Black magic cinema, also known as dark magic cinema or occult cinema, is a genre of film that explores themes related to witchcraft, sorcery, and supernatural rituals. It delves into the dark and mystical side of human existence, often blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Within black magic cinema, filmmakers use various techniques such as symbolism, surreal imagery, and atmospheric storytelling to create an eerie and haunting atmosphere. The genre often draws inspiration from folklore, mythology, occultism, and esoteric traditions. One of the key characteristics of black magic cinema is its focus on the dark forces and the use of magical rituals with sinister intent. Whether it is the practice of voodoo, satanic rituals, or the summoning of demonic entities, these films explore the chilling consequences that arise from meddling with the supernatural.
Howl, on the other hand, was scared of The Witch of the Waste as she kept on hunting him down. He had explained the reason of this hunt to Sophie that, “she was once quite beautiful, so I decided to pursue her then I realized she wasn’t, so as usual I ran away,” therefore, he did not want to confront her.
In the ending part of the movie the loving nature of Sophie again appears as she hugs the Witch to make her let go off Calcifer from her hands implying in a way that she has accepted the Witch of the Waste as she is. This is not entirely true as we see her realize Suliman has sent a peeping bug to spy on them but doesn t realize that by giving it to Calcifer to eat that she s made it easier for them to be found.
Whether it is the practice of voodoo, satanic rituals, or the summoning of demonic entities, these films explore the chilling consequences that arise from meddling with the supernatural. Throughout the history of cinema, black magic films have spawned some iconic characters and narratives. From the iconic witches in Robert Eggers' "The Witch" to the satanic cults in Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby," these films tap into our collective fear of the unknown and the unexplained.
Miyazaki's Work Analyzed
The Witch of the Waste does not have a name but an epitaph for who she is. Her reputation as a witch proceeds who she is as an individual. She is a legend and a myth wrapped up in one but still real. The Witch’s only goal is to have Howl’s heart for herself. So when her blob henchmen chase after Howl and Sophie, she becomes jealous of Sophie. Her jealousy causes her to place a curse on Sophie to turn her old. The dramatic irony for the Witch is that she is in return turned old (which is actually her true age).
The Witch prizes her beauty, thinks she is superior to others and feels power and status is all that matters along with possessing the heart of Howl. The Witch has a very classic western “white” superior identity. Her desire to possess Howl’s heart is materialistic as she doesn’t seem to want it for the same reason’s Sophie does, love. Still she does admit that she is still in love but after states, “Men, why ever should we want them? But a young man’s heart is so delicious!…and so adorable too.” The Witch’s true intention with Howl’s heart is simply to possess the heart of a young man even if she had fallen in love with him at one time.
The Witch’s world starts to fall apart when she is summoned to see the King, believing that Suliman finally has need of her power. She states, “It’s been 50 years now, since they drove me out of here. I’ve been longing for this day ever since.” Still, being forced to climb up the steps of the palace has already started her to age, using Sophie’s cane to help her. Her appearance loses its prime and proper beautiful look to a sweating, hunched, woman. She takes a blow to her pride onto of her beauty when she has to admit to Sophie that she doesn’t know how to break the spell. When the audience finally sees her again, she has been turned into an old feeble woman.
Much like Howl, she had made a deal with a demon “who consumed her, body and soul, long, long ago.” This is why she has been returned to her proper age and stripped of her powers because of the bargain she made. The major difference between Howl and the Witch is that Howl had Sophie to save him where no one was able to save the Witch.
The Witch as an old woman finally enters into Howl’s home. She needs to be spoon fed by Sophie, and stares at Calcifer calling him a pretty fire continually. Her new state has made it appear as if she’s harmless and unable to do anything for herself. This is not entirely true as we see her realize Suliman has sent a peeping bug to spy on them but doesn’t realize that by giving it to Calcifer to eat that she’s made it easier for them to be found.
Upon learning of Calcifer having Howl’s heart, she grabs it, causing herself to light on fire. She holds it to herself even as she burns but saved by Sophie. She thinks Sophie is mean for trying to take Howl away from her; she just wanted his heart for herself. Finally, the Witch realizes how much Sophie wants Howl’s heart and why, telling her, “Oh, well, in that case, you’d better take good care of it.”
The Witch’s identity is changed in the slightest ways by being transformed into a harmless old woman. She is protective of Howl, just as Howl is protective of Sophie but for different reasons. The Witch doesn’t want Suliman to find Howl because she wants his heart and if Suliman found them then it wouldn’t be possible. She has lost her pride, her beauty, her powers and everything she prizes most inthe world. Despite it all, her goal never changes, until Sophie asks for it. She knows the power of love and allows for it to flourish. The Witch finally stops being someone to be feared (as Howl fears her) and someone who’s identity has changed after being forced to change by Suliman and with the influence of Sophie’s love for Howl. In the end, she gains a family, happiness and peace on Howl’s moving castle.
She starts living in the castle alongside Heen, and when Sophie's mother brings a parcel with a peeping bug she quickly discards it. When she realizes Calcifer has Howl's heart, she tries to take it for herself only to be burned by Calcifer's flame, prompting Sophie to attempt to douse her.
Black magic cinema also offers a space for filmmakers to critique societal norms and challenge religious dogmas. By depicting the hidden and forbidden aspects of human existence, it allows for a deeper exploration of morality, power dynamics, and the complexities of faith. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in black magic cinema, with filmmakers pushing the boundaries of the genre and experimenting with new narrative techniques. Contemporary films like "Hereditary," "The Witch," and "Midsommar" have garnered critical acclaim for their atmospheric storytelling and exploration of occult themes. In conclusion, black magic cinema is a genre of film that explores the dark and mystical side of human existence. It delves into themes of witchcraft, sorcery, and supernatural rituals, often blurring the line between reality and fantasy. With its focus on the occult and the sinister, it offers filmmakers a unique space to critique societal norms and challenge religious dogmas. Despite its controversial subject matter, black magic cinema continues to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of storytelling..
Reviews for "Forbidden Knowledge and Forbidden Arts: Black Magic Cinema's Fascination with Taboo"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with "Black Magic Cinema". The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it hard to follow and understand what was happening. The dialogue was cliché and uninspiring, with wooden performances from the cast. I found the special effects to be subpar and unrealistic, which further detracted from my enjoyment of the film. Overall, "Black Magic Cinema" failed to captivate me and left me feeling underwhelmed.
2. Emily - 2 stars
"Black Magic Cinema" had an intriguing premise, but unfortunately, it failed to live up to its potential. The pacing was extremely slow, dragging the movie along and making it feel tedious to watch. The characters lacked depth, and I couldn't connect or care about their fates. The visual effects were lackluster, and the cinematography felt uninspired. The overall execution of the film left much to be desired, and I was left feeling unsatisfied by the end.
3. Ryan - 1 star
I cannot express how disappointed I was with "Black Magic Cinema". The storyline was convoluted and didn't make much sense. The acting was subpar, with unconvincing performances from the entire cast. The film heavily relied on jump scares, which became predictable and monotonous after a while. The editing and special effects felt amateurish and detracted from the viewing experience. Overall, "Black Magic Cinema" was a waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone.