Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, released in 2001, is the first film adaptation of the best-selling novel, written by JK Rowling. The film was directed by Chris Columbus, produced by David Heyman, and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the lead roles. The supporting cast includes Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore, Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall, Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid and Alan Rickman as Severus Snape.
Summary
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the inaugural film in the Harry Potter series, introduces Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. Raised by his neglectful and unkind Aunt Petunia (The Dursleys), Harry has lived a life devoid of love and understanding, confined to a tiny cupboard under the stairs, where he is constantly tormented by his cousin Dudley and Uncle Vernon.
The film begins with Harry receiving a letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, inviting him to begin his first year as a student. Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts, rescues Harry from the Dursleys and introduces him to the wizarding world. Their first stop is Diagon Alley, where Harry purchases his school supplies, including his magic wand, and learns about his family’s history and his connection to the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort.
A central and symbolic element is the lightning-shaped scar on Harry’s forehead. The scar is the result of a failed attempt by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort to kill Harry when he was an infant. This event led to the demise of Harry’s parents, James and Lily Potter, who sacrificed themselves to save their son. Voldemort’s curse, which had brought death to so many, inexplicably rebounded upon himself when he tried to kill Harry, leaving Harry as the sole survivor of this tragic encounter.
At Hogwarts, Harry befriends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, forming a close-knit trio. They are sorted by the sorting hat into Gryffindor House, one of the four houses at Hogwarts, alongside Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. The school’s headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, and other faculty members, including Professor McGonagall and Snape, play significant roles in guiding the students.
The plot thickens when the trio discovers a three-headed dog guarding a trapdoor in a forbidden corridor. This leads them to learn about the Sorcerer’s Stone, an object created by Nicolas Flamel that grants immortality. They deduce that someone is trying to steal the stone to bring Voldemort back to power.
Harry’s innate talents in wizardry are showcased in various aspects of his school life, particularly in a Quidditch match where he plays as the Seeker for Gryffindor’s Quidditch team. His broom-flying skills are exceptional, earning him recognition and acclaim.
Throughout the school year, the trio encounters numerous challenges, including a life-sized chess game, a giant mountain troll, and the discovery of an invisibility cloak that once belonged to Harry’s father, James Potter. These experiences not only test their courage and abilities but also strengthen their bond.
The climax of the film occurs when Harry confronts Professor Quirrell, who has been harboring Voldemort on the back of his head under his turban. In the Forbidden Forest, they had previously come across a slain unicorn and a centaur, revealing that Voldemort was drinking unicorn blood to sustain himself. The final confrontation takes place in front of the Mirror of Erised, which shows one’s deepest desire. Harry finds himself in possession of the Sorcerer’s Stone but chooses not to use it for evil purposes.
The film concludes with the end-of-year feast, where Gryffindor wins the House Cup. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are recognized for their bravery and quick thinking, which thwarted Voldemort’s attempt to return to power. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone sets the stage for the magical journey of Harry Potter, establishing key themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle against evil in the wizarding world.
Draco Malfoy
Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) is a character in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, and appears in all seven books as a primary antagonist to the titular character. He is also a main character in the film adaptations of the series, portrayed by actor Tom Felton.
Draco is the son of wealthy pure-blood wizarding parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. He is introduced in the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as a fellow student in Harry’s year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. From the start, Draco is portrayed as a snobbish and arrogant character, who frequently bullies and taunts Harry, Ron and Hermione.
Throughout the series, Draco’s character develops and his motivations become more complex. While he initially seems to be motivated by his family’s beliefs in pure-blood supremacy, it is later revealed that he is struggling with the pressure to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Death Eater, a loyal follower of the series’ primary antagonist, Lord Voldemort.
Despite his behavior towards the trio, Draco is shown to have a vulnerable and conflicted side, particularly in the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In this book, Draco is tasked with a dangerous mission by Voldemort, and it becomes clear that he is struggling with the weight of this responsibility, as well as with his own conscience.
Behind the Actors
The young actors who portrayed Harry Potter and his friends in the film adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s beloved series are widely regarded as some of the most talented child actors of their generation. When they were cast for the first movie, they were relatively unknown, but their backgrounds hinted at the potential for greatness that they would eventually achieve. It’s widely known that the three have become great friends in real-life, coming together at an early age and carrying each other through massive, unexpected fame. In Great Britain they’re considered cinema legends.
Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, was born in London and had acted in several productions before being cast in the lead role. He had performed in a production of “David Copperfield” at the age of ten and was spotted by a casting agent while attending a play with his parents. Despite his lack of experience, Radcliffe impressed the filmmakers with his charm and natural talent, and he was offered the part.
Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, was born in Paris and had no previous acting experience when she auditioned for the role. She was spotted by a casting agent while performing in a school play and was invited to audition for the part of Hermione. Her intelligence, confidence, and natural acting ability won over the filmmakers, and she was cast in the role that would launch her career.
Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley, was born in Hertfordshire and had acted in several school plays before being cast in the movie. He had no formal acting training but impressed the filmmakers with his comedic timing and natural talent. His childhood background in theater and his quirky personality made him the perfect fit for the role of Ron.
The young actors who starred in the Harry Potter movies were cast based on their natural talent and potential. Despite their lack of experience, they impressed the filmmakers with their charm. Their backgrounds in theater and school plays hinted at the potential for greatness that they would eventually achieve, and they went on to become some of the most successful British actors of their generation.
With the release of the first Harry Potter film, Daniel Radcliffe delivers a wonderful performance as Harry Potter, capturing the character’s wonder and innocence as he discovers the magical world around him. Emma Watson portrays the intelligent and courageous Hermione Granger with grace and charm, while Rupert Grint brings humor and expression to the role of Harry’s best friend, Ron Weasley.
Behind the Scenes
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was filmed at various locations throughout the United Kingdom, including Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Gloucester Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral and the Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire. These locations were chosen for their historical and magical atmosphere, which perfectly captures the essence of the Harry Potter world.
Director Chris Columbus brings the magic of the Harry Potter books to life on the silver screen, with stunning visual effects and masterful storytelling. The film’s score, composed by John Williams, is both haunting and uplifting, perfectly capturing the spirit of the story.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $974 million worldwide with the highest-grossing opening weekend in the UK. It was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score.
The film’s success led to the creation of a highly successful franchise, with seven more films based on the Harry Potter books released over the next decade. The franchise has grossed over $9 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film series of all time.
The success of the Harry Potter franchise has also led to the creation of a theme park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. The theme park features attractions based on the Harry Potter books and films, including a replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and a ride on the Hogwarts Express.
The film’s director, Chris Columbus, does an excellent job of balancing the story’s darker elements with moments of humor and lightness. He also does a superb job of capturing the magical atmosphere of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with its secret passages, moving staircases, and hidden chambers.
Filming Locations
The film’s locations are also a key part of its appeal, with the historic Alnwick Castle serving as the backdrop for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The castle’s imposing turrets and ancient stone walls provide the perfect for setting for the film’s magical adventures, and is also a part of the Great Hall set.
Gloucester Cathedral, with its soaring arches and exquisite stained glass windows, serves as the location for several of the film’s most memorable scenes. These include the moment when Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised, which shows him his heart’s desire and the scene where he confronts the evil wizard Voldemort for the first time.
In the making of the movie, The Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire served as the primary filming location. The studio’s vast soundstages were used to create the film’s intricate sets and special effects. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a masterpiece of fantasy filmmaking and one of the most successful films of all time.