"Deathly Hallows" Animated Sequence Deconstructed

All Photos Courtesy: Warner Bros. Pictures

I know I have already mentioned the animated sequence in the newest Potter film that tells the story of the three brothers and the origin of the Deathly Hallows.

When it came time to tell the audience the back-story of the origin of the Deathly Hallows, director David Yates chose a wonderful way to do it.

Instead of having Hermione just read us the story like she did in the book, Yates has her narrate a short animated film telling us how three brothers met Death himself and came across the Deathly Hallows.

I was amazed at how effective this animated short film was in setting a grim, foreboding tone for what Harry, Hermione and Ron would be dealing with as they were to be forced to deal with the magical relics.

The sequence is one of the two best scenes, not only in the most recent film but in the entire series.

The other is the scene where Harry and Hermione dance together while Nick Cave’s “O Children” plays on the radio. But that scene is the subject for another blog.

The short animated film that tells the story of the Deathly Hallows is excitingly bleak. The tale is sort of a take on the old “Monkey’s Paw” story.

Three brothers meet Death and each is given a relic that gives them their hearts desire, but be careful what you wish for. You know the drill.

You get your wildest dream and you die a horrible death.

But the story is told in this surprisingly dark way as Death collects his prize each time a brother falls to his own longing.

We have the first brother, who wants power and is given the most powerful wand ever crafted.

He uses it to kill his rival, but of course, his wand is stolen and he is murdered just for good measure.

So, death claims his first prize.

The other brother wants love, but alas, his lover dies so he hangs himself.

Death claims another prize.

There’s a thrilling moment after the second brother kills himself when Death, in his giant, skulking God-like form, swoops down into his house, plucks up his hanging body and takes it away like a trophy.

It's a wonderful visual.

It fits in the tone of the film, preparing Harry and his friends to face off against Lord Voldemort. 

And aside from fitting into the story, the sequence stands on its own as a wonderful animated short.

Do not miss it.

We’ll talk more at theresidentfilmsnob.blogspot.com.