I just watched The Wizard of Oz for the first time. I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would, but I still appreciated it.
The film opens up to the Gale farm in sepia tone. There is no color until Dorothy finds herself in the land of Oz. Once Dorothy returns to Kansas, the sepia comes back. Signaling the location through color is one of the most creative techniques I've ever seen in a movie. The backgrounds in the land of Oz also look like they're from an animated movie and the set looks like something I'd see on Broadway. Visual-wise, The Wizard of Oz is the most creative film there is.
The designs of Dorothy's male friends are also endearing, especially the Cowardly Lion. I have not forgotten his round ears and smile. His acting also shined when leaping towards Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. For the Scarecrow, his face is appealingly friendly.
And, of course, nobody can forget Dorothy's blue gingham dress and ruby red slippers. Judy Garland's performance as Dorothy is as charming and emotional as ever. Besides, Dorothy is among the strongest girls in fairy tales. She saves the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion on her way to the Emerald City. Not only that, but she also defeats the Wicked Witch of the West herself.
Dorothy may charm, but Glinda is my favorite female character. Her pink dress, crown, and wand make her look more like a fairy godmother than a "good witch." Glinda's motherly tone adds to it.
One of my problems with the film, however, is the pacing. I grew tired about halfway through, which is around the time Dorothy and her friends arrived in Emerald City. This movie came out in 1939; a slow pace is to be expected in older films. Still, I prefer newer, tighter-knit movies.
Another issue with The Wizard of Oz is the music. Dorothy sings the first song, "Over the Rainbow" over five minutes into the film. Besides, most of the songs, including "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead," play in Munchkin Land before Dorothy travels down the yellow brick road. The song she sings while doing so is one of the last ones. Not only does the film not introduce itself as a musical, but they have clumped the songs into a certain segment of the movie.
However, the songs themselves are not bad. They are engaging and move the story along nicely. Besides, "Over the Rainbow" is an early example of an "I Want" song that mentions wishing upon a star. As a Disney musical fan, I appreciated that reference.
The Wizard of Oz may not be my favorite fairy tale movie, but I understand its acclaim. It is a simple story featuring creative visuals, interesting characters, and iconic songs. The most profound element, though, is the message. As Dorothy would say, "There's no place like home!"
What do you think about The Wizard of Oz?
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