Most of the Harry Potter movies so far have had at least a 130-minute runtime, and it has often been a detail that has hindered the film's by causing them to drag (particularly towards the beginning, before the main thrust of the story is introduced). The sixth film follows suit, at a fairly lengthy 153 minutes long. But it's a credit to the filmmakers that the pace of the film makes that runtime zip along; the film feels like it's barely started before we're more than half way through.
It must be admitted that to really "get" the Half-Blood Prince, you need to be familiar with the overall story and mythology of the Harry Potter universe. Although I personally haven't read the books, the previous films have done a great job being their own entities without need prior knowledge of what J.K. Rowling originally wrote. There are many threads that are picked up on from the previous movies, and many that are set up to be picked up later on in the concluding film(s). But this is something that makes Harry Potter stand out amongst other fantasy series - every detail and thread of story included at any point will end up being tied together, soon or later.
The dark tone and nature of the film (which has become apparent more and more as the series has went on) might not end up being rated the highest for the younger kids in the audience, but, again, it keeps the series in a more mature frame of mind. Director David Yates' style, along with the washed out cinematography by Bruno Delbonnel (newcomer to the series), gives the film a strange, alluring look. When you consider the bright, colourful, almost dazzling style of the first film, you can clearly see how far the series has come in eight years.
The dark tone that makes up most of the film is contrasted by the lightheartedness of some of the character interaction moments. The "young love" vein that's been running throughout most of the series is in full effect here when the issue of, for example, the jealously felt by Hermione towards Ron when he acquires a new annoyingly infatuated girlfriend. The movie, perhaps, spends a little too much time on the romance between the characters which impedes on the otherwise enjoyable pace.
The film spends less time on introducing new things, particularly characters (save for Jim Broadbent's hugely entertaining Horace Slughorn), and more on spending time with those we've come to know over the years. Particularly Michael Gambon as Dumbledore and Alan Rickman as Snape. Not to give too much away, but they both play a bigger part in the overall story than they ever have before, and the great performances from both (especially Rickman) allow for a case of, "the more, the better."
Article comments
1 - tink
Love your review and find it especially interesting in light of the fact that you have not read the books. I think your point of view on this goes a long way in explaining why the book purists get up in arms about portions that didn't make it into the movie...and why, rightly so, the makers of this film series have a firm grasp on all aspects of their vision(s).
Thanks!