Wednesday, September 15, 2004
| The Wizard of Oz is a movie that keeps me guessing. I've watched it a few times now. I've also read the book, which is quite an interesting diversion from the movie.
Two of the latest things to note about The Wizard of Oz... First, Dorothy lands in Oz and of all places, Munchkinland. To me, this is the ultimate example of culture shock. Dorothy says, "We're definitely not in Kansas anymore" and "We must be on the other side of the rainbow." I love her reaction to the new digs. In terms of culture shock, she does pretty well to cope with the place. The munchkins couldn't be more bizarre and the songs couldn't be more odd. The colours are every version of flourescent and yet mushes into one bright blob. On a more distant note, the munchkins overwhelming necessity to tell Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road, over and over again, reminds me of being in another place, more specifically a different culture, where it is common for people to fall all over themselves to help you get where you want to go. Second, the state of the Scarecrow is something I wish I could have. You may ask, why would Esther not want to have a brain? Well, if I compare the Scarecrow to that of the Tinman or the Lion, I'd rather be the Scarecrow. A lack of a brain would be the best combination, because I would have a heart and courage. A heart combined with courage would default the need of a brain. Plus, there are days I wish I wouldn't have a brain at all. Some days, the brain would be best if it were turned off altogether. Yes, I choose the Scarecrow. |
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The Wizard of Oz is a classic - I love the transition from b&w to colour! I've used it as an illustration for describing culture as well - only in my case a discussion on postmodernism for one of the classes I teach. I propose that we in a sense are all Dorothys - eversearching for the truth and leading others to find what they are looking for. We lead not as experts (as previous generations have) but as fellow travellers.
In regards to your comments of wanting to be like Scarecrow - I'm not sure that not having a brain means you have courage but I've heard ignorance is bliss! If my memory serves me correctly the story ends with the revelation that they've always had what they were looking for! From the sounds of things - you've got all three!
In regards to your comments of wanting to be like Scarecrow - I'm not sure that not having a brain means you have courage but I've heard ignorance is bliss! If my memory serves me correctly the story ends with the revelation that they've always had what they were looking for! From the sounds of things - you've got all three!
Garth,
I too love the transition from Black&White to colour - it's a fabulous choice.
I like what you have to say about all of us being Dorothys. It's so true that in order to search for the answers that perplex us, rather than travel alone, we must have others to bounce off of in order to find our way. That is a wonderful example of a personal journey. Maybe a reason for this blog....
Hmmm... I hear what you mean about the Scarecrow and his 'brain'. I guess I always feel the need to identify with a character in a movie, thus the comparison. I'm also so absorbed in school right now that my brain simply hurts with information overload - thus the brainless fantasy.
Cheers to having all three - brain, heart, and courage(growl)!
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I too love the transition from Black&White to colour - it's a fabulous choice.
I like what you have to say about all of us being Dorothys. It's so true that in order to search for the answers that perplex us, rather than travel alone, we must have others to bounce off of in order to find our way. That is a wonderful example of a personal journey. Maybe a reason for this blog....
Hmmm... I hear what you mean about the Scarecrow and his 'brain'. I guess I always feel the need to identify with a character in a movie, thus the comparison. I'm also so absorbed in school right now that my brain simply hurts with information overload - thus the brainless fantasy.
Cheers to having all three - brain, heart, and courage(growl)!
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