Responding to "The Wizard of Oz"
Read
Roger Ebert’s review of “The Wizard of Oz” and respond to one or two things he
says about the film. Be specific when you mention Ebert’s ideas and agree or
disagree (say why you do) with him. Write your answer in a paragraph and post it
to the blog before coming to class next week.
For me, “The Wizard of Oz” was a yearly TV tradition when I grew up. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have seen it; strangely enough, in the early years I watched the whole film in black and white! When Roger Ebert says that Judy Garland “projected vulnerability and a certain sadness” I have to agree. Luckily, I never knew of her troubled life when a child—I just loved her and the film. Did I instinctively know that the film had “universal appeal”? No, but I loved “The Wizard of Oz” in a way different from other films I saw as a child. To see Dorothy in control while the real wizard was not perhaps spoke to me as it did to Salman Rushdie (and many others). And, since I am known as a homebody, truly I deeply feel her famous line, “There’s no place like home.” I’m sorry to have missed watching the film again with you on Thursday, but promise we can see some of the charming special features together next week! I’m certain, as Ebert says, that the film reminds us of “the journey we have taken.” I will see it again (and again) that is sure.
ReplyDeleteI watched “The Wizard of Oz”, in my Family Study class. After class, I saw it again at home because I was attracted to Dorothy’s character, played by Judy Garland. “Garland’s whole persona projected a tremulous uncertainty, a wistfulness.” I agree with what Ebert said. She met a number of strange characters, for instance, Scarecrow, Tim man, Cowardly Lion, the Good Witch of the North, The Wicked Witch of the West, and Professor Marvel. At first, she felt timid but she still showed her courage. Her face is full of curiosity and longing. I adore her cute face. On the other hand, Dorothy is a kind girl. She loves the cute dog, Toto, and protects it from being sold to a lady. Moreover, she helps Scarecrow, Tim man, and Cowardly Lion, to find their shortages, such as the brain, the heart, and courage. “In helping them, Dorothy was helping herself.” The four of them with Toto had a thrilling and wonderful journey. I like the scene where Dorothy said that “there is no place like home.” When she lay on her bed, she knew that she had a wonderful journey, even though her aunt assumed she had a nightmare. Is it a real journey or a strange dream. “The Wizard of Oz” furnishes “a large space in our imagination.”
ReplyDeleteI first watched "The Wizard of Oz" in 1978 grade 5 at Stwamas Elementary in Squamish B.C were i spent much of my childhood.I must admit that i was not to thrilled after watching it in school (i blame my father) he had taken myself and my older brother to North Vancouver the weekend before to see the George Lucas film "Star Wars".I was ten years old and after watching "Star Wars" nothing would compare, so the "Wizard Of Oz" was a bitter disappointment.After having kids of my own and watching the movie again i gained a much better appreciation for the film.I agree with the comment Roger Ebert said "the ending always seemed poignant" Dorthy had a grand adventure,overcame great obstacles and made three friends along her journey and her fate was to be back on a farm in Kansas to tell you the truth i would have preferred to stay in Oz .It was a joy to watch "The Wizard of Oz " as i get older i gain much more appreciation for the film every time i see it.
ReplyDelete