The late actor Alan Rickman has played one of the most appreciated characters in JK Rowling’s book adaptation, the Harry Potter franchise. Appearing as a misjudged titular character, Professor Severus Snape, Rickman created a loyal fanbase of his own. But, the actor seemingly had issues with the child stars and director Alfonso Cuarón, while filming.
Expressing his frustration in his posthumously published diary, Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman, the actor jotted down his thoughts surrounding the 2004 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Initially venting about the movie, the actors, and even having a beef with the director, Rickman later admitted loving the film, following its premiere.
Alan Rickman’s Frustration Surrounding Prisoner of Azkaban
Although Alan Rickman was absolutely delighted to be a part of JK Rowling’s Wizarding World, after appearing as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies, he was also quite frustrated about certain things. Venting out in his diary which was posthumously published as Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman, the actor jotted down his thoughts.
Excerpted online by The Guardian in 2022, Rickman’s diary included a section where he expressed his frustration while filming the 2004’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Picking at young Emma Watson‘s accent, the actor wrote “[the kids] don’t know their lines and Emma’s diction is this side of Albania at times,”. Further, addressing the beef he had with the director, Rickman added,
“[Director] Alfonso [Cuarón] was quietly ballistic with me…I love him too much to let it last too long so I wailed offset and we sorted it out. He’s under the usual HP pressure and even he starts rehearsing cameras before actors, and these kids need directing.”
Further addressing Daniel Radcliffe‘s potential in the film industry, Alan Rickman wrote, “he’s so concentrated now. Serious and focused — but with a sense of fun”. Criticizing Radcliffe by questioning his acting skills, Rickman later added that the Harry Potter star, “will undoubtedly direct/produce. And he has such quiet, dignified support from his parents. Nothing is pushed.”
Alan Rickman Ended Up Loving The Movie After Its Release
However, after venting out in his diary about the frustrating time he had as the production shot Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in the summer of 2003, Alan Rickman soon changed his opinion after watching the movie. Despite his private criticisms of how the Harry Potter films were handled, Rickman was captivated after attending Prisoner of Azkaban‘s world premiere.
“It is a very grown-up movie, so full of daring that it made me smile and smile. Every frame of it is the work of an artist and storyteller. Stunning effects that are somehow part of the life of the film, not show-off stunts.”
Alan Rickman later admitted in his diary that Alfonso Cuarón “has done an extraordinary job” and he undoubtedly became a fan of the Oscar-winning director’s work. He also revealed how he was overwhelmed with emotions and felt lucky to be a part of the Harry Potter franchise and its journey.
The actor died of pancreatic cancer in January 2016 at age 69 and was hailed by his colleagues and fans alike. Alan Rickman’s Harry Potter co-stars paid tribute to him and appreciated his work. Calling him kind and helpful despite his initial criticism, the $9.5B franchise actors praised Rickman for being a lovely individual.
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Source: Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman (via The Guardian)
