Five Reasons Why “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” Is the Perfect Fall Movie
The seasons are changing, and the leaves have turned to bright reds and oranges. Autumn provides the perfect weather to wear cozy scarves and have a hot cup of tea while watching your favorite movies. Among many movies watched during the fall, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is loved by many – here are five reasons why it’s perfect for this season.
The Period of Transition
Like the autumn season, where the weather turns cool and the trees transition into golden or mature colors, the tone of the Harry Potter series changes in this film. Harry is transitioning from childhood to his teenage years, and the story starts to take serious turns, mirroring the evolution of the characters.
The Halloween Touch
Horror and thrill are added in the perfect ratio to give Prisoner of Azkaban a Halloween-ish touch. Various spooky scenes such as the Dementor attack, the Grim prophecy, and the werewolf transformation create an eerie and eccentric atmosphere. The movie overall creates suspense and excitement, which reminds us of Halloween and fall. There are also giant pumpkins featured in front of Hagrid’s Hut – again showing off traditional autumn imagery.
The Direction and Cinematography
Chris Columbus, who directed the first two movies of the series, didn’t return for the third, so a new director with a new vision stitched the story behind the camera. Alfonso Cuarón, known for A Little Princess, has added his magic to the realm. His vision created shadows and colors from the other side of the palette. Various scenes such as the flight of Fat Lady, Sirius’s first encounter, and the boggart class showcase his artistic genius. The Hogwarts grounds are also used extensively and freely – pay attention to what all that pretty scenery might symbolize!
The Background Score
John Williams once again worked his magic by writing fitting tunes for the movie that create a soundscape of transition. The infamous “Double Trouble” starts the new year at Hogwarts with a mysterious aura, again providing a spooky touch. “A Window To The Past” includes a mournful flute solo, which makes us want to curl up under a cuddly blanket with hot tea. The music changes as the Whomping Willow transitions into different seasons. To sum up, the soundtrack is both sweet and chilling, just like autumn.
The Color Scheme
Instead of using the bright, vibrant colors that dominate the screen in the first two Potter movies, Prisoner of Azkaban dips its brush into deeper and darker shades. Tints of deep blue signify the coldness and spookiness in scenes with Dementors, the Forbidden Forest, etc. Deep reds are used for the Marauder’s Map and Gryffindor. The whole movie’s color palette looks like the weather before or after rain – much like you might see outside more often at this time of year.
Whether you think of autumn as dark and mysterious or simply a time to be cozy at home, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is perfect for your fall movie night. Tell us your favorite scenes of the movie in the comments!
