Initially, there were doubts about Yates’ filmic talents and technical skills to tackle such a demanding project, but they were quickly dispelled.
#How many harry potter movies are there series#
In 2007, the series was put under the helm of David Yates (then better known for his TV work), who has directed half of the franchise, or to be more precise, the last four movies. The versatile British director Mike Newell helmed the next chapter, “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” (2005), and while it did well ($290 million), the film was directed in impersonal mode (like most of Newell’s pictures, which may explain why he is not considered to be an auteur). Producer David Heyman then shifted gears and hired Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron, who staged “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” In my view, is the most impressive chapter artistically, though it must be pointed out that it’s the least commercially successful (domestic gross was $250 million). As an actor Gambon is less eccentric than Harris was, and in this chapter it serves well his character, Professor Albus Dumbledore, particularly when his troubled relationships with his brother Aberforth (Ciaran Hinds) id depicted.Ĭhris Columbus, essentially a craftsman, launched the franchise, directing the first two movies, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) and “Harry Potter and the Chmaber of Secrets” (2002). It’s noteworthy, that only one major actor, Richard Harris, had died during the course of the decade, and he was replaced by the equally talented Michael Gambon.
(You can practically write a chronicle of “Who’s Who in British Cinema” based on the Harry Potter film series, because, at one time or another, they made a striking appearance in one or more of the pictures).
The film’s huge ensemble includes (in alphabetical order) Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.
#How many harry potter movies are there movie#
One of the many pleasures of watching this movie is spotting the parade of splendid British actors, two dozens of them, each playing his or her role, small or big, vividly and with conviction. (For a while there were rumors that this may not be the case, when Watson took too long to commit to the last films of the series). The fact that the three leads, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, were played by the same gifted actors, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, should not be underestimated. Second, the consistency of the high-caliber casting, manifest in two ways. It’s important to remember that when the first picture was made, only three of the seven books had been published. Reportedly, the single thread of the story was very much by design, and the author had a very clear idea of the direction of Harry’s journey. Looking back, at least four elements have contributed to the continuous, immense success of the “Harry Potter” series.įirst and foremost, the magic of Rowling’s densely plotted and emotionally involving books. Naturally, some installments were more highly acclaimed than others. Moreover, the popular appeal of each film is also not conditioned by the relative artistic quality of the given film, or by the critics reviews. Remarkably, no matter who the particular director is, or the specific release date (summer or winter season), each of the seven chapters was a hit, and give and take, grossing domestically the same amount of money. “Harry Potter” is the most commercially successful series in film history.