My Least Favourite Changes from Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix: Book vs Movie

Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix, a richly detailed book, was largely adapted into a movie that, while visually stunning, often failed to capture the depth and substance of the original. In this article, I will discuss my least favorite changes, pointing out the specific moments that did not translate well from page to screen. Let's dive into the details.

1. The Duel in the Department of Mysteries

The duel in the Department of Mysteries, while exciting on the surface, suffered immensely in the adaptation. Instead of a dramatic and tense fight filled with emotional weight, the movie turned it into a series of monochromatic, beam-like figures that moved around like “Tinkerbell on crack” (to quote a commenter). The essence of the characters and the dynamic tension between them were lost in translation, making it a disappointing experience for those who were familiar with the book. The book's nuanced portrayal of each character's actions and motivations was drowned out, leaving the audience with a sense of confusion and dissatisfaction.

2. Dumbledore’s Hogwarts

A great deal of my disappointment stems from the lack of authentic details that Dumbledore includes in the book. In the movie, Angelina Johnson, the relatively minor character, is the new Keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. While this change might have been seen as an update for better character development, it lacks the complexity and depth seen in the original writing. Dumbledore’s Hogwarts, especially the Slytherin common room and the atmosphere of the school, carry a sense of history and tradition that is diminished in the adaptation.

3. The Betrayal of the DA: The Quora Moment

Quora captured a crucial aspect of the book that the movie failed to explore: it was Marietta Edmonds who betrayed the DA, while in the book Cho Chang was the one who exposed the group. This change not only affects the narrative flow but also the emotional impact of the events. The movie's depiction of the DA’s betrayal seems much more sanitized and less impactful. It’s important to note, however, that the change also introduces new dialogue, like Snape giving Cho Veritaserum, which changes the dynamic of the scene and brings a different level of intrigue and tension.

4. Snape’s Occlumency Lessons

One of the most disappointing changes is how the movies handled Snape’s Occlumency lessons. In the book, Snape was impressed by Harry’s mental resilience and the complexity of the lessons. In the movie, however, it came off as petulance and a personal attack on Snape’s abilities. The movie also presents Harry as a saint, who did nothing wrong, which overlooks Harry’s violation of Snape's privacy. This portrayal is a losing representation of Harry’s character and goes against the book's nuanced view of both students and professors.

5. Howlers: A Sad Memory

The Howler sent to Aunt Petunia and Aunt Petunia letting it slip that she knows what Dementors are are other significant changes. These moments add depth to the story, highlighting the emotional resonance of the narrative. In the book, these instances create a stark contrast to the mundane life of the Dursleys and the rising tension in the story. The movie, however, diminishes these moments, making them feel less impactful and more disconnected from the overall narrative.

Conclusion

While the film adaptation of Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix is visually and technically impressive, it often fails to capture the emotional and narrative depth of the book. These changes, while well-intentioned, detract from the richness and complexity that Rowling imbues into the story. For those who are deeply invested in the source material, these alterations can feel jarring and disappointing. It’s a testament to the power of the book that such changes can resonate so much.