Magic in the Moonlight is a charming romantic comedy film directed by Woody Allen. Set in the 1920s French Riviera, the movie follows the story of Stanley Crawford, a cynical magician, who is invited to unveil a young spiritualist named Sophie Baker as a fraud. As Stanley spends time with Sophie, he begins to question his own skepticism and falls in love with her. The film is visually stunning, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the French Riviera. The costumes and set designs transport the viewers back in time, creating a sense of nostalgia and elegance. The moonlit scenes add an enchanting and mystical atmosphere to the story, emphasizing the theme of magic and illusion.
While the media missed out on this particular episode, they did have a field day when Lord Carnarvon died on May 6, 1923—less than a year after the discovery of the tomb. There were all sorts of versions of the specific “curse” to which Carnarvon’s death could be attributed, but most tried to relate it to an inscription of warning in the tomb. Some of the reporters had the aid of disgruntled Egyptologists, who had not only been denied access to the tomb, but also any information about it. Since there was no love lost between Carter and Carnarvon and some of their scholarly colleagues, there was always someone who was willing to provide information about certain objects or inscriptions in the tomb, based solely on published photographs. In this manner, many inscriptions could be construed as curses by the public, especially after a “re-translation” by the press. For example, an innocuous text inscribed on mud plaster before the Anubis shrine in the Treasury stated: “I am the one who prevents the sand from blocking the secret chamber,” In the newspaper, it metamorphized into: “…I will kill all of those who cross this threshold into the sacred precincts of the royal king who lives forever.”
In the case of the articles written during the latest King Tut exhibit, I venture to say that most if not all references to the curse derived from ignorance and a desire for a catchy headline not necessarily in that order. There were many dozens of people connected in some way to opening Tutankhamun s tomb ranging from security guards to archaeologists , and out of that many people some unexpected deaths would be expected by random chance.
The moonlit scenes add an enchanting and mystical atmosphere to the story, emphasizing the theme of magic and illusion. The performances in Magic in the Moonlight are top-notch. Colin Firth shines as Stanley, bringing his signature wit and charisma to the role.
The Curse of the Curse of the Pharaohs
“Cursed be those that disturb the rest of Pharaoh. They that shall break the seal of this tomb shall meet death by a disease which no doctor can diagnose.” (Inscription reported to have been carved on an Egyptian royal tomb)
Top of the lid of an unlaid wooden chest, picturing Tutankhamun and his wife Ankhesenamun. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art; photograph by Harry Burton)
Throughout the centuries, ancient Egypt and its civilization have often been referred to in terms of the dark and mysterious. Encounters with its strange customs have frequently led people, both ancient and modern, to have misconceptions about this land. The Greeks acknowledged that much ancient wisdom, such as the basics of mathematics, architecture, art, science, medicine, and even philosophy, ultimately derived from the Egyptians; but they still had some difficulty in understanding, accepting, or even dealing with the alien and unfamiliar aspects of the religion. Greek historians often wrote about the mysterious ways in which the Egyptians worshipped their deities, such as this note by Herodotus: “There are not a great many wild animals in Egypt…Such as there are—both wild and tame—are without exception held to be sacred” (II, 65). He also wrote a disclaimer: “I am not anxious to repeat what I was told about the Egyptian religion. . . for I do not think that any one nation knows much more about such things than any other” (II, 4). Of course he then goes on to state: “[The Egyptians] are religious to excess” (II, 35-39).
Egypt was different from much of the rest of the ancient world, with its pantheon of fantastic deities, part animal, part human; its rulers who were understood to be gods on earth; its bizarre funerary practices that paid unheard of attention to the preparations for an afterlife; and its enigmatic script that was written with recognizable pictures, but remained unreadable and therefore mysterious to the uninitiated. As a result, Egypt managed to inspire both awe and fear in the foreigner who came into contact with its culture.
Today, the products of Egyptian civilization that have survived the passage of more than 3000 years provide a visible monument to its advanced state. Such accomplishments, however, often evoke suspicion rather than respect. Thus there are people who prefer to believe that Egyptian building techniques, literature, art, and mathematics derived from an alien culture from outer space, rather than to accept the documented evidence of their earthly origin. This and other equally inaccurate theories are espoused by people fondly referred to by Egyptologists as “pyramidiots.” But while some modern ideas about ancient Egypt are based on a mixture of misguided awe and respect, others appear to have originated under less innocent circumstances. One of the most persistent examples of the latter type is the so-called curse of the pharaohs.
Tutankhamun’s tomb (lower center) was situated below the entrance to the tomb of Ramesses VI (center) in the Valley of the Kings. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art; photograph by Harry Burton)
Emma Stone gives a compelling performance as the young and enchanting Sophie, capturing the audience's attention with her charm and talent. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, making their blossoming romance believable and heartwarming. Woody Allen's direction is masterful, capturing the essence of the 1920s era and infusing it with his unique style and humor. The dialogue is witty and engaging, keeping the viewers entertained throughout the film. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the world of Magic in the Moonlight. If you are a fan of romantic comedies or Woody Allen's films, Magic in the Moonlight is a must-watch. It offers an enchanting and entertaining experience, filled with love, laughter, and a touch of magic. So, grab some popcorn, find a cozy spot, and let the magic of the moonlight captivate you..
Reviews for "Mystical Moonlight: Where to Experience the Power of Magic"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic in the Moonlight". The plot seemed promising, with a magician trying to debunk a spiritualist, but it fell flat for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and the dialogue was overly pretentious. The humor felt forced and fell flat, making it hard to connect with any of the characters. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity for a potentially great story.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - While "Magic in the Moonlight" had its moments, I felt like the film failed to live up to its potential. The pacing felt slow and the plot dragged on, making it hard to stay engaged. Additionally, the romantic subplot felt forced and lacked chemistry between the leads. I appreciate Woody Allen's attempt to explore themes of magic and spirituality, but the execution lacked depth. Overall, it was an okay film, but I expected more from such a promising premise.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I found "Magic in the Moonlight" to be quite underwhelming. The plot was predictable and lacked any true surprises. The characters felt flat and lacked development, making it hard to care about their outcomes. The attempt at humor fell short and the dialogue felt contrived. Overall, it was a forgettable film that failed to make a lasting impact. I would not recommend it to others.