Tom Felton. Is a British actor known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film franchise.

Synopsis

As Felton is famous for his role in Harry Potter and the 8 film franchise. The bulk of the book gives a behind-the-scenes look at the film and stories about each of the actors that Felton worked with.

The latter half of the book delves into Felton’s time as a working actor in LA, as well as several stints in rehab. And concludes with him moving back to London to work in theater.

Actor Origin Story

As a young child, Feloton tried a lot of hobbies including acting. As he was about to move on his, drama teachers suggested that he get an agent and make a go of it. It only took a short time for Felton to book commercial and studio film productions, ultimately landing the role of Draco Malfoy.

Most surprising revelation.

Folton got kicked out of rehab for flirting too much and getting caught in the girls’ dorm. His behavior was so disruptive to others’ progress that he needed to leave. Surprising , as it is hard to imagine the bully of the Harry Potter franchise being such an extrovert that it became problematic.

Are there pictures

Oh yes. There are quite a few from childhood to the Harry Potter set, his pets, parents, and various film roles.

Is it worth your time?

‘Beyond the Wand’ is a light-hearted take on growing up on the set of Harry Potter. Most of the book gives viewers an overview of the immense effort it took to bring the seminal franchise to life, and what it was like to develop one’s acting craft among the great British thespians of our time. It is Felton’s inherent convivial nature that he speaks quite fondly of everyone he worked with.

“It was instructive to watch performers of their calibre evolve their scenes throughout the process. While the text was gospel, the interpretation was fluid and the scenes would gradually come alive”

There is very little mention of Felton’s own acting process. As he puts in “I mostly spend the first five films standing in the corner snearing”. However, as her concludes his time spend filming he gives the reader insights into how he interpreted some of Draco’s actions. A boy without choices, yet is still deserving of our sympathy. It is a rare moment of humility in Felton’s role as an actor and the rest of the book would have benefited from more of this introspection.

Felton’s stories have a hint of the “boys will be boys” mentality, as he reminisces about incidents of casual theft, drug use, and general mischief. Prior to his time in rehab, Felton nonchalantly mentioned frequenting a dive bar as part of his daily routine after moveing to Los Angeles. However, both his manager and girlfriend surprised him by staging an intervention. This turn of events catches Felton off guard, and it also comes as a surprise to the reader, as no previous mention was made regarding any significant low point or problematic behavior on Felton’s part.

It is for the best that these events are not dwelled on, and Felton does not use alcoholism to define who he is as a person. What shines through in ‘Beyond the Wand’ is the joy that that actor takes in his craft and in telling his story. For Harry Potter completionists the book is a must and will be intriguing even to those who were not initially fans.

Photo credit: Grand Central Publishing