Intuitive post: I watched "The Wiz" last night on Netflix! I probably watched it once or twice since seeing it in the theater when it was first released in 1978. Much like you, though, the emotional songs and charm of casting Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow that captured my imagination as a child matured into another film by artfully, instead of unthinkingly, interpolating the sociopolitical concerns of the era as described in your post.
"The Wiz" is a black-centered story about, in part, how embarking on something new and unfamiliar can be uncomfortable and strange and disorienting. And that is okay. Have the courage to be yourself, letting others see who you really are, and your path forward has boundless potential. Also, it is important to do what you say you will do. But it is far from didactic, those "lessons" are imparted sincerely. The choreography, costumes and practical effects pull from a variety of influences, resulting in a magical land that resembles NYC during that decade, with the economic strife, the barrenness and haunted feeling of looking to get out: but shot through with color, lights as well as afro-futurism, old-timey curios, (black) culture and (black) identity.
I loved revisiting the film as an adult, now cognizant of subtext, Bill Blass eleganza and, I think, a nascent "dip" or "death drop"? (All respect, I don't want to fight over the parlance.)
Happy Black History Month to you! I am going to check out your other film recommendations, take care.
Intuitive post: I watched "The Wiz" last night on Netflix! I probably watched it once or twice since seeing it in the theater when it was first released in 1978. Much like you, though, the emotional songs and charm of casting Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow that captured my imagination as a child matured into another film by artfully, instead of unthinkingly, interpolating the sociopolitical concerns of the era as described in your post.
"The Wiz" is a black-centered story about, in part, how embarking on something new and unfamiliar can be uncomfortable and strange and disorienting. And that is okay. Have the courage to be yourself, letting others see who you really are, and your path forward has boundless potential. Also, it is important to do what you say you will do. But it is far from didactic, those "lessons" are imparted sincerely. The choreography, costumes and practical effects pull from a variety of influences, resulting in a magical land that resembles NYC during that decade, with the economic strife, the barrenness and haunted feeling of looking to get out: but shot through with color, lights as well as afro-futurism, old-timey curios, (black) culture and (black) identity.
I loved revisiting the film as an adult, now cognizant of subtext, Bill Blass eleganza and, I think, a nascent "dip" or "death drop"? (All respect, I don't want to fight over the parlance.)
Happy Black History Month to you! I am going to check out your other film recommendations, take care.
I've always wanted to make hot cocoa from scratch, and would kill for an earl grey syrup handy at home!
& I'm here with you, January was the longest 🫠
January was way way too long. Felt like punishment!! Glad to see February, and I can't wait for Spring.
Can’t believe we’re on the same Oz wavelength today😭
Truly!! What a way to start the week. 🌈🐦🩷