Alexandre Desplat is the composer for the movie "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1." He utilizes the main "Hedwig's Theme" by John Williams in a manner that is quite contrary to how this song has traditionally been used. The song up until this point has often been associated with joyful moments that are filled with hope. In this movie, the song is used quite differently, and only occurs five times.
1. (0 hours. 0 min. 0 sec.) The theme song is heard as the Warner Brothers logo is displayed. This is traditional to welcome the viewers back into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The WB logo is rusted, and we hear the screeching of rusted metal, and sounds that could be heard as the whirring of cranks and cogs as in a machine. This sound that occurs simultaneously with "Hedwig's Theme" takes us on a journey to the headquarters for the Ministry of Magic where The Minister of Magic, Rufus Scrimgore is addressing the press stating that the Ministry will continue to be the people's ministry after Dumbledore's death. The main theme is played on the Celesta, which sounds very ethereal and bell like. The first phrase of the song is played and acts as background music to the screeching. A short time later the same screeching is heard (0 hours. 4 min. 5 sec.) when Snape passes through an entry gate at Malfoy Manor to meet with Lord Voldemort and the other Death Eaters.
2. (0 hours. 11 min. 05 sec.) A very brief inclusion of "Hedwig's Theme" takes place as Harry Potter is saying goodbye to his little cupboard under the stairs where he had lived. Once again this is played on the Celesta, and only half of the phrase is played. To imply that good memories occurred in this place with the Dursley's would be a stretch, but in contrast to the situation with Lord Voldemort, I am certain that Harry Potter would give anything to even just go back to those days of living under the stairs. Life was simpler then. The theme is used as a farewell to earlier memories of better times.
3. (0 hours. 15 min. 05 sec.) "Hedwig's Theme" is appropriately used as Harry Potter releases Hedwig to fly off into the night sky. The theme song is played with horns sounding somewhat triumphant. Only half of the phrase is played, and the theme is altered slightly to create an ominous sense that this could be Hedwig's final flight.
4. (0 hours. 17 min. 18 sec.) The theme song is played in the foreground by horns creating a sense of hope. Hedwig dives in to distract the Death Eater, and she ends up sacrificing herself to protect Harry Potter. When Hedwig is hit, the theme is then played by the violins and is altered to create a dissonant and tragic segment. The dissonant intervals continue to be repeated over the rest of the scene. It is very fitting that "Hedwig's Theme" should be played once she was struck down and killed by intercepting a spell meant for Harry Potter. Once again the song is used as a farewell to happier times. The song in this movie has taken on a completely opposite role from previous movies.
5. (2 hours. 11 min. 12 sec.) The final occurrence of "Hedwig's Theme" in this movie takes place once again as a tragic goodbye. Dobby had just apparated Harry, Ron, and Hermione to safety. They had just escaped from Bellatrix Lestrange. As they apparate away, Bellatrix throws a dagger at them which goes through the portal with them and stabs Dobby, leading to his Death. The theme is again played on the Celesta, but this time it is much slower, and only half of the phrase is played. This segment feels unfinished like there should be more. This is very representative of Dobby's life and how it was tragically cut short. Luna Lovegood then closes Dobby's eyes as if he were sleeping and then Harry Potter digs a proper grave for Dobby, without using any magic to do so. The use of "Hedwig's Theme" once again was used as a final farewell.
"Hedwig's Theme" was not frequently used in this movie, especially when you consider that its longest usage was only one phrase long. The instrumentation of the theme did not change significantly. The biggest change is simply the situations occurring surrounding the theme. Alexandre Despot has shown us that the frequency of a theme is much less important than proper theme placement. Although the theme was only heard partially in five places, It still enhanced the movie and made us reflect on moments when "Hedwig's Theme" used to provide hope. Perhaps the use of the theme in these tragic moments is to indicate that good things can occur, even during bad times, and that we should never give up hope. It truly has been fascinating to explore the diverse and unique role of "Hedwig's Theme."
No comments:
Post a Comment