The Wizard of Oz by Victor Fleming

“The Wizard of Oz” by Victor Fleming follows the life of Dorothy, a young woman from Kansas who is swept away by a tornado and taken to the magical Land of Oz. In her quest to return home, she comes across different characters who help her find her journey back to Kansas. These characters include the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion (Fleming 17). As Dorothy travels through Oz, she experiences various obstacles, such as encountering the wicked Witch of the West. This witch is determined to stop her from accessing the Wizard. As they move toward their destiny, Dorothy and her companions learn essential lessons about courage, self-discovery and friendship. Finally, Dorothy meets Wizard in the Emerald City with her friends’ help but realizes he is not what he seems. This film is a classic tale that has entertained people for decades through its memorable characters, themes and iconic songs. It is also known for using the Technicolor effect that brings the vivid world of Oz to the screen (Fleming 23). Since time immemorial, this movie has remained one of the most beloved films, celebrated for its heartwarming story that appeals to people of all ages.

This film explores themes such as home and family, courage and bravery, and self-discovery and identity. The theme of home and family is shown through Dorothy’s desire to return to her home throughout the film. Dorothy expresses her deep connection with her home in Kansas and aspires to return to her family (Carr et al. 34). Other characters, such as the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Tin Man, also express their desire to have a place to call home. This film shows that home and family gives a sense of safety, belonging, and comfort that holds a special place in people’s heart. Additionally, the film highlights the theme of courage and bravery through the challenges Dorothy and her companions face on their quest for Wizard. However, despite facing these dangers, they exhibit courage in the face of fear to reach their destination. For instance, Dorothy shows courage when she confronts the Wicked Witch of the West, exposing herself to dangers (Carr et al. 57). This theme shows that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to push on amid fear to do what is right.

Additionally, this film highlights the theme of self-discovery and self-identity. Dorothy and her companions embark on the journey of self-discovery. For instance, Dorothy transforms by learning to believe in herself and her ability. She realizes she has the power to overcome obstacles by finding her way back home (Carr et al. 60). The Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man also undergo self-discovery, realizing they have the qualities they have been searching for all long. The theme of self-discovery and self-identity convey the idea that people have inherent abilities and strengths. Therefore, people can achieve their true potential and identity if they accept and believe in themselves.

When people Revisit “The Wizard of Oz” as adults, they get a unique perspective and appreciation of the film. As people age, they discover new details and understand references and allusions they missed as children. Additionally, people develop new emotional connections with the characters and themes. One thing that stands out is how people perceive characters as a child and adults. As a child, many people identified themselves with Dorothy due to her courage, but as they age, they start to understand other characters such as Hunk, Zeke and Hickory (LeRoy, Mervyn and Victor 3). Hunk transforms into Scarecrow, Zeke becomes Cowardly Lion, and Hickory becomes Tin Man. The complexity of their personality, growth and struggles in the film becomes more apparent, adding depth to the viewing experience.

For instance, in Kansas, Hunk is initially portrayed as a carefree and clumsy farmhand. However, when he transforms into a Scarecrow, he becomes a lovable and endearing character in the face of adversity. Scarecrow is shown as lacking a brain; therefore, he constantly seeks wisdom and knowledge, representing the value of intelligence and the pursuit of knowledge in the film. Despite his perceived lack of intelligence, he displays his cleverness in the face of challenges. This cleverness is seen when Dorothy and her friends encounter a chasm on their way to Emerald City. The Scarecrow proposes using a long pole to create a bridge that allows them to cross safely (LeRoy, Mervyn and Victor 5). His ability to think and develop solutions demonstrates his resourcefulness within the group.

Secondly, Zeke is portrayed as a boastful farmhand in Kansas but becomes fearful after transforming into Cowardly Lion in Oz. The Cowardly Lion is seen seeking courage and struggling with self-doubt. He represents the virtue of courage and the internal battle that people experience when finding their inner strength. The Cowardly Lion learns that courage is facing fear and taking a step. Furthermore, Hickory is portrayed as a resourceful farmhand in Kansas, but after transforming into Tin Man in Oz, he becomes a sympathetic character (LeRoy, Mervyn and Victor 5). The Tin Man is depicted as a person yearning for emotions and compassion. He shows the importance of empathy and human connection. He shows the importance of love, empathy and kindness, conveying a vital message on the human capacity for compassion. The transformation of these characters represents the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Together they form a variable combination that helps Dorothy reach the Wizard of Oz and find her way back while communicating important lessons on wisdom, compassion and courage.

Additionally, watching the film as an adult improves my understanding of historical events and social context. For instance, an adult can relate to the growing war in Europe and the Great Depression, embedded in the film’s dialogue, lyrics and visual cues. These references to real-life experiences add depth and complexity to the story allowing a deeper understanding of the film’s themes and messages. Moreover, one can appreciate the technical aspects of the film. The film used the Technicolor Effect, created by a modified motion picture camera that takes multiple copies of the same scene and colours them using different film strips (Mayer 14). These strips are then processed differently and used to place color onto each finished print of the film. This exceptional use of the Technicolor effect in the film can be more noticeable and inspiring to adults. They can also appreciate the designs, costumes and attention to detail used to set the world of Oz, indicating the film’s craftsmanship and artistry.

Nonetheless, the film uses iconic songs such as “Somewhere over the Rainbow” and “If I Only Had a Brain,” which are more relatable to adults. These songs trigger memories and evoke emotions and desires among adults. As a result, unlike children, they elicit emotional responses due to their life experiences of ups and downs. Lastly, adults are in a better position to understand themes and symbolism. For instance, this film has been considered to reflect political and social issues of that time, such as industrialization, the Great Depression, and the desire for self-identity. Adults are in a better position for these themes and their relevance to the historical and cultural context of the film (Mayer 17). Therefore, watching this film as an adult enables them to appreciate the work of the film’s technical and visual aspects. Additionally, adults are better positioned to understand themes and symbolism in the film and create a personal connection based on their life experiences. As a result, adults gain a better viewing experience of the film than viewing as a child.

In conclusion, “The Wizard of Oz” is an all-time classic film that captivates audiences of all ages with memorable characters, themes and iconic songs. It explores the themes of home and family, courage and bravery, and self-identity. Through the characters of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, the film highlights the importance of believing in yourself, facing your fears and embracing empathy. Revisiting this film as an adult helps me better understand the characters and their struggles. It also helps people to understand the social and historical contexts of the industrial period of 1933. Therefore, “The Wizard of Oz” remains a beloved film that inspires and entertains generations with its heartwarming story and universal themes.

Work Cited

Carr, M. J., et al. The Wizard of Oz: A Novelization. Scholastic Paperbacks, 1993.

Fleming, Victor, et al. The Wizard of Oz. Turner Entertainment, 2005.

LeRoy, Mervyn, and Victor Fleming. “The Wizard of Oz.” (No Title) 1939.

Mayer. “The Wizard of Oz (Victor Fleming 1939), Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.” UNESCO, 2006, en.unesco.org/memoryoftheworld/registry/607.