Review on the themes and techniques used in the film

Rating: 10/10 (5 February 2011)

In the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson star as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Harry, Ron, and Hermione return to Hogwarts for their fourth year. This time, the school hosts the legendary Triwizard tournament, introducing new friends and foes, as our main characters face another year of trials and hardships. Like the Potter films before, this film's theme focuses on the importance of family and friendship and the forces of good versus evil. In the early stages of the film, we see the students of Hogwarts not getting along. Ron is jealous that Harry is getting attention for competing in the tournament, Cedric Diggory is pitted against Harry despite them being from the same school, and Ron is jealous of Hermione's relationship with Viktor Krum. But soon the students realize there is more at stake than their arguments and winning the tournament. Something is not right and it seems that the dark forces are setting the stage for a major catastrophe. We see the friends ban together to help each other out. Cedric, Harry, Ron, and Hermione work together to figure out the tournament tasks. The events of the film's theme remind me a bit of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The four siblings in this film are often competitive and jealous of one another. The younger brother even sells out his siblings so he can become a prince. In the end, the siblings unite and fight for the greater good which is the safety and freedom of Narnians. They win battle against the White Witch and her followers with the help of their friend Aslan and good triumphs over evil. The themes good versus evil and the importance of family and friends and shows through this film as it does for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, several techniques are used to help enhance the theme. The lighting makes it clear whether the characters are in a laid back, peaceful setting or if they are in a dark, scary place, not knowing what is lurking around the corner. Good characters are seen in a white light, where followers of the dark lord, Voldemort, are often seen in dark, dim lit rooms or grave yards. Symbolism is also used in the film. Voldemort is portrayed as snake-like. In most cultures, serpents symbolize something that is considered creepy and deceitful. Wormtail, Voldemort's follower, is portrayed as rat-like. Wormtail had betrayed his friends for his own good by ratting them out. Though the film ends with a tragic event, we see the students of Hogwarts use the tragedy to pull closer together and strengthen their friendship, determined to stand and fight against the evil forces of Voldemort. The themes of good versus evil, friendship and family, rings throughout the film, to the very end.