Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald clocks in at a substantial 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes), making it the longest film in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. This extended runtime allows for a deeper exploration of the complex plot and character development, although it has been a point of debate among fans and critics alike.
Decoding the Duration: What Makes the Movie So Long?
Understanding why The Crimes of Grindelwald stretches to 134 minutes requires examining its narrative complexities and ambitions. Unlike the first film, which primarily focused on Newt Scamander’s accidental suitcase swap in New York, the sequel introduces a far broader scope, both geographically and thematically.
Expanding the World and Character Roster
The movie takes us from New York to London and finally to Paris, showcasing more of the Wizarding World than its predecessor. This geographical expansion naturally demands more screen time. Moreover, The Crimes of Grindelwald introduces a plethora of new characters, each with their own backstory and motivations, demanding a significant chunk of the film’s duration for introductions and development. Leta Lestrange, Yusuf Kama, and Nicolas Flamel are just a few examples of these additions who contribute to the film’s runtime.
Weaving a Complex Narrative Web
Beyond introducing new characters, The Crimes of Grindelwald delves into intricate plotlines concerning identity, lineage, and political maneuvering within the Wizarding World. Grindelwald’s rise to power and his attempts to recruit Credence Barebone are central themes, requiring careful exposition and development. The film also explores the relationships between various characters, adding layers of nuance and complexity that require sufficient screen time to unfold effectively.
Visual Spectacle and Magical World-Building
Of course, a Fantastic Beasts film wouldn’t be complete without the dazzling visual effects and world-building that bring the magical realm to life. The film is replete with intricate creature designs, breathtaking magical duels, and meticulously crafted sets, all of which contribute to the overall length. These elements, while visually stunning, inevitably add to the runtime as they require time to be showcased and appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Crimes of Grindelwald’s Runtime
Here are some frequently asked questions about the length of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald:
FAQ 1: Is the extended cut of The Crimes of Grindelwald any longer?
No, there is no extended cut of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. The Blu-ray and DVD releases contain deleted scenes and bonus features, but these are separate from the main film and do not extend the overall runtime of 134 minutes.
FAQ 2: How does the runtime compare to other Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies?
The Crimes of Grindelwald is the longest in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. The first Fantastic Beasts film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, is shorter, running at 2 hours and 13 minutes (133 minutes). Among the Harry Potter films, only Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets at 2 hours and 41 minutes (161 minutes) and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at 2 hours and 37 minutes (157 minutes) are longer.
FAQ 3: Does the longer runtime make the movie better?
Whether the longer runtime improves the film is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Some viewers find that the extra time allows for a more immersive and detailed experience, while others feel that it leads to pacing issues and unnecessary plot tangents. Critical reception was mixed, with some reviews criticizing the film’s convoluted plot and bloated runtime.
FAQ 4: Does the 134-minute runtime include credits?
Yes, the 134-minute runtime includes the end credits.
FAQ 5: Where can I find the exact runtime information for The Crimes of Grindelwald?
You can find the exact runtime information on reputable movie databases like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Wikipedia. You can also check the packaging of the Blu-ray or DVD release.
FAQ 6: Is the runtime different on different streaming platforms?
Generally, the runtime is consistent across different streaming platforms. However, slight variations of a minute or two might occur due to platform-specific intros or outros. Always verify the displayed runtime on the platform itself.
FAQ 7: Did any scenes get cut that would have made the movie even longer?
Yes, several scenes were cut from the final version of The Crimes of Grindelwald. These deleted scenes are available on the Blu-ray and DVD releases and offer additional context to certain plot points and character interactions. However, their inclusion would have undeniably increased the overall runtime further.
FAQ 8: Why did the filmmakers choose to make the movie so long?
The filmmakers likely aimed to create a richer and more complex cinematic experience, delving deeper into the lore and mythology of the Wizarding World. They may have felt that the extensive plotlines and character arcs required a longer runtime to be adequately developed. Ultimately, the decision to make the movie this length was likely a creative choice driven by the story they wanted to tell.
FAQ 9: Will future Fantastic Beasts movies also be this long?
It’s difficult to predict the runtime of future Fantastic Beasts movies. The length will depend on the narrative complexity, the number of characters introduced, and the scope of the world-building. However, considering the trend towards longer runtimes in blockbuster films, it’s possible that future installments could be similar in length to The Crimes of Grindelwald.
FAQ 10: Is the movie’s pacing affected by its length?
Many critics and viewers have commented on the pacing of The Crimes of Grindelwald, with some finding it uneven and occasionally sluggish. The longer runtime, combined with the multiple storylines and character introductions, can lead to a feeling that the film is overstuffed and lacking focus.
FAQ 11: Does the length make it suitable for young children?
The appropriateness of The Crimes of Grindelwald for young children is a matter of parental discretion. While the movie is rated PG-13, its darker themes, complex plot, and intense scenes may not be suitable for all young viewers. The 134-minute runtime could also be challenging for younger children to sit through.
FAQ 12: How does the runtime affect repeat viewing?
The substantial runtime might affect repeat viewings for some viewers. While fans of the Fantastic Beasts franchise may enjoy revisiting the film for its intricate details and world-building, the length could make it a less appealing option for casual viewing. Ultimately, the decision to re-watch the movie will depend on individual preferences and time constraints.
In conclusion, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a lengthy film, coming in at 2 hours and 14 minutes (134 minutes). While the extended runtime allows for a deeper exploration of the story and characters, it also contributes to debates about pacing and overall effectiveness. Whether or not the length enhances the viewing experience is ultimately a matter of personal preference.