Rhiannon Elizabeth Irons
From a young age we’re exposed to the exploits of the screen. Some movies stick with us long into our adulthood. Others, not so much.
Last time, I delved into the depths of Toon Town and divulged the reasons why Roger Rabbit and his fellow toon residents left a lasting scarring impression on me. This time, I’m following the yellow brick road and taking you all on a journey to the land of Oz.
No doubt Return to Oz will make this series sometime in the near future, but for now it’s time to look at the original film, The Wizard of Oz.
Though a lot of the film is quite magical, especially the switch from black and white to technicolor and the incredible sets of Oz itself, it’s hard to come across someone who doesn’t admit they recoiled at the first sight of the wicked witch’s flying monkeys. Though many will reference the flying monkeys as the film’s main source of conjuring up previously unknown fears, it was hard to not be traumatised as the Wicked Witch melted right in front of your eyes.
These moments have scared generations. My own father admitted that the Wicked Witch was the source of nightmares for him as a small child. And he’s right. There’s a lot to fear from the Wicked Witch, played beautifully by Margaret Hamilton.
If her physical depiction with green skin isn’t enough to terrify you, maybe the way she delivers her lines will. But it’s not just her physical presence that scares us. The gloomy setting of her castle is nightmare inducing. It’s bleak, cold interior is staged beautifully to ensure maximum terror. Teaming it with the screeching music and the monkey howls and you have one frightening scene that overloads the senses.
The Wizard of Oz is one of the most iconic movies of all time. For the past 84 years it has continued to bestow its wonder upon audiences the world over. Both new and old fans find themselves enjoying the adventure of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion while subconsciously singing along with the soundtrack.
But even the wholesomeness of the story can’t distract from how unsettling the Wicked Witch of the West is. Even in these modern times, she has an uncanny ability to terrify younger audiences.
So, if you find yourself on a trip to Oz and feel the heebie jeebies creeping in, just tap your heels together and recite, “There’s no place like home.”