Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

About Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is a fantasy film directed by David Yates. Released in 2016, it is a prequel to the "Harry Potter" series and was inspired by J.K. Rowling's 2001 guide book of the same name. The movie follows the adventures of Newt Scamander, a Magizoologist who arrives in 1920s New York with a suitcase full of magical creatures. When some of these creatures escape, it leads to a series of whimsical events, throwing both the wizarding and non-magical worlds into disarray.

Making / Production

This film marked the screenplay debut of author J.K. Rowling. The film was produced by Warner Brothers and Rowling herself. Principal photography commenced on 17 August 2015, at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden. The film was the start of the "Fantastic Beasts" film series, with the sequel, "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," released in 2018.

Actors

• Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander): Redmayne portrayed the role of Newt Scamander, an introverted wizard who specializes in magical creatures. He played the character with warmth and an almost childlike wonder, making him instantly lovable.
• Katherine Waterston (Porpentina "Tina" Goldstein): Waterston played the role of Tina, an ambitious Auror demoted to bureaucratic tasks at the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). She contributed a strong, grounded performance as a counterbalance to Redmayne's eccentric Newt.
• Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski): Fogler's character, Jacob, is a Non-Maj (the American term for Muggle) who accidentally gets tangled up in the wizard world. Fogler brings humor and heart to the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film marked J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut.
• The movie takes place seventy years before Harry Potter's story starts.
• The character of Newt Scamander appeared on a map in the "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" movie.

Awards

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design at the 89th Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice." - Newt Scamander
• "I ain't got the brains to make this up." - Jacob Kowalski
• "Yesterday a wizard entered New York with a case. A case full of magical creatures. And unfortunately, some have escaped." – Seraphina Picquery

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by James Newton Howard, providing undulating rhythms and a majestic theme.
• "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Main Title)" is an enchanting opening
• "Blind Pig" performed by Emmi provides an intoxicating vintage charm to the speakeasy scene.