There are so many films that come out every week let alone every year, aren’t there? We can get so caught up with trying to keep up with the latest awards contenders, box office hits, and culturally relevant pieces that we just don’t have enough time to turn back the clock and check out films from the past. But it is so important to expand our horizons and experience the art that has set the stage for today’s cinema. You might need to find the time, so it is important to make wise choices with what you spend that time watching. Whether we head back 10 years, 50 years, or even 100 years, there is great cinema throughout the years. But let’s rewind the clock and here are some reasons why you should check out… The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Iconic
Name a film that is more iconic. There are a few films that would even be in the same conversation as The Wizard of Oz. Every frame is famous. Each scene is known and has its moments. The dialogue is still quoted all these decades later. There are no fantasy family films that exist without this juggernaut of cinema. The moment you walk into Oz…there is no other feeling quite so wondrous. You can probably name almost every character. This film lives on in all our minds and will forever.
The Fantasy
How many fantasy worlds are more beloved than Oz? This world is so amazing. You have a healthy helping of different types of beings from the Munchkins, the living trees, flying monkeys, witches, and even more! The Emerald City is so iconic and one of the most impressive fictional cities ever brought to life. The world has its logic (which makes it so easy to get lost in) but it feels so very different from ours. That Yellow Brick Road is just the most perfect addition to this fantasy world that guides us through. Even our main crew is so unique. A young girl, a reanimated scarecrow and tin woodsman, and an anthropomorphic lion. This all just screams peak fantasy.
Judy Garland
What an amazing talent Judy Garland was? And just such a tragic story. The abuse she experienced in this film is awful and such a shame. Garland can anchor this giant production despite the fact. Her singing is pitch perfect with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” becoming one of the most iconic singing performances in the history of film. She captures a young naivete and sense of wonder making Dorothy so relatable and empathetic. We get behind her thanks to the humanity and sense of wonder instilled by her performance.
The Production
I bet you can imagine almost every set piece of The Wizard of Oz, can’t you? The production design of this film is off the charts. From the design of the Yellow Brick Road to all the buildings, imagination is captured. We see Munchkin town and it is so perfectly sized and works so well. The Emerald City is one of the richest-looking places ever put to screen with so much emerald beauty. The Wicked Witch’s castle is stark and haunting to look at with its strange modern look compared to everything else. Even the “nature” is so perfectly rendered with rich forests filled with critters to the creepy woods filled with flying monkeys. But that poppy field…alluring.
The Music
Is “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” the greatest song ever created for a film? There are few songs that could even feel normal in that conversation. Garland made movie magic and this song sparks imagination universally. Each of our new characters along the journey get their time to shine with fun musical numbers which capture their characters perfectly. They utilize music to introduce the audience and Dorothy to new places like the Munchkins and The Emerald City. This cast is so delightful as they fully commit to each of their roles and their musical numbers. You will find yourself singing every lyric and humming every tune. Such a delight.
