Friday 15 December 2017

Film Review - The Hero's Journey - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone


The first installment in the 8 film long series about Harry Potter, is a great example of 'The Hero's Journey' in action, although it doesn't adhere to every step of  Joseph Campbell's version of 'The Hero's Journey' that we learned about in the lecture. There are varying takes on 'The Hero's Journey' with people citing different steps throughout. And most are correct when applied to certain films.

Departure
Ordinary world:
 
Harry is looked after by his auntie and uncle, often being mistreated, but otherwise was a seemingly normal life. While miserable he accepts his fate as that is all he knows. The change to the ordinary world begins when Harry first discovers his magical powers. This creates a rupture in his real life as his auntie hates magic due to being jealous of her sister who had magical powers. 

Call to Adventure:

After discovering his magical abilities he starts receiving letters from Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. This is definitely the first call to adventure in the film as it signals the beginning of a long journey. He doesn't yet know the contents of the letter but is overly curious as he never receives any letters.

Refusal of the Call:

Harry's family, insistent on him not attending Hogwarts school, keep destroying the letters that come through the mail. More and more letters keep coming every time Harry's auntie and uncle destroy them. It gets to the point where the house is being flooded with letters for Harry and their last resort is to move away to a house on a secluded island.

Supernatural Aid:

As Harry is celebrating his eleventh birthday on his own, a knock is heard on the door. It is not opened and suddenly it gets knocked down a mysterious and seemingly threatening giant squeezes through the doorway. The giant, Hagrid, goes on to reveal that Harry is a Wizard. He then takes Harry with him to go get prepared for Hogwarts. Involving aid with money and items he might need for school.


Crossing the First Threshold:

The first cross from his ordinary world to the magical world, is when Hagrid takes Harry shopping in Diagon Alley. He witnesses all kinds of crazy things being constantly amazed as it is so different to the world he has gotten used to.

Belly of The Whale:

This can either be seen as the moment when Harry goes to board the Hogwart's express train, or when he exits it and arrives at Hogwarts school. I think when he arrives at the school is better in this situation as he has finally arrived at the place he will spend the rest of the film. The large and intimidating structure of the school with large hallways make Harry seem so small in comparison.

Initiation
The Road of the trials:

 The first trial on this road of trials for Harry is when he confronts the sorting hat. The sorting hat is responsible for which house he ends up in, whether he ends up with people he dislikes (Malfoy) or the people he likes (Ron and Hermione). This is the prerequisite to Harry's adventures and starts him off. From here on he begins facing the many trials that are presented to him in his classes and around Hogwarts.

Meeting with the Temptress:

It seems like this step is absent from this film, which makes sense as the main character is eleven years old so it doesn't seem very fitting for there to be some sort of temptress. However a temptation in another form is present. When Harry is wearing the sorting hat it suggests he will succeed in Slytherin, but Harry knowing the bad reputation of Slytherin wills for the hat to place him in Gryffindor

Atonement with the Father:

Dumbledore is the obvious father figure in this story, but this step doesn't fit into place in this film. Instead the 'atonement with the father' is at the end of the film when Harry wakes up in a hospital bed after fighting Voldemort and Dumbledore is by his side.

The Ultimate Boon:

This is when Harry goes with Ron and Hermione through the secret trap door where the three headed dog is. They go on to face a series of trials and challenges ultimately leading them to Professor Quirrel, who is Voldemort. Voldemort tries to kill Harry, but Harry's touch burns Voldemort and causes him to turn to dust.

The crossing of the return threshold:

Harry wakes up in a hospital bed after his encounter with Voldemort and is reassured by Dumbledore that everything is okay. He reunites with Ron and Hermione and the world seems to be in order once again.



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