Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix (2007) - A First Class Lesson In Tone Balance!

With the 4th director joining this popular film franchise, I was concerned to see how the Harry Potter film series will maintain it's jarring tones, especially as the shift towards the darker tones was becoming more apparent. But I was honestly surprised to see David Yates pull off a sublime blend between the darker sides to this ongoing narrative, as well the lively and fun filled adventure series that was established at the very beginning.

From the very start, Yates conveys the blends in tone through what I see as the best example of cinematography in this series. The first scene in particular demonstrates this through the varying hues which identifies which tone is leading the scene in that moment. Additionally, the colours pop off our screens far better than any other film. Some may not approve of certain aspects of the film that utilises shaky cam, but it actually is very restricted and is used to perfectly reflect the tension and dread in their respective moments. You can also hear this through Nicholas Hooper's perfectly composed music, which can merge between witty, humorous pieces and moments of horror fuelled dread. The biggest highlights being the theme that surrounds Umbridge, the attack on Arthur Weasley as well as Fred & George's triumphant departure from Hogwarts. You can also hear this in this film's incarnation of the main theme, which still has hints of hope, but indicates the dread that is coming.

This film also provides the biggest challenge for Harry's character so far, and a challenge that will only be trumped by the 2-part finale. After a rather empty entry in film 4, seeing Harry become isolated from those around him really challenges him as a protagonist. Having been the only surviving witness to the return of Voldermort, it makes sense that trying to convince the world of this will be key to pushing his character journey forward. The inclusion of Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge was an absolutely first class decision. Umbridge is the finest example of a secondary antagonist behind Voldermort, getting the audience to despise her character with just a slight cough or chuckle. Her battle of authority with Maggie Smith's McGonagall was a sublime moment to see. The two actresses really demonstrate an entertaining level of tension between their characters. Very few actors can portray evil so beautifully, but Staunton does such an effortless job. She makes Harry's journey just that little bit more aggrivating, which keeps us actively wanting Harry to succeed.

Yates also helps the young cast continue to grow even more. Radcliffe in particular is given a lot of varying emotions to work through in this material. He has got to the point where showing fear and pain is effortless for him, and his outburst against Gambon's Dumbledore is a shocking yet perfectly executed moment. Yates really knows how to help these young performers explore the areas of anger, death and loss. Seeing Radcliffe's response to the tragic death in the climax was exceptional for such a young performer. Additionally, the introduction of Helena Bonham Carter was exceptional, as she truly gets lost in this role, conveying unhinged lunacy and out of control rage with little effort!

The climax of this film is also the best so far, with well choreographed fights, and eye popping visual spectacles. The battle between Gambon's Dumbledore and Ralph Fiennes' Voldermort was an energetic end to this film. Other moments of spectacle that keeps us glued to our seats includes the breakout from Azkaban, the flight through London at the start of the film and the previously mentioned departure of the Weasley twins from Hogwarts. That last sequence reinforcing how good the casting team were at getting right people for their respective roles. The editing also helps keep up a very lively and fun pace to a film, the use of montage sequences in particular was a smart way of passing on information in the most entertaining way possible. Seeing Umbridge take over the school helped reinforce how hateful she is as a character, and the development of Dumbledore's army shows how quickly these characters have grown from their early years. The montages thankfully are limited to only very specific moments, and thankfully aren't overly done.

Harry Potter & The Order Of The Phoenix is an all time peak for this series, and a real treat for fans and film goers alike. There is a beautifully crafted blend between the dark twisted future of the series, and the lively and fun tone of the early stories. Everything is accomplished perfectly all the way through, and the production team are really into the swing of things. After a slip in quality with Goblet Of Fire, it's wonderful to see this magical series maintain it's high standard of quality!

SCORES

Story - 5/5

Characters - 5/5

Production - 5/5

Acting - 5/5

Music - 5/5

TOTAL - 10/10