Travis Simpkins

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

With J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" book series providing ample material, and fresh off the success of the first film adaptation, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) the previous year, work set forth on the second film: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). The story finds Harry Potter and friends returning for a second year at Hogwarts. However, a message written in blood tells that the ancient Chamber of Secrets has been opened, unleashing a serpent monster, and the "mud blood" students may die… and Harry Potter must face Lord Voldemort in the persona of Tom Riddle. Magic, medieval imagery and historical-inspired set design create a wondrous mood. Most of the principle cast and crew returned, with Chris Columbus directing the young stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. Some of the older actors returned (Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane) and some new faces were added (Kenneth Branagh, Jason Isaacs). Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is just as visually impressive as it's predecessor. The passage of a year had led to new developments in CGI effects and the flying sequences, in particular, benefited from it... and the future films in the series would see similar technological improvements.

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Talking Paintings: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Phoenix: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Tom Riddle: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Tom Riddle: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Emma Watson: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

From the moment the film rights for the first "Harry Potter" novel were purchased, interest in the project was high. Steven Spielberg was the first choice for director, but he envisioned it as an animated film with American actor Haley Joel Osment voicing the title character. Spielberg gracefully bowed out, as this concept differed greatly from the guidelines laid down by the book's author: J.K. Rowling. With the cultural identity and integrity of the story in mind, Rowling had insisted that all the actors be either British or Irish. In keeping with her wishes, newly hired director Chris Columbus did just that, and the locations were suitably chosen as well... with historic medieval buildings and studios scattered across the U.K. serving as the setting. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) was a major success, both critically and financially. The fantasy story finds Harry Potter in his first year at Hogwarts, making new friends as well as enemies... and fighting his first battle against Lord Voldemort while protecting the Philosopher's Stone, an alchemistic element meant to create gold and eternal life. The magic special effects are amazing, and the cast is delightful... with old timers Richard Harris, John Hurt, Alan Rickman, John Cleese and Maggie Smith alongside the pint sized stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson.