Harry Potter Coming of Age
Order of the Phoenix Acts as Turning Point For Series and Character
Order of the Phoenix entertains not just because of dazzling effects, a darker tone or entertaining new characters, but because Potter character comes to life.
The fifth installment in the Harry Potter series, Order of the Phoenix, is the boldest one yet, simply because it’s the first recognition of the series as a coming of age narrative, an actual cinematic story.
Whereas the first four films were successes because of their ability to replicate J.K. Rowling's books on screen, Order of the Phoenix acts as a stepping stone, a turning point in the series for young Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). In his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry is finally coming to grips with his destiny. This is crucial for his character development before he can battle Lord Voldemort.
Confused Potter Seeking Guidance
The death of Cedric Diggory in the last film acts as a spark, putting Harry face-to-face with his destiny. Yet at the most crucial part in his life-long journey, so many things are up in the air for the young wizard. Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon,) his counsellor, is troubled by the return of Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) and remains distant from Potter. Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), the one authority figure who understands Harry and his friends, is away on business. New revelations have revealed his father wasn’t the saint Harry thought he was and Snape may not be that bad. The new Head of Hogwarts, Delores Umbridge (Imelda Staunton), demolishes all that remains of Harry’s respect for any sort of authority figures. And Sirius Black dies.
This all leaves Harry confused, frightened and very, very angry – confused about his role in the fight against Voldemort; frightened about his growing link with the Dark Lord; and angry at those in positions of power for abandoning him when he needs them most. Radcliffe pulls this all off impressively well, making the film about more than teenage angst. His isolation from everybody becomes his most difficult villain to date.
Love Conquers All - Even Harry
This film is thematically cohesive from beginning to end. Its message: Love, friendship and family conquer all. It is rather simple for most, but difficult if you consider the inherently isolating role of a leader that Harry was born into.
Such an uncomplicated message leaves many with the impression that Order of the Phoenix is the weakest and most boring story in the series. Harry barely raises his wand in the film. But it’s not about the wizardry this time – it’s about Harry.
That said, Order of the Phoenix finally lets the wands come out, as Dumbledore and Voldemort finally duke it out – and it looks great. There are also an abundance of gorgeous special effect scenes – like the chase inside the labyrinth that is the Mystery Department.
Meet the Newbies
Three characters are introduced in the new film, all bringing their own enigmatic flair to the series. First there’s Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter.) She is a mad and deranged, off-kilter banshee, an escapee from Azkaban.
Then there’s the lovely Luna Lovegood, wonderfully played by Evanna Lynch. It was no surprise when her Patronus Charm took the form of a white rabbit – she seems to exist in her own Wonderland inside her head. She acts detached from everything, as if trapped in a bizarre dream.
And of course, there’s Umbridge. This pink-clad villain is like something out of the Stepford Wives; if she were to smile any harder, her gums would bleed. To defeat Umbridge, the students must discover the potential within each and every one of them – even Neville Longbottom.
The chemistry between Hermione and Ron is also slowly turning into something sweet.
There’s enough of everything to convince viewers the movie isn’t strictly about Harry, but really, it is.
