Analysis of Props'

The clip that I have decided to analyse for usage of props is "Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone" the reason behind me choosing this film/ clip is because the usage of props within the saga of Harry Potter are always distinct and the purpose is clear; for example the usage of wizards/ witches 'wands'. The prop that I will be analysing from the scene is the 'Sorting Hat' the sorting hat is basically "a sentient Hogwarts artefact which magically determines to which of the four school Houses each new student is to be assigned." The sorting hat is not only a prop but also a type character within the film/ book.

The way in which the hat is framed is that we are introduced to the hat by it being placed upon a wooden stool whereby the characters will be sat on so that their fate is determined. The framing of the hat is that it's shown from behind, so that we can actually see the new students walking towards the hat. As you can see below; we are shown the hat limp and lifeless and the surroundings of the hat full of life and light. The way in which the hat is portrayed/ communicates is through a line that looks like stitching across the middle of the hat.

The characters which are used within the scene are the four main 'Harry Potter, Hermoine Granger, Ron Weasley and Draco Malfoy' the reason that they are used is that so the audience are able to view what houses their favourite characters have been put in, however not only this but we are shown the response/ reaction of each character... "Ah, another Weasley. Well, I know just what to do with you. GRYFFINDOR!" This being the categorisation that the sorting hat put one of the main characters 'Ron Weasley' in from this we are shown the reaction of Ron. Ron's family have all been students at Hogwarts, who have all been placed within the house of 'Gryffindor' therefore the whole acting of Ron breathing a sigh of relief compliments his character as it shows that being put into 'Gryffindor' was where he was hoping to be put in the first place.

In conclusion, the clip itself shows the usage of the prop and how it has been influenced throughout the scene. In terms of the scene that I have analysed, the manipulation and framing of the actual prop allows the audience to see that it is a significant part of the scene/ movie. Also, if this doesn't shine through to the actual viewer that it is in fact important then the introduction given to the new students about what it is/ what it does then I don't know what will.