Representation in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The preferred reading of this film is that it is a variably exciting film that includes both misfortune and yet also euphoric circumstances which can be inferred through the use of non-diegetic music when Harry is looking at a book with moving pictures of his past. The scene in which he does this also provides the reading that the film is about magic because it is not physically possible to have moving pictures. We are given the understanding that Harry Potter comes under misfortune because of the way in which the 3 others characters interact to him.

In terms of the engagement the film has with the audience, the use of the crane shot when Harry is in the presence of the 3 other characters creates a sense that the viewer is within the scene. This provides a reading that the audience is supposed to be involved with the movie.

Location

At the start of the scene we are shown an establishing shot of an urban neighborhood, fairly busy (as gathered by the main road of cars), however strictly as quiet as a large village. As you can see in the shot on the right, the area is expansive but hospitable in the way the houses look fairly modern and not rundown. This instantly establishes that not only is the narrative based in the modern day but that it is based on characters from a middle-class background which could contrast differently if the shot showed a very urban scene with derelict buildings or rather streets lined with carriages rather than cars: to which we can also infer the film is based in the modern day.

The house that the scene takes place in contains an array of decorative objects which hint at the wealth of the family. In this long shot we can see an expendable number of items which co-exist alongside some of the innumerable necessary items. This reinforced the reading that the family is wealthy. The fact that the room has a vast array of colour reinforces the pre-conception that the film focuses on good and yet poignant circumstances, such as in the way the colour provides a sense of familial safety, yet the way in which Harry is treated highlights the misfortune the character finds himself in. The retro colours that surround the room establish that the film is at least a decade old. Some of the most notable props include the the silver candle holder, clean and seemingly expensive. Another is the photograph at the back wall showing a family of 3 but not including Harry which establishes that the family's relationship with Harry sits hostile.

Sound

The non-diegetic music at the start of the film acts as the sound motif to Harry Potter and particularly now, establishes that the film is part of the Harry Potter franchise. As the title appears, a non-diegetic sound effect is used to resemble the sound of 'twinkling' which establishes that the film is about magic. The music in itself is neither darkening nor rapturous but as said, helps to establish the film. As the sound motif fades and another song plays, the diegetic sound of cars driving along the street can be heard giving the preferred reading that the film coincides with the realistic world. Yet as the scene evolves, the diegetic sound of an owl (Hedwig) screeching and rattling on her cage provides a sound bridge as the shots switch back and forth between close up shots of Harry and Hedwig. This helps to establish realism in the film.

Even as Harry enters the kitchen downstairs the diegetic sound of the door opening helps to provide continuity of action and thus greater realism in the film. By this time the music has faded out. Towards the end of the scene a middle shot is used to capture Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley standing together. Non-diegetic incidental music plays in the background, which is quite heavy and foreboding. This establishes authority within the household as well as power and prowess that the characters exhibit in their dominance over Harry's actions.

Mood/ atmosphere

The high key lighting in this opening scene is provided by lamplight which isn't unusual because as we see from the establishing shot, the scene takes place at night. Therefore there is no direct mood set by the use of lightning except perhaps comfort because of how relatable the scene could be to different households. Although when the title appears the lighting is significant because it shows dark and light, establishing the preferred reading that this film is based on both turmoil and salvation.

The non-dietetic sound effect of the 'twinkling' at the start of the scene establishes an intriguing and magical atmosphere, producing a light and positive mood. This follows through as the music changes when Harry is in his room with Hedwig. But an opposite mood is also established towards the end of the scene where heavy, non-diegetic incidental music has been used, creating a negative atmosphere.

Titles

The information we are provided with in the opening scene includes the Warner Bros ident and the Harry Potter title. The typography appears slightly archaic but unique also, having been coloured in gold. As you can see in the shot below the title appears from behind clouds in the sky and quite interestingly the clouds disperse beside 'Potter' to show the sun; this gives a sense of hope and positivity which contrasts against the dark clouds on the left of the title. When the title appears the sound motif instantly increases in volume establishing that Harry Potter is a character essential to the story. The text beneath the name is a lot smaller with the exemption of the words "chamber" and "secrets" which have been written in capital locks to highlight their importance. Yet the typography is iconic to the film seemingly appearing to have been carved. The "P" resembles a lighting bolt of which is an icon primarily associated with Harry Potter. This establishes that the lightning bolt has significance to the film and thus a part of the narrative is established too.