Film Analysis: The Wizard of Oz - Research Paper Example

? Introduction Invention of information communication technology in the world ignited production of top-notch films through the use of modern tools and applications. Films are visual and audio produced pictures. In ancient times, films were viewed in designated film halls but nowadays individuals view them in the comfort of their homes, thanks to innovations in technology. However, films are not prepared in a vacuum and thus provide insightful themes and features that are mostly replicas of the society’s morals and principles. This means that films tend not only to promote or change a particular hegemonic perception held by the masses but also a critical ingredient of history. Most films propagate a particular theme with an intention to educate and entertain. For example, Escape from Sobibor and Rise and Fall of Saddam Hussein, were produced as historical films that provided an account of the experiences encountered during the Nazi regime by Dictator Adolf Hitler and his compatriot Dictator Saddam Hussein. Such films to a great extent inform the modern day population of the struggles and tribulations that were encountered for the realization of the freedom they enjoy (Rotten tomatoes 3). The paper articulates the classical film-the wizard of Oz with particular emphasis on the use of symbolism to pass its intended message. Symbolism is the use of characters that represent either present or past individuals to pass a particular message. For example, in the film Escape from Sobibor, burning dens were used as symbols to illustrate the inhumane character exhibited by Hitler. Moreover, symbolism is critical in the dissemination of information in a humorous manner that dilutes the seriousness of the message for easy consumption by the masses. Film analysis: The Classic film-The Wizard of Oz Since time immemorial, film making was considered a historical activity that intended to archive information through broadcast media for future generations. However, most films were not primarily scripted by the brainchild ideas. This means that a substantial number of films were produced from already published literature such as books and novels among others. In light of this, the film-Wizard of Oz was not exceptional and thus borrowed most of its ideas from a past written book-The wonderful Wizard of Oz (The Guardian 2). Directed by Victor Fleming, the Wizard of Oz is a 1939 film that primarily borrows its storyline from Frank Baum’s children book the wonderful wizard of Oz. With a cast of ten characters, the Wizard of the Oz chronicles Dorothy and her dog Toto caught up in a tornado’s path that eventually lands them into the Land of Oz. Although things are better, the urge to go back home eats up Dorothy. Dorothy is overwhelmed by the events in the Land of Oz and is eager to leave the land for a better place, both for her and her dog Toto. However, a strong tornado strikes her and through the help of the Witch of the North, she eventually takes up the route home and together with her friends, they are rewarded with the desires by the Wizard of Oz. On the way, she meets a scarecrow, Tin man and a lion all with various needs. Scarecrow needs a brain; Tin man requires a heart whereas the lion is in dire need of courage. The Wizard of Oz is not a fable, but rather a parable on populism Wizard of the Oz is a film that has greatly applied symbolism in the actual realization of its theme. This is achieved through the use of symbolic characters with symbolic needs. The characters displayed the actual society of the time through their actions and language. Characters in the film are synchronized in a manner that they represent certain members of the society thus making them believable to the audience. According to filmsite.org (1) wizard of Oz film was produced in an attempt to represent the political situation at that time essentially the 1896 United States of America presidential election qualifying the film as a parable on populism. In light of this, the various casts were phenomenon in the actualization of the theme. The scarecrow represented the wise but naive western farmers, Tin Woodman played the role of the dehumanized, eastern factory workers whereas the Wicked Witch of the East symbolized the eastern industrialists and financial managers who had considerable control of the people. On the other hand, the good witch of the north and the good witch of the south characterized New England and the south respectively both of whom were populists’ strongholds. In a political perspective, the Wizard signified the republican presidential candidate William McKinley whereas the Cowardly lion played the democratic presidential candidate William Jennings. Additionally, Dorothy and her silver shoes were symbolic of the good natured American populace and silver standards respectively. Emerald city represented Washington D.C. Characterization is paramount in the realization of a classical film. In this regard, representation of wise but naive western farmers as the scarecrows played out well in the film. It showed that although they were wise the western farmers would be swayed aimlessly by the political cloud of the time. However, it illustrates that wisdom, although important should be used effectively and not in naivety. For instance, when scarecrow met Dorothy all he wanted was brain yet he was wise, an ironic illustration clearly portrayed by the film. This implies that wisdom without experience is dead and they must merge to produce maximum benefits. Additionally, Baum (15) asserts that Dorothy’s characterization is effectively brought out. As a representative of the American citizenry, Dorothy’s killing of the wicked witch of the East is symbolic of the defeat of the industrial bankers and their political allies that had for a long time oppressed the masses with their high interest rates. This had arguably affected the realization of financial stability among the citizens and the eventual killing by ‘Dorothy’ signified a new dawn in America. This is because the mid-western farmers were often enslaved by the bankers with their actions. Dorothy thus represented a new set of revolutionaries that were out to ensure cessation of the practice. Dorothy silver shoes, on the other hand were symbolic of the Silver Purchase Act of 1893 repealed during the reign of President Cleveland that wounded credit allocation. Clearly the wizard of Oz is quite a parable of populism (Rubatino, 221). According to IMDb (2) acquisition of the silver shoes by Dorothy from the good Witch of the North, a representative of the upper Midwest electorate that was home to populism was a welcome gesture that was crystallized by a kiss implying accreditation and support. Dorothy as illustrated in the film- wizard of the Oz portrays the real picture of the American people that is how the Americans themselves view themselves. For example, Dorothy is daring, independence and a woman of the people. In a spiritual perspective, Dorothy is a woman seeking redemption and enlightenment of the American people making its palatable for the viewer. On the other had, the cowardly lion in the film-wizard of the Oz is a representation of William Jennings, the democratic presidential candidate. Combination of the words coward and lion is quite ironical. This is because the lion as the king of the jungle is expected to be brave and lead the others in battles, but in the film-Wizard of the Oz, it’s direct opposite. This is probably to bring out the brave characteristic of Jennings, yet he is unsuccessful in his triple attempt to run for president. The zeal to run for president, for another period is the reason behind the coinage of the name cowardly lion-even after losing three times Jennings is upbeat to contest. The film illustrated the real picture of politicians in that although they possessed oratorical skills, no powers were evident (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Website 1). On the other hand, the Wizard as earlier noted in this paper represented the United States President. This is because the wizard appears in a different manner to all the characters in the movie, an illustration of how politicians change their images when in different situations to fit their interest. This trait was not only evident then but also is currently practiced. In light of this, political leaders calculate their speech effectively to ensure that their choice of words coincide with the interests of the public. For example, United States President Barrack Obama during his inauguration assured the Americans and the world in general on his willpower to fight terrorism since terrorism was the worst fear and challenge at the time. Historical context of depression and World War II and the theme of "there is no place like home The film-wizard of oz is a replica of the historical depression experienced in America whereby the farmers were unable to sustain themselves owing to huge interest rates imposed by the bankers. For example, financial institutions gave out credit to farmers’ exorbitantly without first looking at their financial strength of repayment thus ending up auctioneering their property. This widened the rich versus poor gap to an extent that a considerable percentage of Americans survived on meager income (Forte and Swain 89). The film was a historical production that not only propagated the message at the time of its release but also in modern times. Although its script emanated from a children’s book, it is vital to note that its primary goal was to inform the public on the events that shaped their political world and also agitate for change. In this regard, it proved that no matter the challenges that people underwent then, the best place was at home. This is portrayed by Dorothy who even after noticing the beauty at the Land of Oz, desired to go home. In addition, Dorothy’s return home was meant by problems that illustrate that freedom is bombarded by challenges and one must face them to emerge victorious. For instance, Dorothy submerged the witch of the east to emerge victorious. In this regard, the film illustrated that the people of America through collective participation and goodwill can eventually emerge from the dungeons of slavery and economic depression. Works Cited Baum, Frank. The Wizard of Oz (the Wonderful Wizard of Oz), NY: George Hill, 2008 Filmsite.org The Wizard of Oz (1939). Available from http://www.filmsite.org/wiza.html Retrieved on April 13, 2012, n.d Forte, Lucy, and Swain Cynthia. The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, 2010 IMDb. The Wizard of Oz (1939). Available from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138 Retrieved on April 13, 2012, n.d Rotten tomatoes. The Wizard of Oz, Available from www.rottentomatoes.com/.../1092277-wizard_of Oz Retrieved on April 13, 2012, n.d Rubatino, Michele. The Origin of the wonderful wizard of Oz, NY: Clarkson, 2010 The Guardian. The Wizard of Oz-review, Available from http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2011/mar/02/the-wizard-of-oz-review Retrieved on April 13, 2012, n.d The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Website. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Available from http://thewizardofoz.info/ Retrieved on April 13, 2012, n.d Read More