Order of the Phoenix Round Table

Staffers Lauren, Sabine, Allo, Dee and Jenna discuss the latest theatrical production in the Harry Potter series, Order of the Phoenix. In addition, several fans join in on parts of the discussion via DanRadcliffe.com's MySpace.

What is your overall opinion of this installment?

Sabine: I was completely bowled over by this entire production. The trailers were already so promising, but the real thing was unbelievable! I was deeply impressed by the achievements of the actors, especially of the Trio - David Yates did a great job - and the set designers should get an award! The music is always a very important part for me, and I liked it more this time, than in GOF.

Dee: The amount of material presented in the book version of Order of the Phoenix was astronomical. Moving it to film had many die-hard Harry Potter fans concerned. That being said, this film has successfully pulled together the key points that lead up to the struggle between Harry and Voldemort. Only by viewing those key points can you understand where Harry has been and how he has become what he is at this point in his life.

Lauren: I loved it more than I love my children. OK, we were supposed to see it four times today, and they were naughty during our third showing, and I made hubby take them home. Anyway. I utterly love this poor, misunderstood book, and I utterly adore CAPSLOCK Harry - but you cannot have two hours of shouting, so you have to make the anger far subtler, and, lawks they did! All the changes were smooth and organic. And Harry had his best friend. His Ron. His loyal, devoted, supportive, patient best friend.

Jenna: *Snorts at Lauren* CAPSLOCK Harry. Nice. After much reflection...I would have to say this is my favorite to date for a multitude of reasons having to do with actor performance, overall mood and theme, progression of the story and better character developments (e.g. Ron).

Read Fan Comments

Whose character out-shined the rest in this production and why?

Sabine: Dan's acting was amazing! He has never pushed himself that far before. There was so much emotion in his performance and he was totally in his character. He played both the happy and the desperate scenes so intensely, you never had the feeling he was "acting". Where is the Oscar? And Umbridge - Wow! She was as evil as in the book, I could hate her wholeheartedly! There is this moment in the first detention scene, when she turns around to Harry again and looks him into his eyes.... You could see the madness that was going on in her and the menace she radiated.

Allo: Umbridge. Imelda takes the role and runs with it. She relishes her moments of superiority.

Dee: The success of this film falls squarely on the ability of the actors to take “leaps of faith” as they stretch and mold their characters. The emotional range that Dan works through, as Harry, is unfathomable. Many would think he was angry all the time. Look deeper and you will see that Dan’s portrayal of Harry as a very confused and scared individual is perfect. He effectively emulates how one feels when life is out of control.

Lauren: Ron! So Ron - at last we have the book-Ron that we have waited and waited for - he is not just about pulling faces and squeaking - he is brave and loyal and Harry's best friend, and he owns my heart.

Jenna: *snorts at Lauren again* I think it was a combination of Umbridge, Sirius and Harry. Ron, yes, was much more interesting in this production, but he didn't steal the show, as it were. I'd say, honestly, Umbridge did in fact stand out quite dominantly in OOTP.

Which actor's performance improved the most in this production?

Sabine: There was a real improvement in Emma's performance, because she didn't look so forced anymore, and even Rupert's facial expressions were better than in the other movies. I give credit to David Yates for that. Actually, I thought Ron's part was written much better than before, and he became Harry's loyal friend, as it is written in the books.

Allo: Dan. He has more chances to stretch himself in this film and convey more, different emotions.

Dee: Emma - she actually came across as the rebellious young student that she was emulating.

Lauren: Dan. There was so much in this film that he simply could not have done before, and he has pushed and challenged himself soooo hard - and it has really paid off. A friend of mine said that the possession scene was so good because of the editing of the flashbacks - not true! How lame would it have been without that achingly painful performance linking them together?

Jenna: I think the trio improved as a whole in this film, however, Daniel shows the most improvement with the spectrum of emotions he effectively portrays on screen. He does an outstanding job. He is always improving - and he will continue to grow and improve...that is what he does.

What was your favorite scene and why?

Sabine: Difficult to decide, because there are so many, but I would take the scene, where Harry is possessed by Voldemort. This was absolutely breathtaking, and the main reason was simply the way Dan played it. No single special effect would ever be able to replace the achievements of an actor, they can support them, but it always depends on the actors themselves if a scene comes out credible or not. The other scene that moved me very much, was the moment when Harry realizes, that Sirius is dead. The way they elaborated this scene was very well done. I liked this effect of slow motion and that we couldn't hear Harry's voice, because this showed how surreal the sudden death of his godfather was to him, this moment was a real breaking in the plot, as it was for Harry. Bravo!

Allo: Climactic battle. The Death Eater smoke effects were just chilling. I love the way Lucius removes his mask. And who knew Dumbledore was a waterbender? (Heh, little Avatar nod there...)

Dee: Voldemort's possession of Harry...This scene was so emotionally nerve racking. It easily had you feeling dread and holding your breath hoping things would be okay.....even if you have read the book...this was a very powerful scene.

Lauren: The aftermath of the kiss was perfect - it was all about the Trio, and Harry needs his best friends so much, and the Harry/Ron smiles and teasing and bonding were spot on!

Jenna: I would have to say my favorite scene was the Sirius "Death" scene, if you can call it death. I liked the slow motion and lack of sound. The realization of death, when it is someone close to you, is very much like that. Silent, still and empty.

What was your least favorite scene and why?

Sabine: Maybe the scene with Trelawny. She was the only one who didn't seem to be as "real" as the others. And Grawp was not my favorite character in the book, and so it was difficult for him to be liked anyway. Even his strange "present" to Hermione didn't make him more likeable to me.

Allo: Meeting Grawp. Didn't like the effects. He looked like he'd been carved out of polystyrene.

Dee: I don't really have one, but if I had to choose...probably ...one of the ones with Kreacher in it. Other than being annoying, his being there really didn't add a thing to the film for me.

Lauren: The one with Hermione looking out the window and deciding they need to learn DADA from a good teacher. People don't look dramatically out into the rain and turn their back on the two people they are talking to...

Jenna: Grawp was not very interesting for me...that was the worst.

What was missing (just one thing please) that you believe absolutely, without a doubt, should have been included from the book?

Sabine: I missed the Howler to Petunia, because I thought this was really important... and (sorry I had to pick two things! lol)... I would have loved to see more interaction between McGonagall and Umbridge. The scene in McGonagall's class was one of my favorites in the book.

Allo: R and H as prefects. Too many comedy ops gone missing. It seemed that they managed to keep enough essential plot points and find creative ways to use them or tie them together (e.g. The interesting twist on the DA traitor story).

Dee: I had expected to see a more explosive confrontation between Dumbledore and Harry. Though the scene was adequate and wrapped quite a few things up, the climatic scene that many expected to see just wasn’t there. For me, this was one of the key pieces I was waiting to see. (The trade off with the brilliantly directed and executed scene during Harry’s possession by Voldemort helped to make this acceptable. You could see and feel how conflicted Harry had become as he fought, trying to do what was right while being continually bombarded with how weak he was. Everyone has a choice, and we are made by the choices we make.)

Lauren: Ron summoning the brain in the Department of Mysteries.

Jenna: I think the Sirius scene, the confrontation between Harry and Dumbledore and the possession scene - they all could have been kicked up a notch and extended slightly. In general, I think 30 minutes of other "stuff" from the book could have been effectively added to this production without any fear of running too long.

Wizarding wars aside, what was the most visually stunning aspect of the film?

Sabine: I was deeply impressed by the Azkaban prison. The sheer size of it was unbelievable! Great idea to show it that way. The way Grimmauld Place appeared was funny and magical! I liked the special effects of the Veil very much. Oh, and don't forget the Ministry of Magic! Haha - the huge poster of Fudge! What showmanship!

Allo: Ministry of Magic set for scale and complexity. Thestrals for special effect.

Dee: The apparition of the Death Eaters and then the Order ...however...I also felt the patronus scene was excellent.

Lauren: The set of the Ministry of Magic was stunning - so, so British, but so, so magical, too!

Jenna: Ministry of Magic and Thestrals would have to get my vote as well.

Do you think this film did an effective job moving the plot along to prepare the audience for the upcoming installments? Why or why not?

Sabine: Yes, it did! I had the feeling, that everything blended very well and you could follow the plot easily. You could understand Harry's changing moods very well and it was great to see how the rest of the wizarding world began to realize that Harry had always said the truth. Slowly Harry became a sort of leader and found his inner strength. Everything that was really important was in the film. Of course we will always find some things are missing, but the main plot was here and it should be no problem to begin with the sixth one at this point.

Allo: Eh...

Dee: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being perfect, I'd say a 7...better than good but not totally up there. This was a hard book to place into a film. There was just too much that could've, should've, would've been there if there was time for it. It did effectively pulled you along and prepared you for the next installment.

Lauren: Absolutely! I was left with exactly the same feelings as at the end of the book. Harry is going to have to rely on Ron and Hermione. Hermione is going to crack and ask Ron out. Dumbledore is ready to tell Harry what he needs to know. Harry gets the shades of grey in people - maybe his dad wasn't perfect, maybe Snape isn't evil.

Jenna: I think it did, mostly. I think there should have been more explanation about the prophecy, etc. I am not sure I saw where Harry really got the shades of grey just yet. It is starting to materialize for him, but he isn't there yet - at least not in this film. He didn't see enough to get it.

Cho kiss or Cho miss? Elaborate.

Sabine: The kiss was very cute and romantic. I liked it better than in the book, although I was not so sure about the "crush" during the other scenes between Harry and Cho.

Allo: Eh... It looked cute and suitably awkward, but I wasn't moved to tears... .

Dee: MISS....the first part of the kiss..you are feeling each other out..seeing how it feels..exploring and making sure it is okay. However...to stand there after the first few kisses and not even grasp hands or reach for each other just doesn't seem right.

Lauren: Very sweet. Sweet first kiss, that he needed, and he needed to move on from. To something with red hair and freckles.

Jenna: Romantic? Surely you jest? And yes, I did call you surely... I was a wee bit disappointed in the Harry/Cho scenes. Cho's character was kinda...cheesy. I almost laughed, actually I might have, when the interactions came on-screen between these characters. I always envisioned Cho as a much stronger character - minus the frailty and flighty undertones in this production. I don't think the kiss scene worked well. It looked very...forced. *runs away and hides*

Chemistry - who's hot and who's not in this production? (By that I mean characters who interact with one another).

Sabine: Umbridge and Harry: great! Sirius and Harry: very emotional and moving!
Ron and Hermione: finally a bit more tension.

Allo: Twins! Comic timing - Apparition, Extendable Ears, Skiving Snackboxes, big exit (wish the effects had been more convincing though). Filch! He gets more repulsive every film but comically so. His DA spying was priceless. Sirius and Harry! Gary Oldman can light up a screen just by waggling his eyebrows. You can see him raise the quality of a scene - he loses himself in the character - and it is reciprocated by the others in the scene. It's so good to have him back (*sniff*).

Dee: NOT - Ron and Hermione...they are trying ....but they just don't seem to mesh well...unless you can count their sarcastic banter as getting along. HOT - Harry and Luna....I can't place my finger on it, but to me, the times they were together, they seem to feel natural about the situation. Harry and Cho - NOT..big NOT there....that just didn't work out as well on screen as it did in my head.

Lauren: The Harry/Ron friendship could not have been more perfect. The Harry/Sirius scenes were heartbreaking.

Jenna: Harry and Sirius for sure. And I too thought Harry and Luna had a connection far more interesting than Harry and Cho did.

Sum up, in one word only, your thought/feeling when you walked out of the theatre.

Sabine: When starts the next performance?

Allo: GAH! I hate it when you do this. Um, I'd have to say 'hungry'... To see it again.

Dee: Exhilarated.

Lauren: Desperate-for-film-six... (cheater!)

Jenna: I got nothin'. I just threw this one in to freak Allo out. muwhahahaha!!!

------------------------------------

Fan Response Section

What did you think of Dan's performance?

Tiffany: I think he was fantastic in this!! He is a really good actor!! He has really improved too! He did a really good job with all the emotions Harry feels and all that!

Megan: Absolutely amazing. He did such a wonderful job.

Torrie: I thought the way Dan acted was fantastic. I could almost feel what Harry was going through and loved the whole movie.

Kerri Ann: It was just brilliant! I've never seen a teenage actor with such great acting skills. And it was so interesting watching him go from a not so great (I think) 11 year-old, to an almost crazy-good 17 year-old! He plays innocent so well. Every time Harry gets hurt in the script, its like Dan feels it too, that's how good he is. You really can't tell he's acting sometimes...it looks so real.

D Molicious: Impeccable, as always.

Kim: I think Dan did a brilliant job! He is maturing so well and has really taken his role as Harry Potter to the next level and does an excellent job with Harry's emotions.

Larabelle: Wonderful. He is great at making the audience feel a variety of emotions.

Amber Marie: I thought Dan did a fantastic job! I think as each book does, the movies grow darker and more intense. He did a wonderful job at portraying Harry's inner struggle. He really put his all into this one!

Mary G: He was awesome, very realistic in this day and age. I felt it was a complete update from the last four movies, even from the fourth installment! He can play just about anything, and exceed in his performance. He deserves an Oscar! wait...maybe 10 oscars!

Miss Priss: I thought he was excellent.

Gina: Dan's performance: WOW!!!!!!!! He has come so far as an actor and in this film shows every possible emotion you can think of and makes the audience feel it with him.

Mimi: I think Dan's performance in this film was his best ever. I always knew he was an amazing actor, but in this film he really proved that he was, unlike any of the other previous movies.

Silly Bella: This was by far Dan's best Harry film. His acting greatly improved. Sometimes in Goblet of Fire, the emotional scenes Dan had to do looked slightly forced. In this film, however, Dan was able to show confusion and anger, making it seem natural and not like it was acting, but more real.

Dorothy: I thought that it was a lot darker than anything we have seen from him before (at least for us who didn't see his performance in Equus). It really shows how he can get in touch with the character and develop it.

Alli: It is exquisite! Dan really improves in each film and this film is no exception. The emotional scenes are just absolutely stunning. Every time I watch this movie I feel sucked into this world and as if I am a part of it and never want to leave. I think that is why so many people fall in love with Dan or Harry. He just captivates you. I'm so glad that Dan was picked for these films and whatever else he will do. He just does the parts so perfectly.

Earth Child: I think this is Dan's best, even though it was not my favorite. It comes third (I still like the first one as my number 1 favorite), but as far as his best is, this is his best.

Kristina: I thought that Dan's performance was AWESOME. During the scene where Voldemort possessed Harry, it really showed how much Dan has improved in his acting.

Kenya: I thought he was amazing. Absolutely amazing. I'll be honest and say that this was the first time that he OWNED his character. He completely embodied Harry. He wasn't acting, he had become.

Fans' Comments on the Film and Their Overall Opinion

OT-T : The movie was great, the emotional stuff wasn't over the top, but just right. You really identify with what everyone is feeling.

Kenya: Initially, after my first viewing, huge disappointment. But that was because I was too busy comparing every little thing to the books. But after multiple viewings (we won't say how many) I have to say its my favorite.

It's Summertime Babe : I love it. I think it's the best one so far. I like that they're including a lot of stuff so I don't really mind how rushed it seems to be. However, I really thought that the movie could be longer, it just didn't make sense to me that the book was the longest, but so far this is the shortest movie out of them all. But overall, very, very good.

Earth Child : I thought the film was pretty good. I got bored with all the political stuff and I got mad at Umbridge.

N4+4LiE : The first time I saw it I liked it, but not that much. I thought they missed too much of the book, but when I saw it the 2nd and 3rd time I really enjoyed it a lot!! I saw details I didn't catch the first time! Maybe it was because of the excitement of finally watching it. Anyways I think it's a great job, everyone improved so much (talking about Dan, Emma, Rupert, Evanna, Bonnie, etc.) It is true, it's the darkest movie, but the director, along with the actors of course, really showed the emotions and everything. I think I would like it too, if it was longer.

Dorothy : Very well brought together, a little disappointment about some crucial (in my opinion) points from the book that were left out, but I thought the overall performance, story, special effects, everything...faboulous.

Silly Bella Trix for Kids : The film was sooooooooooooo awesome. It was the best out of all of them. Some plot points were not really explained, and Ron and Hermione were way too nice to each other, but it was really a truly great film, even for the non- Harry Potter fan.

Gina : GO SEE IT!!!!! This film is the best by far. Everyone involved did such an amazing job.

Miss Priss : Considering time constraints and cinematic liberties, which were obviously taken abundantly, I did actually enjoy the film very much.

Mary G : I thought it was absolutely great, every part, every scene, every actor was great in every way! LOL! I'm pretty sure it even appealed to those who don't read the book! Now I can't wait for the 6th movie, seeing this one made me all the more anxious!

Amber Marie : I have to admit the first time I saw it, I spent most of my time picking it apart and comparing it to the book. I have since then gone to see in a few more times and I love it. I think they touched base on many of the important parts in the book. The way they have captured the writing and brought it to life is amazing. All the actors did a stupendous job! It was brilliant! I will definitely be going to see it as much as I possible.

Larabelle : I think it is the best so far. This move really sets up nicely for the next movies to come.

Kim : I have mixed emotions on the film, but OVERALL, I think it was AMAZING! It really is a great movie! I definitely want to go see it again and again!

D Molicious : I enjoyed the movie. I think they kept the continuity flowing, considering how much of the book was cut. The 3D scene was a bit odd. I was hoping for more stuff to come flying out at me, but mostly it just made the prophecy room seem more dimensional.

Kerri Ann: It was probably the best one yet. I absolutely loved it to death! It has such great effects (the thestrals were just as I imagined), everyone did great acting, and it stuck to the storyline unlike the 3rd one that kind of trailed off in its own direction.

Megan Fan: Fantastic! My favorite of the movies so far.

Tiffany: I really liked the film! I thought it was great!! I just thought they should have made it longer and added more stuff in from the book. But I really liked it!! It had humor and anger and it was sad all at the same time! I loved it!!

[Back to the top]