Dark, harrowing, intense and this is only the first half!

Rating: 8/10 (21 April 2011)

The problem with adapting a book like the Deathly Hallow, the final story in an incredibly rich fantasy saga, is that after 7 films and with so many characters and elements introduced, it's near impossible to bring it all together for one final satisfying film. Indeed the flaw of the films as a whole is that they've inevitably lacked the same depth as the source material and the filmmakers have at times rather neglected non-readers of the book by failing to explain certain things, something that is perhaps more apparent under Yates' direction. As a film however, Part 1 is a very good attempt and possesses as much magic and charm as the series has always had whilst trying to be something uniquely different. Director David Yates has been perhaps unfairly criticised in the last film for focusing so much on the characters instead of paying attention to specific details in the plot (contradictory I know) but here in Part 1, Yates finally seems to have struck that balance.
Inevitably the final book was always going to be a spectacle filled event with incredible set pieces and series defining moments and for the most part Yates hits all the right notes and delivers a movie that devoted fans should be impressed with. Particular highlights include a Polyjuice Potion filled excursion into the Death Eater controlled Ministry, a snake fight in Godric's Hollow, Battle of Souls with a Horcrux and imprisonment, torture and escape from Malfoy Manor. Whilst the set pieces generally thrill what is never substituted or forgotten is the characters, especially in the extended roaming segments of the story where the film relies solely on its three leads. They've captivated us for the last ten years and here they are never better with genuine chemistry and great performances. All three of them have their stand out moments in the prelude to the finale and it's great we get to spend some time with them before all hell breaks loose.
There are a few missteps however; pacing is all over the place in the earlier segments and as a consequence the opening Sky Attack set piece doesn't deliver what it should. The sequence feels a little indulgent creatively and the scene feels terribly rushed and therefore what should be a tense and thrilling sequence ends up being rather flat and unsatisfying. As with Phoenix and Prince, Yates shows confidence in handling special effects and his films have established a consistent tone and style that brings Potter to life with utmost conviction but what he lacks is a sense of importance to the smaller details. A bold and wise move to those familiar to the novel but for others the glossing over of specific details in the story doesn't necessarily make sense to those unfamiliar with the novels; for instance a shard of broken glass with a strange eye looking and the nature of the twin cores of Harry and Voldemort's wand. There are some elements that have been neglected somewhat but the overall problem that Part 1 has is that it is only the first part of a larger movie. With the epic final showdown expected in Part 2, Part 1 acts merely as the prelude and whilst it does well to set up the final conflict, as a movie experience it isn't either as conclusive or as satisfying as a complete picture.
However taking the unique structure and the first part element away from the proceedings, Deathly Hallows is the most harrowing and intense Potter film so far. Yates somehow manages to succeed (as in his previous two movies) in creating this tense, eerie, and dark atmosphere that makes this world seem completely different than before. The danger feels constant throughout and some of the themes are sadly familiar; 'Magic is Might', the Muggle-Born Registration Committee, the faceless names given out by the chilling radio broadcast of the newest victims of the Death Eater regime. It's not short of humour either because there are a welcome number of laughs to help balances things out contrasted with scenes of intense sadness that Yates executes with gut-wrenching perfection.
It's not a complete movie but in terms of a first half; it's one hell of a good first part that will leave all Potterites gagging for the epic finale in Part 2