Mrs Llamastrangler forced- er, suggested that I bring this film forward from “soon” to “now” as it is admittedly pretty much the most ridiculous film not to have seen. But sometimes it’s advantageous coming to a film late, without childhood memories or bias. As ever, there were lots of moments I knew from the pop culture zeitgeist. But I enjoyed it; the film fully deserves its popularity. It’s brilliantly made- extraordinary special effects, superb design and a laudable determination to eschew realism. The script is delightfully witty and Judy Garland is perfect.
Stil... something this trippy was made in 1939? Based on an old children’s novel, half-forgotten, which was largely an allegory for US politicians of the William McKinley era? Bizarre. It’s also hard not to be constantly reminded of the dreadful sexual abuse suffered by Ms Garland, and how depressingly little has changed on that front. But any intended allegories are no longer contemporary by 1939; you can pretty much stamp whatever meaning on it that you want to. I can’t help noticing, though, that the “good” witch Glinda seems to get Dorothy and her friends to risk their lives removing all her potential rivals to absolute power. Hmm.
The film looks amazing, with the special effects surrounding the tornado unsurpassed in 79 years. The contrast between sepia Kansas and colourful, theatrical Oz with its rejection of realism is brilliantly done, especially as Dorothy opens the farmhouse door and sees colour. The songs and dialogue are gloriously and unexpectedly witty. And there’s a suspiciously druggy use of poppies to send our heroes to sleep. Hmm.
One side effect of Oz is probably unintended, though; doesn’t turn of the century Kansas look stultifyingly dull?
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