In a secret corner of the enchanted forest, hidden among towering trees and deep moss, lies a dwarfed magic laboratory. This whimsical space is nestled within the roots of a giant oak tree, its entrance a narrow passage covered in ivy and guarded by mystical creatures. Inside the laboratory, a symphony of colors and sparkling lights greet visitors. Glass jars filled with powdered unicorn horn, starlight crystals, and ground dragon scales line the shelves, each labeled with carefully handwritten notes. Potions bubble and hiss in elaborately adorned cauldrons, releasing intoxicating scents that fill the air. In one corner, a dwarf with a long gray beard and oversized spectacles tirelessly mixes ingredients, his gnarled hands expertly manipulating the fragile magic.
Section two: Break down of the video essay.
Therefore with the intention to highlight the interweaving nature of my two lines of argument I decided to set my structure based of F for Fake in order to show how, by cutting from one argument to the other, they both ultimately join together to provide a satisfying conclusion for the video essay. Therefore with the intention to highlight the interweaving nature of my two lines of argument I decided to set my structure based of F for Fake in order to show how, by cutting from one argument to the other, they both ultimately join together to provide a satisfying conclusion for the video essay.
In one corner, a dwarf with a long gray beard and oversized spectacles tirelessly mixes ingredients, his gnarled hands expertly manipulating the fragile magic. A spellbook, its pages yellowed with age, is opened beside him, providing guidance and ancient wisdom. The dwarf mutters incantations under his breath, the words swirling with power and significance.
Luke Mott: Examining the Witch – Feminism and Witchcraft in ‘The Love Witch’
My overall thesis when approaching the film, The Love Witch (2016) is that of observing how the portrayal of the witch is handled in the film, as well as the overall success of the feminist iconography displayed throughout. I started off by observing the unique link between witchcraft and feminism before moving on to examine the claim that The Love Witch is a feminist cult classic. I still believe The Love Witch stands out as quite an interesting case study in the overall history of Witches appearing in movies and television. Elaine’s character and in fact all the witches that are depicted in The Love Witch stand apart from the classic depiction of the witch. This is something that is explored in section one of the video essay. They all appear young, beautiful and not in the least bit intimidating or scary. By examining the difference in the visuals surrounding the traditional good witch versus evil witch tropes which we see throughout a vast amount of television and movies, it allows us to see where Elaine falls into that trope and if that aids in the feminist ideology of the movie. Moving on from this I then examined how successful Anna Biller is in pushing forwards a feminist agenda throughout this movie, while paying close attention to the portrayal of female sexuality. Ultimately what I intended to prove in this video essay is twofold. Firstly, in relation to the overall portrayal of witches and witchcraft in this movie, I attempted to show where Elaine falls in terms of the good witch versus evil witch split in movies and television by showing how despite her actions Elaine remains a good witch. This point in turn helps aid the question over whether The Love Witch Is a feminist cult classic. I intended to show how throughout the film Biller creates a strong momentum for the feminist agenda in terms of the portrayal of female sexuality, with the climax of the movie still remaining a sticky point as to if it aids or hinders the feminist ideology of the movie, which ultimately I believe it aids, although perhaps not as cleanly as it had hoped.
Section two: Break down of the video essay.
By taking inspiration from Orson Wells final film F for Fake I decided to use the ‘back at the ranch’ style of video essay. The reasoning behind this was due to the fact that throughout the video essay there are two interweaving strands of argument. That being the portrayal of witches and witchcraft in the movie in relation to other films, as well as the feminist ideology of the movie and if it stands up to the title of feminist cult classic. Therefore with the intention to highlight the interweaving nature of my two lines of argument I decided to set my structure based of F for Fake in order to show how, by cutting from one argument to the other, they both ultimately join together to provide a satisfying conclusion for the video essay. I will now go through and highlight each section of the video essay to provide some context as to my decision to include it in my video essay and how each section helps in examining the witch. Section one of my video essay is used primarily as a source for providing context to the depiction of witchcraft in the film as well as to introduce the idea of the good witch versus the evil witch depiction of witchcraft in movies and television shows. It must be noted that it would be truly impossible to include every reference of Witchcraft and Witches in television and film in this section. Therefore, I aimed to show a breadth of films and television programmes that would spring to mind when thinking of famous witches appearing in this form of media as well as making sure they covered an extensive time period to highlight the extent of the good witch versus evil witch troupe. In section two of the essay I intended to show the first interweaving link between witchcraft and feminism. By highlighting how the witch bottle is not only a direct link to witchcraft and pagan practise but also how Biller uses the witchcraft in a way to help elevate a feminist point on female sexuality, section two acts as a marker for how my two lines of inquiry link together and ultimately help the evaluation of the witch. Section three again aims to highlight the inherent link between witchcraft and feminism by targeting the stripping scene between Elaine and Wayne. Furthermore, the use of the classical text Malleus Maleficarum helps elevate my point from a historiographical standpoint by showing how long female sexuality has been oppressed in relation to witchcraft. Section Four tackles the patriarchal issue displayed throughout the movie in relation to the coven Elaine is a part of. This section aims to again highlight how Biller is using Witchcraft to help elevate the feminist connotations throughout the movie. Finally, section five helps tackle the sticky end to the movie as well as the establishment as to where Elaine’s place is in the good witch versus evil witch portrayal of witchcraft in movies and television. Ultimately the video essay intends to show how Biller uses witchcraft and the messages that witchcraft intends to put out to help elevate this film to the status of feminist cult classic.
- Bewitched. USA, American Broadcasting Company, tx 17 September 1964
- F for Fake. Dir, Orson Wells. Prod, François Reichenbach, Dominique Antoine, Richard Drewett. France, 1973.
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Dir, Chris Columbus. Prod, Warner Bros. Pictures, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures. UK, 2001.
- Häxan. Dir Benjamin Christensen. Prod, AB Svensk Filmindustri. Sweden, 1922.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service Dir, Hayao Miyazaki. Prod, Studio Ghibli. Japan, 1989.
- Macbeth. Dir, Roman Polanski. Prod, Playboy Productions, Caliban Films. USA, 1971.
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch. USA, American Broadcasting Company, TeenNick, The WB, Freeform, tx 27 September 1996
- Sleeping Beauty Dir, Clyde Geronimi. Prod, Walt Disney Productions. USA 1959
- Suspiria Dir, Dario Argento. Prod, Seda Septtacoli. Italy, 1977.
- The Love Witch. Dir, Anna Biller. Prod, Anna Biller Productions. UK, 2017.
- The Witches. Dir, Nicolas Roeg. Prod, Jim Henson Productions, Lorimar Film Entertainment. UK, 1990
- The Wizard of Oz. Dir, Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Mervyn LeRoy, King Vidor, Norman Taurog. Prod, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. UK, 1939.
A modern-day witch uses spells and magic to get men to fall in love with her, in a tribute to 1960s pulp novels and Technicolor melodramas.
Next to him, an array of enchanted objects covers a workbench, glinting with hidden enchantments and mysterious properties. Small figurines carved with intricate details bring miniature scenes to life, while tiny bottled fairies flit and dance, captivating onlookers with their delicate wings and mischievous antics. In the center of the laboratory, a circular table stretches out, covered in a mosaic of ancient symbols. Here, the dwarf gathers with fellow magic practitioners - fairies, leprechauns, and other woodland creatures - to share their latest discoveries and troubleshoot magical conundrums. The atmosphere in the laboratory is one of excitement and awe, as magical experiments take shape and new spells are forged. The enchanted forest outside provides an abundant source of inspiration, with its ethereal creatures and hidden wonders that have yet to be uncovered. Visitors leave the dwarfed magic laboratory with a sense of wonder and a newfound respect for the delicate art of spellcasting. This hidden gem in the heart of the forest reminds them of the ancient traditions and untamed magic that still thrives in the world, waiting to be explored and embraced..
Reviews for "The Physics of Miniature Magic: Understanding the Dwarfed Magic Laboratory"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the Dwarfed Magic Laboratory. The attractions were limited and not very exciting. The staff seemed disinterested and unenthusiastic about their job. The overall atmosphere was dull and uninspiring. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun and magical experience.
2. Lisa - 1/5 - I had high hopes for the Dwarfed Magic Laboratory, but it fell short in every aspect. The exhibits were outdated and poorly maintained. The interactive displays were glitchy and barely functioned. The ticket prices were way too high for the underwhelming experience offered. Save your time and money, and look for a better magical attraction elsewhere.
3. Mike - 2/5 - The Dwarfed Magic Laboratory lacked the charm and wonder I was expecting. The setup was confusing, and there were no clear directions on how to navigate through the different sections. The displays appeared cheaply made, and some even had missing or broken parts. The whole experience felt rushed and poorly executed. I regret spending my money on this disappointment.
4. Sarah - 2/5 - I was unimpressed with the Dwarfed Magic Laboratory. The exhibits were repetitive and offered nothing new or exciting. The staff seemed disorganized and struggled to answer basic questions. The layout of the laboratory was confusing, and it was easy to get lost without any clear signs or maps. Overall, it was a lackluster experience that I wouldn't recommend to others.