Wizard Of Oz Mise En Scene Analysis

The Wizard of Oz (1939) embodies the true magic of film, as it has the ability to sweep its audiences out of their seats and straight into the land of Oz with a young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland). Director Victor Fleming successfully carries out this transformation by use of vibrant color schemes, ornate set and scenery design, impeccable costuming, and captivatingly catchy soundtrack. Not to mention the brilliant acting of each and every cast member that makes suspension of disbelief an absolute breeze for anyone that views Wizard of Oz. Uniquely, for a production of the time period, Wizard of Oz begins in black and white and, through an exquisitely executed tornado scene, throws its viewers right into the middle of Munchkin Land with Dorothy. However, the black and white scenes can still hold their own in
In fact, Dorothy’s initial encounters with her three travel companions are so contagious that every viewer, regardless of age, will be compelled to join in by gleefully performing their own rendition of the songs in the crowd. Similarly, the dark and brooding music that accompanies the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton), which is perfectly paired with a fiery red fog, creates the perfect enigmatic mood to have everyone on the edge of their seats cautiously awaiting what new troubles lie in store for Dorothy and her friends. The Wizard of Oz can be regarded as nothing less than a cinematic masterpiece. With its use of vivacious Technicolor to its creation of the perfect movie atmosphere, audience members very often lose track of time while watching. Victor Fleming created such a realistic place in Oz that people, myself included, feel like they are a part of this film and that they, too, are following the yellow brick road to see the Wizard of