of the opening. I think this because Professor Mcgonagall is looking up to Dumbledore, asking him questions and being almost dependent on him. This use of proxemics suggests that he is more dominant or has more power than her in the film.

This whole opening scene is about Harry Potter being left to this house meaning that the baby has an important role and if not, is the main character (even though he is not the first character to be shown in the film). This snapshot from the opening is quite significant as the scar on his head sticks out and it automatically draws our attention to it. This will draw in peoples attention because the logo of Harry Potter is in the design of a lighting bolt style (much like Harry's scar) which is also suggestive in telling us that he is a main character in the film.

This shot from the opening of Harry Potter gives us an idea of what type of film Harry Potter is. It does so because this character is the stereotype of what a 'wizard' looks like (often an old man with a fat, long hair and robes on). It therefore suggests that the film has an element of fantasy in it.