Wizard Of Oz Genre Analysis

Over the past century, film has served as a powerful means of communication to a global audience and has become a vital part of the contemporary culture in a world that is increasingly saturated by visual content. Due to the immediacy and the all-encompassing nature of film, the process of watching a film, is widely perceived to be a passive activity by the general masses. However, quoting Smith in his article about the study of film, “nothing could be further from the truth.” The study and understanding of film as an art form enhances the way we watch and appreciate films. It requires the audience's active participation and interaction with the film in order to fully comprehend the directors' intention behind every creative decision. With

The use of stylistic techniques such as sound, both diegetic and nondiegetic and the way characters act in The Wizard of Oz, showcases the conventions of a musical fantasy. In the scene where Dorothy sang her solo of “Somewhere over the Rainbow” ” is interwoven in the narrative of the film to illustrate and her underlying intention to flee away from home without her having to put it across in words to the audience. The tune of the song is tweaked and reproduced with variances and used throughout the film to highlight pivotal moments in the film, lending familiarity to us, channelling the same kind of hopefulness that Dorothy is feeling. The rhythm of the song also complements the musical film which accentuates the development of the narrative (Study Guide). The use of a diegetic sound in this case, enables a smooth transition of scenes and gives a flow to the plot. On the other hand, the use of nondiegetic sounds lends individuality to characters or signals the entrance of characters. For example, at the opening of the movie, Dorothy enters the frame by skipping along the path with Toto where her foot-steps were accompanied by fast-paced sound which accompanies her footsteps. Another example would be of Glinda the Good Witch has her own sound effects whereas the Wicked Witch of the West, is known for her unique cackle. In terms of acting, we note that the speech of characters in the film are highly exaggerated and their voices are high pitched with mock enthusiasm, which resonates with the theme of the film which is hope during difficult times. A scene where all these techniques together would be in the scene where Dorothy was about to meet her