Can the movies give us clues to Deathly Hallows plot?

[gealach]

I have been thinking about JK Rowling's story line and how the movie producers have to be careful to make sure they don't cut out any plot points that are going to be important later on in the series. (Yes, the OOTP review thread got me thinking about this). I think I might have read an essay on this somewhere as well.

Alright - I found it. In an essay, I read that JK had to make sure the producers left Kreacher in OOTP - presumably, because he is important later on in the series.

That got me to thinking about (seemingly) minor plot points that could have been an easy cut for the producers to save some time. The major example I can think of is that I hear that Grawp is in OOTP. (I haven't seen the movie yet. I believe it is best for me to read the spoilers and find out what parts of the story line have been changed or removed so that I can get over it and then go enjoy the movie on its own merits. )

Grawp doesn't seem so important in the grand scheme of things right now. Why didn't the producers just skip him to save time? Perhaps Grawp will become important during Deathly Hallows?

I'm trying to come up with other examples of this... how the movie producers' choices might give us clues as to who/what will be included in the final book.

Any thoughts?

[aprilushka]

I'm pretty sure the prodcuers will only find out what happens in the end when the rest of us do. The movie production is separate from the book production -- only JK, her editors, and others at the publishing co I think have read the books at all.

[gealach]

Originally Posted by aprilushka

I'm pretty sure the prodcuers will only find out what happens in the end when the rest of us do. The movie production is separate from the book production -- only JK, her editors, and others at the publishing co I think have read the books at all.

On no, I don't think that the producers have read the books or know the whole story line. But, after reading that JK had to make sure Kreacher was left in, it makes me wonder if she has had to give other little nudges to make sure nothing truly important gets cut.

[MamaMisfit]

Originally Posted by gealach

On no, I don't think that the producers have read the books or know the whole story line. But, after reading that JK had to make sure Kreacher was left in, it makes me wonder if she has had to give other little nudges to make sure nothing truly important gets cut.

Oh I wholeheartedly agree. Here's a quote I found on it:

“Jo reads each draft,” David Heyman said, “she reads each screenplay, and she said, ‘You know, I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Or you can, but if you get to make a seventh film, you’ll be tied in knots.’”

I think that's why it is so telling that Dobby was cut out of the earlier film & this one. Was Percy ever even named in a film? So many characters and incidents have been cut that they're too nameless to mention, but the fact is that each of them represents something that is inessential to the final resolution.

The movies have and will continue to leave loose ends on minor sub-plots and such, but they have to keep the main problem stream flowing in the right direction - even if they don't know where that is.

Haviing JK read every draft is the way they're doing it - just imagine the time she must have put into each movie! That's quite an investment.

[Ruthla]

Keep in mind, though, that the movies cut out entire subplots (SPEW comes to mind.) Just because Dobby was cut from the movie does NOT mean that he won't be important in Book 7- especially if he's still tailing Malfoy. I suppose the movie could consolidate Dobby and Kreacher to just Kreacher, or give Dobby's role to Neville again, even if he plays an important role in the book itself.

The whole Percey Weasley family drama is a subplot unto itself. It can easily be cut from the movies without interfering with the main story. I still think his role will be significant in the final book, if only for the way his behavior affects Molly and Arthur.

[MamaMisfit]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

Keep in mind, though, that the movies cut out entire subplots (SPEW comes to mind.) Just because Dobby was cut from the movie does NOT mean that he won't be important in Book 7- especially if he's still tailing Malfoy. I suppose the movie could consolidate Dobby and Kreacher to just Kreacher, or give Dobby's role to Neville again, even if he plays an important role in the book itself.

The whole Percey Weasley family drama is a subplot unto itself. It can easily be cut from the movies without interfering with the main story. I still think his role will be significant in the final book, if only for the way his behavior affects Molly and Arthur.

Good points! I remember with the last movie there was one subplot left out that seemed to be so important to motivation (can't remember)...but I think they're assuming most of the audience has read the books or has a friend whispering in their ear. So yes, they can and do leave out some...hmmm?