The Wizard of Oz is a classic American fairy tale that has captured the imaginations of readers and moviegoers for decades. One of the most iconic characters from the story is the wicked witch. The Witch of the West, also known as Elphaba, is a central antagonist in the story and is known for her green skin and malicious behavior. She is often depicted as a black-cloaked figure with a broomstick and a pointed hat, and she is known for her cackling laugh and flying monkeys. The Witch of the West plays a key role in the plot of The Wizard of Oz. She is determined to obtain Dorothy's magical ruby slippers and will stop at nothing to get them.
"Almost always they want me to laugh like The Witch. And sometimes when I go to schools, if we're in an auditorium, I'll do it. And there's always a funny reaction, like 'Ye gods, we wish they hadn't ask[ed].' They're scared. They're really scared for a second. Even adolescents. I guess for a minute they get the feeling they got when they watched the picture."
In 1975, Hamilton appeared on an episode of Mister Rogers Neighborhood and changed into a witch costume to explain that The Wicked Witch was a character. When Hamilton was told they were putting her in a fireproof costume, she was not prepared to take any more chances with fire, and she refused to do the shot.
She is determined to obtain Dorothy's magical ruby slippers and will stop at nothing to get them. She sends her flying monkeys to capture Dorothy and her companions and tries to use her magic powers to defeat them. However, she is ultimately defeated when Dorothy accidentally throws water on her, causing her to melt away.
How The Wizard Of Oz Changed Margaret Hamilton And Her Stunt Double Forever
Many of us grew up watching "The Wizard of Oz." While the word "iconic" is thrown around a lot these days, I think this film has earned it. Yellow brick roads, red slippers, and flying monkeys are all symbols we constantly encounter throughout pop culture. Oz is a fantasy world of Technicolor wonder and excitement, but the reality is much darker.
The abuse Judy Garland suffered during her time as Dorothy is often discussed today. She was put on a strict diet of soup, coffee, cigarettes, and pills. During filming, she was given uppers to keep her lively, and then she was given downers to sleep a bit before being called back to set to do it all again. In the decades following, Garland continued to experience issues with substance abuse, which led to her death from an accidental overdose at the age of 47.
Unfortunately, Garland wasn't the only actress who suffered in Oz. Margaret Hamilton and her stunt double, who played The Wicked Witch of the West, were literally burned by the production.
This highlights the theme of good triumphing over evil in the story. The Witch of the West is also a symbolic character in The Wizard of Oz. Some interpretations suggest that she represents the oppressive nature of authority figures or the fear of the unknown. Her green skin may symbolize jealousy or envy, while her broomstick and pointed hat are commonly associated with witches in folklore and fairy tales. Overall, the Witch of the West serves as a powerful and memorable character in The Wizard of Oz, adding depth and excitement to the story..
Reviews for "The Wicked Witch of the West: A Gothic Interpretation of a Classic Character"
1. Susan - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Wizard of Oz Witch". The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were not well-developed. The acting was also subpar, and I found it hard to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I had chosen a different movie to watch.
2. Mark - 1 star
"Wizard of Oz Witch" was a complete waste of time for me. The special effects were cheesy and dated, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. It seemed like the filmmakers were trying too hard to recreate the magic of the original "Wizard of Oz" but failed miserably. I couldn't wait for it to be over and would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I was expecting "Wizard of Oz Witch" to be a fun and entertaining movie, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with some scenes feeling rushed while others dragged on. The CGI was also poorly done and took away from the overall viewing experience. I had high hopes for this movie, but sadly, it did not live up to my expectations.
4. Michael - 3 stars
While "Wizard of Oz Witch" had its flaws, I still found some aspects enjoyable. The costume design and set decoration were visually appealing, and there were a few moments of humor that made me chuckle. However, the weak storyline and lackluster performances prevented me from fully engaging with the film. It had potential, but ultimately, it fell short for me.
5. Laura - 2 stars
"Wizard of Oz Witch" had all the ingredients for a great fantasy film, but it failed to deliver. The script was poorly written, and the dialogue felt forced and unnatural. The acting was also mediocre, with the actors lacking chemistry and depth. Overall, I was left underwhelmed and would not recommend this movie to others.