Harry Potter: From Book to Film

Published in 1999, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book of the Harry Potter series. Author J.K. Rowling brings readers back to the world of magic as Harry's summer vacation from his first year at Hogwarts comes to a close. The film, released two years later, varies from book at times in an effort for an easier flow throughout the storyline. Unfortunately, we the viewers miss quite a few scenes as a result.

An early scene omitted is when Harry arrives at the Burrow after being rescued by Ron, Fred and George Weasley. The boys are then scolded by Mrs. Weasley for taking their father's enchanted car to retrieve their schoolmate, Harry. As a punishment, they have to rid their garden of a population of unwanted gnomes. Harry, who isn't being punished, offers to help with the de-gnomeing. As he stands in the garden feeling sorry for the little creatures being hurled out over the fence, a sneaky gnome bites him. In a blind fury, Harry throws the gnome a remarkable distance which earns him the praise from his friends. Also, we find out that Mr. Weasley should not of had an enchanted car at all. This would be considered misuse of muggle artifacts, the very department of the Ministry of Magic in which Mr. Weasley works. This illuminates why the boys would have felt so guilty for taking it a second time in order to get to Hogwarts and why Mr. Weasley would have to face an inquiry at his work over it.

Prior to leaving for Hogwarts, the Weasleys take Harry to Diagon Alley to purchase their school supplies. They stop at Gringott's Bank to withdraw the necessary funds in order to obtain everthing on their school lists. Harry feels quite guilty when he sees the lack of money in the Weasley's vault, so much that he tries to shield them from viewing the large amount in his own vault. This is expressed again in Florish and Blott's, when Harry gives the collection of books from Lockhart to Ginny and buying his own instead.

Another part that differs from the movie is in Florish and Blott's bookstore as well. After the rude greeting from Lucious Malfoy, Mr. Weasley actually gets in a fist fight with Mr. Malfoy which is then broken up by Hagrid. Mrs. Weasley is of course embarrassed beyond belief at the sight of her husband scrapping and making a mess of things in the crowded bookstore. In my opinion, this would have been the best to see Mr. Malfoy get socked is his stuck up, smug face!

Many more scenes and characters are left out through the film (what happened to Peeves, anyone?), but I hope nobody takes this the wrong way. I am not complaining, I think the film is good actually. I am only pointing out just a few of the differences from the book to film translation. Hopefully this encourages those who haven't to read the books for themselves. They will definitely find much more magic as well as a better understanding of the stories. As a matter of fact, I don't think I would enjoy the movies as much without reading the book as well. 'Till next time, Mischief Managed...