The Horrible Witch 1983 is a classic horror film that has gained a cult following over the years. Directed by John Carpenter, the movie follows the story of a small town that is terrorized by an evil witch. The witch, played by Tilda Swinton, is known for her gruesome killings and dark powers. The citizens of the town must come together to defeat the witch and save themselves from her wrath. One of the standout features of The Horrible Witch 1983 is its atmospheric and eerie cinematography. The film has a distinct style and tone that adds to the overall creepiness and suspense.
Top photo: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” by Brett Beiner, courtesy of Drury Lane Theatre; Middle photo: “The Nutcracker” by Cheryl Mann, courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet.
For example, in the scene where Harry is trying to fight against the dementers in order to save Sirius, there is a really fast melody playing which is supported by a loud harmony either playing a riff or playing a bunch of notes that sound mysterious when played in the right sequence. As we saw, this note is part of the strange dominant-like harmony of the bar, but at the same time it also creates odd-sounding intervals in the melody.
The film has a distinct style and tone that adds to the overall creepiness and suspense. The use of dark lighting and shadow play further enhances the sense of fear and dread. Another strong aspect of the movie is its strong cast of characters.
Drury Lane and Joffrey Use Music to Convey the Magic of Two Classics
The holidays are a time when most Americans seek happiness and hope. You know, that magical feeling where anything is possible and everything will be OK. Such auspicious sentiments can be experienced through fairy tale and Christmas classics.
Take “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at Drury Lane Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the Auditorium Theatre. Apart from the kidnapping aspect of the former and a problematic start to the latter (a grown man visits a sleeping tween, which spurs her hallucinogenic dream), both stories reward courageous heroines in a positive way as each goes where no man (make, that girl) has gone before.
For Belle (Erica Stephan), it’s to a bewitched castle populated by personified objects: Cogsworth the clock, a candelabra called Lumiere, and Mrs. Potts, a warm and finely-dressed teapot well played by Bri Sudia. There’s also a beastly prince (Brandon Contreras) who learns the value of compromise, compassion, and inner beauty.
Based on Disney’s 1991 animated feature (which was based on an 18th century French tale), director Alan Souza’s current stage version of “Beauty and the Beast” is a rehash of the 1994 musical with book by Linda Woolverton. This is not to be confused with the 2017 live action feature of the same name, co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mandeville Films.
That’s a lot of credits to keep track of. The important ones to note are lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice who, with composer Alan Menken, created a beloved playlist. Despite the missteps of the current production (which dumbs down the story and amps up the volume), the catchy songs remain the same. And therein lies the magic of the Disney brand.
Recommended for grade school children, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” performs through Jan. 27, 2019. For tickets ($60-$75), visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.
Instead of repackaging a familiar brand of “The Nutcracker,” the Joffrey Ballet has created its own customized classic unlike anything audiences have seen before thanks to author/illustrator Brian (“Wonderstruck”) Selznick and Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
Totally tied to the Windy City, the 2016 reimagined work takes place in 1892, months before Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. This new setting is nothing short of brilliant as it presents a single mother/sculptress (Jeraldine Mendoza) preparing for the fair with her immigrant friends—plus one Great Impresario (Dylan Gutierrez) who gives her daughter (Anais Bueno) a nutcracker.
That gift and a pack of rats become catalysts for a fantastical dream that includes marvelous music, dance and costumes from the foreign lands (Arabia, China, Italy, and Spain) participating in the upcoming fair.
As if the story, scenery and adorable dancing nuts aren’t enchanting enough, the $4 million production also includes live orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s highly enjoyable and recognizable score, perfectly played by the Chicago Philharmonic.
Talk about magic!
Highly recommended to all, “The Nutcracker” performs through Dec. 30, 2018. For tickets ($35-$199), visit Joffrey.org.
Top photo: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” by Brett Beiner, courtesy of Drury Lane Theatre; Middle photo: “The Nutcracker” by Cheryl Mann, courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet.
Tilda Swinton delivers a captivating performance as the witch, bringing a sense of terror and malevolence to the role. The film also stars Christopher Lee as the wise and knowledgeable town elder who helps the citizens in their battle against the witch. The chemistry between the actors is evident, adding depth and believability to the story. The Horrible Witch 1983 is also known for its gripping storyline. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The film explores themes of good versus evil, and the power of unity and courage in the face of darkness. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of our actions. Overall, The Horrible Witch 1983 is a must-watch for any horror fan. Its strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and engaging storyline make it a standout film in the genre. The movie has stood the test of time and continues to be celebrated by horror enthusiasts around the world..
Reviews for "The Horrible Witch 1983: Exploring its Cult Status"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars
I found "The Horrible Witch 1983" to be incredibly disappointing. The plot was poorly developed, and the characters lacked depth and authenticity. Furthermore, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the story. The special effects were also subpar, making the already weak storyline even more unbearable. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time on this film if you are seeking an engaging and well-executed fantasy film.
2. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
"The Horrible Witch 1983" had the potential to be an intriguing fantasy film, but it fell short in several areas. While the concept of the witch's powers was interesting, the execution of the story left much to be desired. The pacing was sluggish, and the film lacked suspense or a cohesive narrative structure. Additionally, the performances by the cast were underwhelming, failing to bring any emotional depth to the characters. This film may appeal to die-hard fans of the genre, but for others, it might be better to skip this one.
3. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars
I found "The Horrible Witch 1983" to be one of the most boring films I have ever seen. The plot was convoluted and lacked any clear direction. The filmmakers seemed to rely too heavily on special effects, neglecting the importance of a well-developed story and compelling characters. The dialogue was cliché and uninspired, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, this film failed to captivate my attention or provide any semblance of entertainment. I would recommend avoiding it unless you are a true devotee of low-budget fantasy films.