There will have been a total of eight films and four directors in the Harry Potter film saga when all is said and done. Yet of those directors, only Chris Columbus and David Yates have been at the helm for multiple Potter pics. Each has brought his own artistic impression to the wizarding world, but which director did a better job of depicting Harry’s story, and which should be sentenced to Azkaban? Leave it to Combat Corner to decide!
ROUND 1: INTERPRETATION ALTERCATION
CHRIS COLUMBUS: No two readers imagine Harry’s world exactly the same way and, similarly, no two directors interpret the story identically. Of all Potter directors, Chris Columbus’ interpretation is by far the most literal, making his films (PHILOSOPHER’S STONE and CHAMBER OF SECRETS) appear like historical re-enactments to those who have read the books.
DAVID YATES: By contrast, David Yates takes a more liberal approach to his films (ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, and DEATHLY HALLOWS PARTS I & II). He has a greater tendency to stray from the books and add his own creative touch in choosing how to portray events, sacrificing accuracy for dramatic impact.
Which interpretation is better depends on who you ask, but true fans who have read the books appreciate Columbus’ faithfulness. Chris summons the first point!
SCORE: CHRIS COLUMBUS – 1
DAVID YATES – 0
ROUND 2: AUTHENTICITY ARGUMENT
CHRIS COLUMBUS: Some fans question Columbus’ suitability to direct the Potter movies. After all, how can an American director possibly identify with British boarding school life? Frankly, he can’t. But there is no doubt that he can identify with children, as is proven by his record of classic family films like HOME ALONE and MRS. DOUBTFIRE.
DAVID YATES: On the other hand, Yates wins the authenticity vote for being a homegrown Brit directing a homegrown tale. Yates’ own British heritage gives an air of truth to his Potter adaptations as a whole.
Yates pelts Columbus with fish and chips. The Brit bites back!
SCORE: CHRIS COLUMBUS – 1
DAVID YATES – 1
ROUND 3: THE LOOK HOOK
CHRIS COLUMBUS: Columbus’ films have a very different look to them than Yates’. Resplendent golds, maroons, and blacks litter the silver screen in PHILOSOPHER’S STONE and CHAMBER OF SECRETS, giving them an unmistakeable Hollywood sheen. Some might argue these films are a bit too polished, but I call that movie magic.
DAVID YATES: Yates’ films appear much darker and realistic, as is appropriate for a maturing story and audience. But as a consequence, the story’s events get lost in a blurry, blue-tinged palette. Vibrant, colourful scenes from readers’ imaginations are made less memorable in his films.
Yates’ visual treatment is tantamount to giving Rowling’s story the Dementor’s Kiss – everything is turned cold. Columbus stages a comeback!
SCORE: CHRIS COLUMBUS – 2
DAVID YATES – 1
ROUND 4: FOCUS FIGHT
CHRIS COLUMBUS: Since Columbus was first to direct a Potter motion picture, he was under immense pressure to bring the “magic” of Rowling’s world to life. As a result, his focus on special effects is evident in the first two films, from the troll in the girl’s bathroom to Fluffy to Quidditch and the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets.
DAVID YATES: Character development has been the preoccupation of Yates’ Potter movies. For example, whereas Quidditch was a cinematic novelty in PHILOSOPHER’S STONE, its resurrection for HALF-BLOOD PRINCE had more to do with demonstrating the growth of Ron’s character after discovering he could win without cheating, rather than any CGI gimmick.
Yates’ focus on character is to be commended. Columbus drops the Quaffle with only one more round to go!
SCORE: CHRIS COLUMBUS – 2
DAVID YATES – 2
ROUND 5: THE DARK(ER) MARK
CHRIS COLUMBUS: Unlike Yates, Columbus was not merely director of the first two Potter flicks. He was also a producer for the first three. That means he had a much greater role in shaping the series from its outset, including the selection of three young actors to star as Harry, Ron, and Hermione. For helping to discover Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson alone, he has had a lasting influence on the films that came after.
DAVID YATES: Meanwhile, no one can direct four movies and not leave an indelible mark on the Potter franchise. Yates’ tenure has brought continuity to the latter half of the films and for that he deserves credit. However, that he has left a mark does not in and of itself mean it has been a positive mark, and the merits of his work have not gone without criticism.
Daniel, Rupert, and Emma have to hand it to Columbus, while Yates cries foul!
SCORE: CHRIS COLUMBUS – 3
DAVID YATES – 2
ROUND UP: If Yates were a House-Elf, I’d have given him a sock long ago to set him free. The British-born director has attempted to weave an increasingly complex story into cohesive, character-driven films, but next to his predecessors he has fallen short. Columbus’ literal interpretation, colourful style, and seminal impact on the series have earned him a place in Hogwarts, A History. He may be no Spielberg, but Columbus truly is a Minister for Magic!