Analysis of the Film The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Movie Review Example

Analysis of the Film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (1939) While there are a number of ways to perceive downright entertainment in the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’, Victor Fleming seemingly allows to attach with it a view of wonders and fantasy which are deeply embedded in the reality of American society for which the idea of populism has since prevailed. As it attempts to comply with the original concept of L. Frank Baum’s novel, the theme of 1939’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ which starred Judy Garland for the lead of Dorothy Gale highly proposes the essence of friendship in trying times though to an implicit extent, it further goes to signify how life with family creates a profound value despite hardships and misunderstandings. Hence, the line ‘There’s no place like home’ in the brief moment of talk between Glinda and Dorothy makes a remarkable scene which the film history registers down the memory lane with keen inspiration. One implicit argument that the filmmaker quite substantiates the motion picture with is the fact of life regarding ordinary decisions a person makes. When a person chooses to proceed with ways that are marked by her rebellious state of being, as in Dorothy’s case, the consequences of the choice become means for one to realize any shortcomings then inner strength by which to find resolution for the latter. Realistically, this makes a sound proposition that eventually yields to the morale of the story. As it happens in daily life, the film manages to convey the truth in seizing opportunity to escape from unpleasant situations of everyday living just as when Dorothy feels the want to get rid of troubles at the farm with her aunt and uncle. However, the film directs such argument into an inference that avoiding conflicts in life would later demand responsibility for the actions taken. With reference to the more obvious part of the subject, the filmmaker appears to enthuse life’s constant fact that by one’s sole endeavor, it would be difficult to attain sense of fulfilment. In the story, Dorothy meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion on her journey to the Emerald City. Though each of these creatures differ greatly from each other with respect to non-human material characteristics, altogether they possess distinct human traits that complement those of the Kansas girl. Under these circumstances, the four become great friends as they inevitably give one another a hand in overcoming the obstacles encountered. At this stage, the film clearly inculcates to the psyche the significance of friendship that works in good and bad times alike. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ specifically promotes the notion that regardless of the predictable capability of an individual to emerge as a hero or heroine in most cases like Dorothy, there comes a turning point when companions are amply necessitated in completing not only the set tasks or mission but also the state of happiness in all sorts of adventures experienced. On the other hand, through in-depth examination, the creation of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ may be found to form an argument that suggests typical culture and ‘populist ideology’. By presenting the rural conditions of an American small town where tending farm is the chief source of livelihood, the film communicates the value of familial ties and associated hard-work thereof. It seeks to establish agreement to the type of American society during the 1930s when the extended period of industrialization from the Gilded Age brought about several revolutionary ideas which took effect via the outcomes perceived in the drastic change in both the economy and the general community lifestyle. In particular, the ‘yellow brick road’ which symbolizes ‘gold’ and the rainbow’s end bearing a ‘pot of gold’ both represent the principle of prosperity which can only be achieved through enthusiastic attitude toward work while holding ‘family’ essential in the process. It stresses consideration to how the strength of family bond impacts either individual or collective behavior on obtaining the prosperous ends so desired. The film likely projects certain undertones of economic struggle of the era as it assumes the role of exaggerating the movie’s sound effects, thematic music, and flowery exchange of dialogues to go with all the magical sceneries that stir wild imagination for children and adults to acquire inspiration in the midst of nationwide depression. This is seen to potentially divert the focus of struggling mass to the hope-filled images and relatable philosophical fantasies invested upon by the entertainment industry. Nearly because of films like ‘The Wizard of Oz’, the country or at least the viewing population had been able to adopt wondrous perceptions over oppressive occurrences of the economically dramatic period. Consequently, even if unresolved social and cultural issues at their heights got in the way, American people had discovered a great deal of encouragement in allowing fictions and rich tales to stimulate their exhausted senses made pale by impoverished rural and urban lives. On capturing further interest of its audience with thoughtful insights besides magic, Fleming’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ draws in a watcher to connect personal incidents with the familiar characterization of human nature by Dorothy’s special friends. Since the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion initially lack brain, heart, and courage, respectively, these stated common imperfections readily enable a viewer to assess one’s own weaknesses and perhaps obtain enhancement by following the examples set by the three fictitious creatures known to have surpassed the old negative attributes with the unconscious discovery of knowledge, compassion, and braveness along the adventurous path to the wizard. Moreover, the film is cautious in supporting the principal argument that there is no way that ‘evil’ would triumph over the ‘good’. The mainstream belief of power with the authority as portrayed by the Wicked Witch of the West guides understanding of the truth that excessive use of power driven by selfish interests is not bound to last. The film argues as well that, in addition to the success and conquest of the good, those who possess authentic power and sensible wisdom do not necessarily occur to be the way they are on the outside. At the latter portion of the story, to the surprise of Dorothy and friends after dog Toto hints at the chamber entry, the revelation that the wizard is actually a mere human operator of a machine provides justice to yet another position – that no matter how huge and intimidating industries of the earth could get, still, men in basic form and not any other extraordinary beings, are the ones responsible for running the world. Read More