Martyn Hollinshead

12MN

This is the final fight scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, where we see Lord Voldemort and Harry duel in the ruins of Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry.

Setting
The still is set in the school courtyard, which has been turned into ruins in the previous battle between the students and the Death Eaters. The sky has become stormy and fog has begun to pass over the scene, which adds to the overall atmosphere of tension and fear. Rocks and rubble litter the ground around the two characters, and in the background the damaged courtyard walls can be seen. The scene and its props help to add to the drama and anticipated feel of the crucial climax to the film, as this is the fight that everyone who has watched the saga over the years has been waiting for, so it therefore needs the extra detail.

Costume
Harry and Voldermort are dressed in their usual costumes, with Harry in his tattered casual jacket and jeans, and Voldermort in his trademark dark cloak. It is very easy to tell who is the evil character in this scene, as the costumes tell us a lot about themselves, for instance the dark cloak represents fear, danger and despair, whereas the jacket and jeans of Harry simply show youth and informality.

Figure, Expression and Movement

The characters are positioned at a distance from each other, with their wands pointing at each other, as they are supposedly fighting magic with magic and the energy is clashing.

Martyn Hollinshead

12MN

They are standing unstably, and look as if they are straining due to the clashing energies. Their facial expressions also show strain.

Lighting
Atmosphere is key to making this scene impact on the audience, so the lighting is dark and dull to give the surroundings a sense of death and evil. The lighting isnt particularly focused on anything though, it is rather level across the landscape. The use of dark lighting allows the scene to portray negative connotations, and this makes it more effective as it give the characters, namely Harry, an impacting presence; through the depressive and sinister atmosphere that grips the school, his courage and heroism shines through giving off an audacity that cannot be matched by Voldermort.

Positioning within the frame

The positioning of the camera within the frame is an over the shoulder long shot. This gives the audience a good view of the action from Harrys perspective, but it also gives the shot connotations of comradeship with Harry. By looking at the frame Voldermort is in the distance with no-one on his side, whereas on Harrys side the audience is metaphorically there, and this not only creates a connection with the character but furthermore it gives the scene a unique feel to it. Its like the audience is rooting for Harry as if they were there watching it for real. Something else that is good about the position of the camera is that it lets the audience see all of the action. The sparks can be seen flying from both ends of the field, allowing for a much clearer view on the event, meaning that none of this climaxing scene can be missed.