In the 1998 film Practical Magic, the character of Stevie Nicks played a significant role. Nicks not only contributed a song to the film's soundtrack, but she also appeared in a cameo role as herself. This involvement further enhanced the movie's magical and mystical atmosphere. The track that Nicks provided for the soundtrack is titled "If You Ever Did Believe." The song perfectly captures the movie's themes of love, sisterhood, and the power of believing in magic. Nicks' haunting and ethereal vocals, combined with the dreamy instrumentation, create a spellbinding atmosphere that transports the listeners into the world of Practical Magic.
— Amy Madison (Elizabeth Anne Allen) is introduced.
Witch isn t about Wiccans or other real people who identify themselves as witches; it s definitely a broomsticks-and-cauldrons Wicked Witch of the West kind of thing. The monster of Witch is a parent who is so obsessed with the idea of her daughter wasting her youth that she switches bodies with her daughter by the way of witchcraft.
Nicks' haunting and ethereal vocals, combined with the dreamy instrumentation, create a spellbinding atmosphere that transports the listeners into the world of Practical Magic. The lyrics of "If You Ever Did Believe" reflect the struggles, desires, and yearnings of the film's protagonists. It conveys the message that love can conquer all and that believing in the impossible can make dreams come true.
5 Thoughts on Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s “Witch”
In “Witch,” the first “monster of the week” episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the overarching plot of season one dealing with The Master and Angel take a back seat. Instead, Buffy and friends face off against a witch, like the title of the episode suggests. And this witch just so happens to really want to be on the cheerleading squad. Enough so that she’s willing to harm the other girls trying out. All of this sounds cheesy, but that’s just kind of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s vibe at the beginning. After all, Buffy is just a sixteen-year-old high schooler at the beginning of season one.
Funningly the episode does open up with Giles, in a very Giles manner, that he does not want Buffy to be a part of a “cult.” That’s very much a good Giles’s joke.
2. That Girl is On Fire
The first cheerleader to get hurt is set on fire. She would have eventually burst into flames if Buffy didn’t save her. Later on, Cordelia is blinded, almost resulting in a car crash. And lastly, Buffy is targeted with a spell that essentially leads her to basically acting drunk. All of these are clever ways of showcasing how powerful an opponent this mysterious witch is for Buffy and the “Slayerettes.”
Apparently, if you want to start in witchcraft, all you have to do is check out a couple of books at the library?
3. Freaky Friday
At first, the gang thinks Amy is the witch and she is, but not in the way they think. Amy, who will play a bigger role later, actually was her mom and her mom was her. This is a nice twist because it’s not your usual teenage jealousy story.
4. “Witch” Has Something to Say About Parenting
The monster of “Witch” is a parent who is so obsessed with the idea of her daughter wasting her youth that she switches bodies with her daughter by the way of witchcraft. Obviously, this is a metaphor for parenting and what not to do. Sadly, there are parents out there who just use their children to relive their youth. A parent shouldn’t ignore their child’s interests and force them to be just like them. That way of parenting is only going to lead to animosity.
On the flipside, we see Buffy’s mom handle this subject in a healthier way. At first Buffy’s mother tries to talk Buffy into pursuing her old high school hobbies, but eventually comes to the realization that Buffy is her own person with her own interests. She’s trying to be supportive, even if she doesn’t understand Buffy fully and that says a lot. By the end of the “Witch,” Buffy’s mom is the representation of how a parent should be.
5. The Lynchian Ending (Shoutout to All the Twin Peak Fans)
Amy’s mom is defeated when one of her spells are reflected back at her (conveniently by the way) and it’s not until the end we’re shown where she disappeared to. In a very David Lynchian manner, the ending reveals that she is now stuck in one of her old trophies. This reveal is one of the many Buffy the Vampire Slayer endings that stick with you.
And I don’t know about you, but the idea of being stuck in an object for eternity is horrifying.
Join me next week for episode four, “Teacher’s Pet.”
Apparently, if you want to start in witchcraft, all you have to do is check out a couple of books at the library?
Nicks' lyrics are poetic and evocative, leaving a lasting impression on the listeners. Furthermore, Nicks' cameo appearance in Practical Magic adds an extra layer of magic and intrigue to the movie. As the sisters perform a spell together, Nicks suddenly appears in a cloud of smoke, dressed in her trademark bohemian attire. She imparts words of wisdom and encouragement to the sisters, reinforcing the movie's themes of sisterhood and female empowerment. Overall, Stevie Nicks' track and cameo role in Practical Magic contribute to the film's mystical ambiance and reinforce its messages of love, sisterhood, and the power of belief. Her hauntingly beautiful song and enchanting presence add an extra touch of magic that resonates with viewers and leaves a lasting impact..
Reviews for "Stevie Nicks' Song as a Symbol of Femininity in Practical Magic"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to watch Practical Magic as I had heard great things about it, but I was really disappointed when Stevie Nicks' track came on. It felt out of place and didn't fit the tone of the movie at all. Instead of adding to the magical and whimsical atmosphere, the song just felt jarring and took me out of the moment. I think they could have chosen a better track that would have enhanced the scenes more effectively.
2. Mark - 1/5 stars - I love Stevie Nicks' music, but her track in Practical Magic was completely unnecessary. It felt like they just included it because of her popularity at the time, rather than it actually serving a purpose in the movie. It was distracting and didn't add anything to the story. I wish they had focused more on the actual plot and characters, rather than trying to shoehorn in a famous musician.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - The Stevie Nicks track in Practical Magic felt forced and didn't match the overall aesthetic and tone of the movie. It seemed like a marketing ploy to attract fans of Nicks' music, rather than a thoughtful inclusion that enhances the storytelling. It took me out of the movie and left me questioning why they made that choice. I think they could have used the screen time more effectively to develop the characters or advance the plot.
4. Alex - 3/5 stars - I didn't hate the Stevie Nicks track in Practical Magic, but I also didn't love it. It felt out of place and didn't contribute much to the movie. However, I can see how some fans of Nicks' music might enjoy the inclusion. Personally, I think they could have chosen a different song or artist that would have better complemented the themes and atmosphere of the film. Overall, the track didn't add much value to the movie for me.