Muggle Magic
Cosmo brown

Spend five minutes in Muggle Studies and you quickly realize how ingenious Muggles really are. The methods they use to survive without magic are nothing short of phenomenal. From “telephones” to “compact discs” to “microchips,” each invention provides Muggles with ways to cope without magic. The most entertaining type of “Muggle magic” is the motion picture.

Strange as it may seem, Muggle photographs don't move ; however, they have discovered a method to make still photographs appear moving. They call this a film, a motion picture, or, most commonly, a movie. (The term “motion picture” is, of course, misleading, as the pictures only appear to move.)

Unlike our own moving photos, Muggle movies are not sentient. You can spill whatever you like on them, but the image says put. In fact, movies capture specific moments in time that cannot easily be altered.

How do Muggles do it?

It's a complicated process, to be sure (which seems to be the preferred method of Muggles of accomplishing anything), but it's one that's explained easily enough. A movie consists of film (much like our own, only still). The film is used in a camera that takes 24 pictures (called “frames”) a second. When properly processed, the film is thread through a special machine called a “projector,” which uses light to make the images appear on a screen or a wall (really, whatever's in front of it). The projector feeds the film through very quickly (at 24 frames a second). This creates the illusion that the image on the screen is moving.

Muggles have gotten very creative with their movies. Instead of recording whatever is happening, they plan out what to say and do in order to tell different stories. And, instead of seeing the story from one spot, like when you go to a play, Muggles have devised ways of “cutting” different bits of film together to give different points of view. They also use “special effects” to create different scenery, creatures they don't think exist, or any number of other things they can't do. Now, with the aid of “computers,” Muggles make it look like they can do almost anything.

So, how can I see a Muggle movie?

Watching movies is an exciting and entertaining activity, and to get the full experience, going to a “cinema” or a “movie theater” is the best way. Keep in mind, though, that you'll be surrounded by Muggles and will have to handle Muggle currency. If you have a fear of Muggles, however, this is not the way to go.

For those who would rather avoid Muggles or would like to start a collection, there is always the option of “home videos” and “DVDs” (videos and DVDs being different types of Muggle motion picture). Unfortunately, there is a lot of equipment and setup involved. First, you need a television set, which acts as a sort of screen on which to view the movie. Next, you need a player, depending on whether you will be watching a video or a DVD. Luckily, Muggle stores sell machines that can handle both types (Gringotts is well equipped to handle transactions with Muggle mail-order stores). You will also need a movie on video or DVD. Lastly, of course, the Muggle “electronics” require electricity to function. As I understand, many newer homes have electricity built in, but there are also several simple charms that will allow televisions and players to work without electricity.

Seeing movies with a crowd gives a much better experience. The reactions of the audience tend to heighten the enjoyment of the movie. However, home viewing has some wonderful advantages. You can watch a movie over and over again without paying more. You can even stop the playback if you want a snack. (Anyone who's been to a theater and wanted more popcorn during the middle of a film knows that this is a valuable tool.) And, home viewing lets you pick older movies that aren't playing in theaters anymore, whether from last year or twenty years ago. Some of these movies are almost a hundred years old! It provides a fascinating look at Muggle culture throughout the years.

There are too many movies to choose from!

Yes, Muggles love movies. They love making movies. They love seeing movies. They love being in movies. And, with hundreds... no, thousands of movies made a year, it's almost impossible to choose what to see. However, there are a lot of ways to narrow down your choices, especially as you become more familiar with movies.

First, take a look at the story. A lot of movies have synopses in local Muggle newspapers or on the “Internet” (another Muggle invention which links millions of their “computers” together). If you love funny stories or adventurous tales, find something that fits. With all the movies being made, there's bound to be at least one that suits your tastes.

Next, take a look at reviews of the movies. (Again, these can be found in newspapers and on the Internet.) There are a number of Muggles who are paid to watch movies and write about what they think of them. Probably the most famous of these movie critics is Roger Ebert, an American who has hosted a show reviewing movies for years and years. Of course, it's best to find a reviewer with similar tastes as you. Otherwise, you'll go to see a highly recommended movie and be thoroughly disappointed.

Once you've seen a lot of movies, you'll find that you have favorite actors and directors. When that happens, you can start going to see movies solely because of the people. Usually, even if the movie is panned (a Muggle term applied to entertainment that means disapproved of), you can still find something enjoyable about it.

Movies for February

Since Valentine's Day is fast approaching, here is a quick view of three romantic movies to share with your special someone. (Note: As this is a global publication, only movies that are available for home viewing are listed.)

Return to Me , released in 2000, is a sweet romantic comedy about an architect finding love after his wife dies. Written and directed by Bonnie Hunt (who also plays a role in the film), Return to Me stars David Duchovny, Minnie Driver and Carroll O'Connor. Much of the comedy comes from the older set at O'Reilly's Irish-Italian Restaurant.

Pride and Prejudice (1995) stars Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle in a fabulous adaptation of Jane Austen's famous novel about a young woman's search for happiness in 19th century England. With a running time of five hours (it was originally produced for television), it's not a typical “sit back and relax” sort of film, but it's well worth the time. A beautiful movie.

High Society (1956) is a musical comedy starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly. Musicals were very popular in the United States from the 1930s through the 1950s; this comes towards the end of that period. It tells the story of a society woman's second wedding and the trouble that comes when her first husband returns and two tabloid newspaper reporters arrive to cover the ceremony. Cole Porter's score is performed beautifully by Sinatra and Crosby, with some help from jazz legend Louis Armstrong.