Chamber of Secrets Review(Of Alan Rickman's Portrayal of Snape)

Bookmarks to:
The First Scene * Finding the Message on the Wall (1) * Dueling Club * The Quidditch Match * Finding the Message on the Wall (2)

THE FOLLOWING ASSUMPTIONS ARE MADE IN THIS MOVIE REVIEW:
1. No comparisons are to be made to the book in any way, shape, or form.
2. One will try their hardest to fight against the preconceived notions of characters, scenes, ect. The movie is another version of Rowling's story, and certain liberties have been taken.
3. I will reiterate this -- THE MOVIE IS NOT THE BOOK!

The first scene
First off, I'm pissed that Snape didn't find Ron and Harry. But I suppose that in the support of the plot, it made more sense that Filch found them, so to give Filch a reason to think that Harry Petrified Mrs. Norris.

There has to be some significance that the first shot we see of Rickman is his hand. Perhaps this is an allusion of the most memorable part of the first movie (when he sticks his hand out at the cloak). Anyway, it develops suspense when after hearing the voice he slams down the paper and we see our beloved Potions Professor, looking pretty mad. Well, supposedly mad. He has that same glazed look, like he's not looking at anything, when yelling at the boys. It was the same look we saw in the 1st movie when he was giving the 'brew glory' speech. That is one thing that I don't like about Rickman- this distant look is not just for his portrayal of Snape, its a part of him. He has the same look in Dogma. Its like he has something else on his mind, or really not caring about what is happening. (Or he's hiding his emotions, something that his character does). After seeing the first movie, it is more likely he is mastering his emotions.

Of course, when the camera angle changes, and we see him circle the table, he's like a snake- prowling, using table for support. I actually think he would have leapt at the boys had not Dumbledore entered. That is certainly the intention, right? I laughed when I saw Rickman circle around the table in such a comedic and almost cliché movement. This was about as expressive as he has been, certainly more expressive than anything he did in the first movie. But the movement definitely furthers Snape's Slytherin tendencies and snake motif. That was cool. Also, I see a possible connection (and juxtaposition) to when Snape freaks out in the third movie (which MUST be included, or we miss the whole point of the movie). We see that Snape can tend toward the excessive, and Rickman shows this well. But of course, parallel his behavior to the Dueling club, and he is much more cool, calm, and collected. (that's because he's in front of people, compared to the Shrieking Shack scene in PoA, where there are only a few people in the room).

They do a portrait shot and he's literally spitting out the words (especially "tonight"). We see his hatred, and he's not even insulting them. This was just good characterization on Rickman's part. It fits. If he had insulted them, however, I think that it would have been even more characteristic of Snape. But the hatred is evident in the scene.

But then the camera comes around to behind the table (so we see the door) and Dumbledore comes in. Immediately, Rickman draws everything up, his posture, his syntax, his voice, reverting to the cool demeanor Snape usually has. Its a quick change, and Rickman does it well. With the presense of Dumbledore, the mood in the room changes- and we feel that.
I love the connotations of the next shot: Potter and Weasely on the left, Snape on the right, and Dumbledore in the doorway. It is obvious that the focus of the shot is Rickman's hand, specifically his pointing at the boys, literally stretched across the middle of the scene. The fact that this shot is from the back of Potter and Snape helps further the importance of the hand, because at that point, we don't need to see Snape or the boy's facial reaction. First off, I'm reminded of a little child who is tattling on someone to the powerful father.(Sort of "look! I caught someone doing something wrong! We have to do something!") We see that Rickman is regarding Dumbledore's character as a father figure. He is letting his character's relationship with Dumbledore's character influence his behavior (like a good actor should) and actually allowing himself to gesture. Snape wants to make sure that Dumbledore notices that he was doing something right, as in hunting down the boys. That's why he cites laws and rules- to let others know that he is aware of the rules of society. ALL of that comes from this one gesture. Really, that is the most expressive he has been so far. Perhaps Rickman is allowing his character to be more expressive. I dunno. But its cool. And we also see in this one gesture the extremism that the law has for Snape's character- the need that it be reinforced. If I had to pick one gesture, that one of his hand outstretched, pointing at the boys, seems very character-defining, and that's why its cool. It says so much.

And the end shot of Rickman- nice and ambiguous, I really can't tell what he's thinking. But, yea, he's pissed. (Not as if Christmas has been canceled, mind you, but it'll live).

Finding the message on the wall(1)
What is the purpose of having the students find the message first, and then the teachers come? Maybe they aren't as aware as we thought they were. Especially Snape. Anyway....

After the teachers enter, there is a shot of the four of them, from left to right: McGonagall, , Dumbledore, Lockhart and Snape. We really can't see concern, mainly because I think they don't know the significance at that point. Except Lockhart, who's an idiot, the rest are concerned. (Concern is shown much better in the 2nd message- especially by Snape). Anyway, after Dumbledore dismisses the rest, there is a cool shot from the corner, high up (so we see both corridors and the area below it). Notice what the teachers do- McGonagall helps the students along, Dumbledore does also, but the actor who plays Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) goes to look at the cat, while Rickman does the same thing, but a distance. I think this scene is their equivalent of the scene in the book when they take the cat to Lockhart's office. The reaction that each teacher has to one event is shown a bit. (Just a little).

Forget what happens in the plot- I like how the teachers play off each other. Notice after Lockhart says "Oh too bad I wasn't there, I know the exact countercurse that would have saved her," ALL THREE- Dumbledore (ever so subtly) McGonagall and Snape show their disbelief. While Dumbledore is talking, there is the briefest shot of Maggie Smith (McGonagall) . All she does is barely tilts her head, pursed her lips and that's it. That is her involvement in the scene. But that one shot says so much- her disbelief, her belief in Lockhart's incompetence, her disgust at Lockhart's vanity - and its so cute! (She's really a good actor!)

But we see how Rickman's character responds to the vanity issue also.

Anyway-Rickman literally steals the scene with his whole monologue (Starting with "if I may, Headmaster..."). His movements are all directed toward not Lockhart, but yes- POTTER! No one should be surprised. Rickman has seen the true goal in the scene- another chance to diss Potter in front of Dumbledore.

But he doesn't 'diss' necessarily- notice that false sense of security (when he says that Potter couldn't have possibly Petrified the cat)-then goes to harangue him. Its weird- this requires more thought. Why did Rickman (and the real question, why did Snape) start with that line? Anyway...

[SNAPE]:However, the circumstances are suspicious. I, for one, don't recall seeing Potter at dinner.
[LOCKHART]:I'm afraid that's my doing, Severus.
(Rickman turns to Branagh. Shot of Branagh)
[LOCKHART]:You see, Harry was helping me answer my fan mail...

The response is priceless. It is a full 10 seconds of Rickman's reaction, and he shows contempt, disbelief, almost as a journey. What's cool in that shot is that you can see the process of thought. Its very subtle, so one has to watch for it, but its there. If you want another example of this, watch Young Frankenstein. Gene Wilder has the same type of shot, wonderful process of thinking, also subtle (but a different train of thought). Both add depth to character. The shot is one of the few that allows Rickman to develop the fullness of his character (very few- should be more). A bad actor would have not known what to do with that 10 seconds.

Back to haranguing Potter....

You remember- when Potter says (essentially) "I was going to the Gryffindor commonroom," there is Rickman's look that both makes him 1. more awake and 2. personify his character. The eyebrow raise, again, says so much about his character, more than any words could say. (and so many of us Snapists are going to spend a day learning how to do it. I know what I'm doing this Saturday!). Nice touch.

Dueling club
Ah- the big one! My brother and I watched this one scene about 4 or 5 times the first time around (in the process of watching the movie for the first time), then I went back after the movie and watched it about 3 or 4 more times!(Then the next day watched it about 6 to 7 times!)(then again another 4 times!)(then four more times until we had to take it back!) So...about 24 times? yea.

First off- this scene does an excellent job of playing off the character of Lockhart and Snape- which is what it did in the book. Branagh seems though a bit less unresponsive than Rickman, while Rickman takes the chance to be as expressive as he has ever been, (in the role) including a small smile. I think this goes back to how Snape uses this club (both in the book and the movie) as a chance to show the students what is really important (knowledge and skill) and not the vanity of Lockhart.
I hope you all see that Branagh is playing Lockhart as a Spanish bravado- if not before, than in this scene. Look how he stands- he looks as if he should have a sword. And it is not just in this scene- even during other scenes, he stands like the archetypical bravado! Nice characterization on Branagh's part.

Even though his response is not in the movie, I can imagine Rickman's response when Branagh throws his cape to the crowd - utter disgust. (I did like the cape- the act of Lockhart throwing the cape into the crowd into a group of giggling girls gives him more of an air of a 'star.')

I love the way Rickman climbs the stage- arms folded- obviously not amused with the show. Oh, it is a venerable meeting of the opposites. It was nice to see the literal juxtapositions of the characters.

The act of the duel itself - the ritualized movements- was funny. I mean, it really dates the behavior. They were doing movements from 18th C. sword-fighting. I would have thought that seeing their mean Professor Snape is such an artistic stance ( You know the one- with his hand in the air, other one out in front of him) would have the students laughing. But what helps is that Rickman treats this as a serious affair- the movements are lax, but not sloppy, almost repetitious. If anyone but
Snape did it- (like McGonagall) we would be laughing.

Juxtapose Branagh and Rickman's stance. Rickman uses the accepted stance, crisp, a good example, while Branagh stands - as my brother describes it -"like a queer". It was nice that they chose to differentiate the stances.
My brother wanted me to notice this- the way Branagh counted was full of false confidence. But boy does that change when Snape blows him away! Good response on Branagh's part.

And of course, all of us Snapists should cheer when he blew away Lockhart. I really think though that the way Rickman did it (what with that pivot on the foot) he too was trying to show off, look impressive (like Lockhart). The move is not necessary (Potter shoots off a spell @ Mafloy, and just shot it out of his right hand). What does this say? Image is everything-even to Snape. It wasn't necessary, but it sure as hell looked good!

But here is the distinction made in the books, and now in the movie. Lockhart impresses with his looks, style, but has nothing to back it up. Snape, on the other hand, is rather ugly, but we see admiration in his skill and talent. This is why this is my favorite scene in the movie- that fact that though some details have been changed, we still see the point of the scene- to point this fundamental difference in Snape's and Lockhart's character.(And we get to see Lockhart get the shit blasted out of him!) And FINALLY the idiots of the school (the students) see Snape for what he should be admired for- his skill.

Question- why did Rickman choose to break "Expelliarmus!" apart in two syllables? The only thing I can perceive is that he was trying to demonstrate- so he exaggerated the movements, and broke apart the word so it would be easier for the students to learn. Maybe.

And you have to be impressed with the distance Lockhart flew- shows that Snape is really a good wizard, and duelist. All the more reason for the students to adore him and not Lockhart.

See how smooth (or trying to be smooth) Branagh plays his approach (after he gets blasted by Snape)- especially his arrogant statement "It was nice to show them that, Professor Snape, but if I may say, it was pretty obvious what you were going to do." The bravado attidute transcends to Branagh's voice with how he accentuates "pretty" and his pitch. (Just watch the scene- you'll know what I'm talking about.). I like it.

But watch Rickman's treatment of the scene- I love it because it shows really how good an actor Rickman is. He insults Lockhart by acting like the "assistant" when it is clear to everyone that he is the one that should be teaching. Rickman does this beautifully, remaining Snape's trademark unemotional face- then -wait- was that a smile? I laugh and I always laugh when I see that! It seems so random- and its short. How that happened- whether it was planned or not- I don't know. But it strangely works!

We (my brother and I) absolutely LOVE how Rickman suggests that Potter duel Mafloy. The gesture of "I don't know, I'm only the lowly assistant." Gotta love how he holds his wand, too. Still confined, but Rickman's body language SCREAMS contempt!. Then, without Lockhart's acknowledgment, he turns and beckons Mafloy up- with just a gesture, cool calm, but quick. I loved it! Snape knows he's the superior one here, but because he doesn't seek glory, he'll let the idiot Lockhart make an ass of himself. IT FITS!

Notice the stances of Potter and Mafloy. Mafloy will stand like Snape, of course- but instead of Potter, who perceives himself as Snape's enemy, standing like Lockhart, he stands like Snape. Maybe this is the first occasion that Potter realizes that Snape might have some merit to him regardless of Potter's paradigm. Also account for the fact that Potter knows Lockhart is an idiot and incompetent.

What is the deal with that look before they duel? You know the one- he kinda widens his eyes. Why? My brother thinks he is looking at Potter, sort of to get his attention. This is kinda odd on Rickman's part, and doesn't fit with the expressionless body and gestures. (of course, the smile didn't either,- but in that smile I saw contempt- in this look, I can't see anything). Maybe he was trying to say that Snape would communicate with Potter through his eyes. It is entirely possible, but look at the distance! They are on the opposite side of the table! He's either looking at Potter, or Lockhart. I don't know what this means.
Gotta love that smirk when Draco throws Potter to the ground. That's Snape's hate of Potter coming out, because even though he has this one drive (protect Potter) he still can't resist watching Potter get hurt by a Slytherin (even if it is Mafloy).
Glad to see that Rickman is not playing Snape as totally unresponsive!

Ah, but look at the reciprocal attack-Mafloy, who we should remember looks up to Snape in the first movie, looks up to Snape (literally) when he gets thrown back. Snape's response is logical- utter disgust. I like the touch of picking Mafloy up and throwing him back in- that's just Slytherin (sort of saying don't insult our House by losing to Potter). I like it. And somehow there is a deep satisfaction to see the trash-talking Mafloy being roughly hauled up by Snape and thrown back in. Mafloy getting punished? Hmmm.

And see how Rickman walks to get rid of the snake- then the 'oh great' of when Lockhart volunteers to get rid of it (which of course doesn't happen). I think Snape thinks Lockhart is a hazard to himself and society- so that's why he volunteered. Eh, its cool.

But when Potter speaks Parseltongue- we see true bewilderment- again, very subtle, but still concerned. At least he's not scared of the snake. (that would be funny- Snape scared of the snake). Nice characterization- Rickman splits between ambiguity and letting us see emotion and thought when it matters- like at this point. This is evident as to how he blows away the snake- the mood had changed. (It's also fun to watch Snape nuke the snake! It is. Its true. Really.).

Note- I absolutely HATE Lockhart's character, but as an actor, I would LOVE to play someone like him. He's different, and to play such a vain character would be fun! Such a different energy from someone like myself (a Snapeist).

An additional note: I was thinking this morning about how Lockhart always smiles. And I thought too how Snape never smiles. So since this scene is a juxtaposition of Snape and Lockhart, isn't it odd that when Lockhart is not smiling (as in the case when he was just blown away by Snape) that Snape does smile? This is wonderfully ironic, and is certainly a stab toward Lockhart's tendency to smile often. It also makes the smile even more appropriate -- and funny.

The Quidditch match
One thing that bugged me in this scene--they sat Lucius Malfoy and Snape together. Now, I know that they were both DE's, but I would think that they would avoid sitting together. I can only say in defense, it looks good (that is, the perception that Mafloy and Snape are on the same page) is possible. But I have the idea that Snape is only sitting with him for image sake.

Finding the message on the wall (2)
Rickman has actual lines in the scene (gasp) so I think he's letting the lines speak. What he says - so close to the book- is nice. But really, Rickman knows that his lines and Lockhart's response is the important part of the scene, so he brings down the acting. I do love his concern, though.

Branagh is cool in this scene, too. There was a very noticeable change of "Oh, so sorry...dozed off. What did I miss?" to the wonderful "Um...I'll be in my office...getting ready." .

Also notice when McGonagall is giving her monologue about closing the school. Again, we see Rickman thinking- I actually see the concern and maybe even guilt on his face. I mean, it is the heir of Slytherin! And owing to the fact that Snape is in the midst of being good yet acting bad, he has to feel some personal responsibility! And we see that in Rickman's expression! One puny shot, and he's thinking! Acting does occur in silence- and Rickman does that well.

The very last shot- artistic, sweeping shadow of him- nice artistic touch, but does that say anything about Snape's character? I only have theories. Many involve a certain Vampire....

And like the book, Snape just disappears, like POOF! Oh well. We should see enough of him in the next movie, of the best book in the series for us Snapeists- Prisoner of Azkaban.

Comments, as always, are welcomed. I am considering adding pictures to the reviews to help facilitate points. Any thoughts?