Cinematographic Techniques In The Wizard Of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a musical film with the incorporation of fantasy. Within this film the director, Victor Fleming and his colleagues collaborated to create one of the most iconic films in cinema history. During the 1940s, Fleming’s film was known for its color by use of the three-strip Technicolor. One of the first of its kind, the colored film influenced themes and aided to the success of the film. In addition, the director’s use of mise-en-scène techniques including, lighting, costumes, set design, and music successfully enhanced the film. The impeccable use of cinematographic techniques also heightens the film and aids to reveal character development. In order to properly analyze this film, an evaluation of the narrative structure, time, space, and sound must be done. Each of

The directors use of red is quite unique. Red often symbolizes danger, anger and power which are all characteristics that represent the Wicked Witch of the West. The village goes mute, as the Wicked Witch of the West, with a green wart filled face, black hat and broom, approaches Dorothy and Glinda in search for her dead sister’s ruby slippers. With them glued onto Dorothy’s feet the Wicked Witch threatens to take them one way or another. As Dorothy fills with fear she begins to change, as she realizes that Oz isn’t as flawless as she once thought. With Glinda’s guidance she advices Dorothy to seek the Wizard of Oz in order to get home as quickly as possible. Dorothy listens to her as her urge to go home grows stronger. Along her journey, Dorothy meets three individuals who help her get home. The first individual is the brainless Scarecrow, heartless Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Like Dorothy, each of these characters felt as though they were missing something from their live. However, through their journey they evolve and realized that they had what they wanted all