The Wizard Of Oz | Psychological Analysis | the heart's desire and the guilt of journey

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Yes, the fact I said this film has amazing special effects for its time is undermined by my later discovery about some of the horrors behind the scenes of this film...and also what Judy Garland was put through... I probably should've researched that before, not after, making the video... Patreon link - www.patreon.com/mylittlethoughttree Timestamps: Intro - 00:00 Summary - 01:23 General Meaning - 03:33 Psychological Quest - 06:32 Dorothy's Change - 18:45 Symbolism - 23:25 The Power of Dream - 27:54

[@trinaq]

Poor Judy, she was 16 while making this film, yet she had to appear younger. It can't have been easy, but that proves what a treasure she was. It's a shame that her life was so tragic! 😭💔

[@saskoilersfan]

You know my name. We should chat about John f Kennedy and the Oz curse. So explain the Oz syndrome. I can't unsee Az shooting Kennedy. I don't see Os shooting Kennedy. I wasn't the one who said Kennedy and magical trajectories by Os. I would have said Oz. Just finish wizard of Oz connected to president mckinnley... Just finished wizard of Oz and Kennedy.. Why are my connections to C s Lewis and why I know about JFK and Judy Garland. Why I collected the JFK Dorothy gale 50 cent piece.. But no JFK and Jackie 50 cent piece...? Why I know about John Kennedy and Judy Garland and Judy Garland house in Hyannis Port...

[@saskoilersfan]

@@trinaq she is connected to Kennedy Oz assasination.

[@forrestdupre87]

The Muppet uses the most source material

[@fiery_scream]

@@saskoilersfan Dude, you talk like a letter-of-the-english-alphabet-that-shall-not-be-named anon post. I hope you're just high on something good and not actually in distress.

[@trinaq]

It's fascinating to note that Margaret Hamilton, the actress behind the nasty Wicked Witch, was a friendly, loving woman who had once been a kindergarten teacher prior to becoming an actress. In fact, she once appeared on Mr Rogers' show to explain to young viewers that she was only pretending to be mean.

[@geekexmachina]

its also interesting that Sir Robert Helpmann who played the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was also a lovely man who adored children

[@saskoilersfan]

The kinder garden teacher who taught Lee Harvey Oswald .

[@johngreen8344]

I remember Margaret Hamilton talking to an audience on the Wizard of Oz VHS, about how she was contacted about a role in the film that was being adapted from the book. She said how she'd loved the story since she was little. She asked what role they were offering her. They said, 'The witch.' She said, 'The witch?!' Then they said, 'Yes, what else?' I never knew how else she reacted to that statement, because the snippet didn't last long, but the jovial way she told the story made me love her personality, even though it took me a while before I could see the Witch as a character, rather than the fearsome being she was when I first saw her.

[@gracehaven5459]

@@geekexmachina that character gave me nightmares like no other lol

[@patiencekillz]

I think I heard somewhere that she and Judy Garland got on really well? I could be totally wrong though 😬

[@hgman3920]

My biggest take-away from this video, something I'd never pondered before even though I've seen The Wizard of Oz dozens of times over the years, is the parallel between the Wicked Witch and the Wizard. Both of them are full of bluster and show, but not much more (in terms of tropes, their greatness and evilness, respectively, are nothing more than informed abilities). In the grand scheme of things, the witch is as much of a threat as the Wizard is of assistance. Thank you for pointing out something I've missed for 50 years

[@TheHopperUK]

The witch is *very* scary when you're little. She has a loud voice and she's so aggressive, she threatens to kill, her cackling laugh - she's not really scary to an adult but when you're five she's terrifying. Great video!

[@charcoal8]

I didn't find it scary as a kid though I was a couple years older when I saw it, but return to Oz was another story. The wheelers and the witch's heads were the stuff of nightmares for years. Even as an adult it makes my skin crawl. 😅

[@TheHopperUK]

@@charcoal8 The WHEELERS. They were both terrifying and fascinating to me as a kid.

[@Ælfgifu-1]

And, the ironic part is that Margaret Hamilton was, by all accounts, a super nice person who loved children. She was a kindergarten teacher before she became an actress!

[@nineteenfortyeight]

The monkeys and the guards were the scary ones to me. Uncanny.

[@something_in_the_radiator1665]

her and miss Hannigan scared me.

[@johngreen8344]

Has anyone else read the Dorothy Must Die series? It's a phenomenal dark take on Oz, showing how distorted and bleak things became when Dorothy returned. It's a hard series to talk about without spoiling it, but it is severely underrated.

[@joshrussell4021]

It’s fantastic. What an amazing series. Very basically, it’s best summed up as “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Completely worth the read

[@johngreen8344]

@@joshrussell4021 Absolutely! I'm nervous about revealing spoilers, so I'll be vague about them, just in case. There are so many scenes that send shivers down my spine with the hauntingly beautiful writing, but I love how it integrates so much from the books and movies, finding a way to critique them, while using them to enhance the impact of the story. When I first read Jellia Jamb's final scene and what ultimately happened to her, it was seared into my memory for many months after reading. The same happened in Wicked Will Rise, where Amy confronted everything in the fog. I love the likening of magic to a drug, while also showing how magic is alive and will take it's own form. Especially when reading from Dorothy's perspective, to see how far removed she had become from the one who wrote in her notebook. I can't type too much more, for fear I'll start repeating points, but I'd love to discuss the series with you, if you'd be up for it. Either way, I hope you have a fantastic day!

[@patiencekillz]

@@johngreen8344 omg now I want to read it!

[@johngreen8344]

@@patiencekillz It's well worth a read! I've read them through several times and still get blown away, even when I know what's coming. Hope you enjoy them!

[@fiery_scream]

I've heard of it but haven't read it yet! I've read a series by Gregory Maguire *very* loosely based on the Wizard of Oz universe though lol. I'll have to check out Dorothy Must Die! :)

[@girliboi]

one thing to keep in mind: while judy was 16 during filming, the studio made a concerted effort to try and make her appear younger: putting her on a diet, binding her bustline down, childlike hair/wardrobe, etc, hoping to get her to pass for something closer to 12 or 13.. . it was arguably not all that successful, but knowing that might help explain some of the childish naivete of the character that doesn't quite land otherwise (falling for professor marvel's routine, vowing to never leave home again, etc).. . execs at MGM did briefly consider going with a younger actress for the role, but at the end of the day, it was a big budget musical and judy had the voice..

[@randomrose6398]

I’ve also read before (no source offhand, sorry! I’m sure it can be found tho) that Shirley Temple was considered for the role, but her mom or manager wouldn’t allow it because of concerns over workplace safety/dynamics. Looking at what happened with Judy Garland, it seems like it was a very reasonable concern.

[@allegra0]

Apart from that slight bust I think she did look 12 or 13…and very pretty.

[@messinalyle4030]

"I'll never leave again" is probably just meant to be interpreted as the kind of black and white statement a young girl her age would make, with very limited ability to conceptualize how much she will change as a person as she grows older. I mean, how old was she, eleven? Was that right? When I was that age, I never would have dreamed that I would end up changing in the ways that I have.

[@TheHopperUK]

Yeah, I think she's meant to be around 11 or 12. Almost ready to start reaching towards adulthood, but not quite.

[@Ælfgifu-1]

@@TheHopperUK Exactly! It didn't mean she would stay on the farm forever. But, she would finish growing up, and be a part of her aunt's and uncle's lives. When she is grown, and really ready to fly the coop, she can do so with her aunt's and uncle's blessing, and, still be part of their lives. When kids grow up and move out, they stay in touch with their parents and still visit and see them.

[@maliaferry8212]

Judy was 16 when she performed as Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ, so I always thought that Dorothy was 16

[@Ælfgifu-1]

@@maliaferry8212 Dorothy was a bit younger -- between 12 and 14 (or, so I once read.) Judy Garland had to wear a corset that made her look younger.

[@drf6377]

the idea the story was trying to communicate is that girls shouldn't try to find there dreams outside of the boundaries of their homes

[@summerrose8110]

Rest in peace, Judy Garland.❤🙏

[@TheNotverysocial]

Whole cast.

[@ericstoverink6579]

To be fair to the wizard, in the scene where he gives the gifts he does explain to each of them that they always had what they were seeking, "and they have no more brains than you have..." etc. The trinkets he gives them, I think, are given as reminders to themselves that they indeed possess great intelligence, compassion and courage. So those gestures were not quite so empty.

[@Hereticsbiblestudy]

Kinda like professor marvel telling Dorothy the ‘lie’ that her aunt is sad because she’s missing

[@realdealastrology9]

Whatever we desire is already within us. That's the simple message in a nutshell.

[@megmeanders7210]

I kinda hate the 'it was all a dream trope' but this movie still seems revolutionary for it's time. Loved this breakdown ! Small creator here 🖐

[@shinetilly]

The books came out first around the turn of the century and have even less of a cohesive message. Mostly just fantastical and fun. I liked one theory talking about how this movie was trying to convince women not to leave the home for work. It’s an oversimplification but an interesting one to think about with the time period the film was created

[@edmann1820]

It's an allegory for the American populist party. The populist party were running on a policy of returning to the silver standard. The slippers were silver in the book representing that. The yellow brick road was the gold standard leading to the "greenback" city of Oz. Oz is also the shortened version of ounce the weight of measure for gold and silver. The scarecrow represents the agricultural labourers who lack the brains to effect political change. The tin man represents urban, industrial workers who lack the heart to stand with the agricultural workers. The cowardly lion is the political class who lack the courage and conviction to stand up to the industrial titans of the east and west coast. The message is "uniting under the populist party, returning to the silver standard as that will bring us back to safety and security".

[@maryann7619]

@@edmann1820 Excellent summary. Does the "Cross of Gold" fit in somewhere?

[@edmann1820]

@@maryann7619 I'm far from an expert on the wizard of Oz or the politics of the time. But I have read that William Jennings Bryan was the cowardly lion in some people's eyes.

[@KOTEBANAROT]

the books are filled with references to alchemy as the author was involved with the occult, being a member of the Theosophical society

[@barbarabaker1457]

I could have sworn I read his mother was an old style feminist but I could be wrong.

[@sagejungwirth4155]

Dorthey may have abandonment issues/trauma coming from what ever happened with her parents. she desperately wants her aunt and uncle to protect her from the world (like her parents would have) and when they cant/wont, these feelings shift to guilt, she thinks she is the cause of people abandoning her (her aunt dieing due to her running away) even though its not really rational.

[@SeyaDiakite7]

Some people are always like: « why didn’t Glinda told Dorothy about the slippers’s powers to bring her home? She’s evil » (although she was kind of wrong for taunting the wicked witch with her sister’s death and sending Dorothy on a life threatening quest.) But, at the beginning of the movie, Dorothy was constantly begging for help to everyone around her and she would had remained that way if she teleported back home after killing the witch of the east. But with her journey, she rescued the scarecrow from the pole, helped him realize his wisdom, rescued the Tin man from staying rusted, helped the cowardly lion get brave, she freed the winkies from the wicked witch’s tyranny and made the wizard realize he doesn’t need to be the « wizard » everyone thought he was. With the journey, she became wiser, heroic rather than running away from troubles.

[@kiranolan7104]

I never found any part of this film boring. To me it's perfect.

[@nicoladouglas3270]

Boring is for those with no imagination!!!

[@gwendolynn7314]

@@nicoladouglas3270 like me. Lol.

[@barrybuckingham6604]

Excellent analysis. I disagree though that there’s no real fear of danger in the film. You watched it for the first time as an adult but the witch and winged monkeys are frequently cited as too terrifying for children. I think the film has the perfect balance. Interesting for adults but appealing to children.

[@jefftaylor3109]

Per the transition from sepia b&w to technicolor. That part was essentially from the original book. It goes into great detail about how the farm, the surrounding Kansas landscape, and even Dorthy’s aunt and uncle are all gray and drained of color from the sun and the other elements, with the only lively, colorful things being Dorthy and Toto. Then when they land in Oz, everything is bright and colorful.

[@hefellfromneptune]

wow the movie is way deeper than i realized

[@ocnlvr]

Dorothy is a child. She doesn't understand that Miss Gulch is threatening her aunt and uncle with losing their farm if they choose to disregard the letter she has from the Sheriff. I don't know what the time period was supposed to be, but if the movie takes place during The Great Depression, it would be understandable that her aunt and uncle are hesitant to lose their one source of income (and that of the farmhands).

[@spencerfrankclayton4348]

The movie is definitely set later than the book; it was published in 1900.

[@bridgetclarke6093]

I think the ending when shes saying shes never going to leave means she wont leave herself and not escape into things that she is trying to grasp outside of herself. So within, so without

[@Mer_girl]

I can't explain to you how much I love your video. I can't believe it doesn't have more likes

[@DylanMadd]

This was on tv all the time when I was growing up. Maybe it’s just certain holidays cuz it’s been a while since I’ve seen it too. But wow, never to have seen this film?!? Parents: get on that!! This is a classic!!

[@hilary7654]

It was definitely on when he was little, he just ignored it!

[@wdvest8333]

This is perhaps the most informative AND direct analysis of ANYTHING I've ever seen! Good luck

[@Ælfgifu-1]

The Witch could have easily ended Dorothy immediately. But, what was the fun in that (from her perspective.) She took joy in watching Dorothy's anguish. That was why she set the hourglass, and left Dorothy to literally watch her the rest of her life drain away.

[@melenatorr]

The Witch is motivated by two objectives: revenge for the death of her sister and possession of the ruby shoes. Glinda says the shoes are on Dorothy, and there they will stay. When captured, Dorothy offers the shoes to the witch, but they won't come off, and hurt the witch when she comes near them. That's why she says it's important to plan the spell carefully. Dorothy must die in a way that will make the shoes removable. The witch doesn't value or fear Dorothy, or think of her as anything other than an object to defeat. Dorothy herself, as seen, calls herself small and meek. But she's the one who smacks the Lion when they first meet him and he's attacking the Scarecrow. She rebukes the Wizard when the Lion faints. And she's the one who throws the water that kills the witch, and she does it to save the Scarecrow. At heart, she's protective and loving; her most significant direct actions are done, from the start of the story, to protect what she feels needs protecting. There may be guilt about Aunt Em, but her language also refers to the need to be responsible for the care of someone. In the end, the shoes, the things that the witch valued over her, are what takes her home. The last line includes "Because I love you all", the importance of which she comes to understand. Similarly, by the way, the gathered group mentions that they "almost lost her", and I bet: Aunt Em and Uncle Henry won't sit back anymore, and that Miss Gulch won't stand a chance to do anything to wise little Toto.

[@Ælfgifu-1]

@@melenatorr Quite true! How could I have forgotten about the slippers not coming off for the Witch? That was why she needed to kill Dorothy in order to get them. That shouldn't have been too difficult -- after all, the poppy/opium overdose in the field nearly worked, so, Dorothy was not invincible, even with the slippers. I absolutely agree about Aunt Em and Uncle Henry making more of an effort to stand up to Miss Gulch after Dorothy's injury. I always wondered if Gulch had, perhaps, returned before Dorothy awoke, and was put in her place by the aunt and uncle, as well as by the farmhands (who also seemed to love Dorothy.)

[@kev8346]

She couldnt get to her if the ruby slippers were on , they were on in the hourglass scene

[@retrogore420]

I look at Toto as her ego; leading her in to trouble, fearing the death of it and searching for gold. She loves Toto more than her family. She realizes throughout the film that wherever her ego leads her, she will find peace through honest love and not necessarily just through the love of her own ego.

[@Two-HeadedBoy]

You absolutely have to make a video about Return to Oz, or at least watch it. It's very very underrated mostly because it isn't related to the original movie and people weren't expecting that, or expecting it to be so dark. It's extremely creative though and there's nothing like it.

[@lilMissmAlice]

Here to second this. Return to Oz is such a good, weird, niche movie and I just love it. Fairuza Balk, every odd puppet and scene-chewing villain gives me life

[@Lynwood_Jackson]

I really enjoyed your interpretation of The Wizard of Oz. I think it's important to consider the time in which they decided to adapt this story for the screen - and in color for the first time. The Emerald City wasn't actually green, but appeared green through Emerald-colored glasses until everyone accepted that this was the true color of the place. The people therein believed without questioning what was going on around them. As a result of the dust bowl and the introduction of tractors, people had been leaving their farms in droves and heading for the cities in search of work. These cities would've been completely foreign worlds and difficult to adapt to; making it easier for people to get taken advantage of or swayed to believe rhetoric, because they never really questioned what was going on around them. Just my take.

[@johndoh1000]

You couldn’t have released this video like two months earlier? I went hitchhiking and was incredibly disillusioned about the nobility of it.

[@LisaRichards_123]

I thought for sure you were talk about the flying monkeys, and that psychological phenomenon, where the term came from, which was this movie.

[@RobinMarks1313]

Self contentment is like a firefly. It's a bright blink of light that comes to life in the dark, and disappears as quickly as it appeared.

[@realdealastrology9]

What people absolutely fail to notice is that this movie is all about death, the afterlife, past lives, and future lives. It literally proves that there is life after death, which is why I watch this movie religiously at least once or twice a week. It's that powerful, and it enthralls the masses because of its grip on the human unconscious. It's also extremely important to know that L. Frank Baum was a theosophist. What is theosophy? "Theosophy holds a monist position that there exists a single divine Absolute and articulates an emanationist cosmology in which the universe is perceived as outward reflections from this Absolute. The purpose of human life is spiritual emancipation and the human soul undergoes reincarnation upon bodily death according to a process of karma." Furthermore, the slogan for theosophy is "There is no religion higher than truth." ----- "There is no place like home." NEED I SAY MORE? Absolutely not. I just nailed the exact interpretation of this movie according to L. Frank Baum. You're welcome!!! Hopefully, my revelation here causes millions of people to see this movie in a brand new light.

[@rolandcooke]

The Wicked Witch of the West...the first Bond villain?! :D

[@saskoilersfan]

Hilarious misperception.. Glennda was the bond villian who set up Dorothy for rubies death... Hero was a zero... Just like jack Ruby... From wizard of Oz with Judy Garland to revenge of Os with Judy and ends with Dorothy death.

[@RJ_Ehlert]

Good job thought tree. The books will lead you on a crazy mind-bending ride.

[@raywilliams212]

I'm off to see the video, your wonderful video on Oz!

[@mikedaniels3009]

It amazes me how you and other academicians gut this simple story of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" that was written solely to please children of today and aspires to being a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.

[@lolapkh]

Thank you for this! I really enjoyed your thoughts on "The Wizard of Oz". Every time I watch "The Wizard of Oz" I find myself at one of life's crossroads. As I get older I see the film in a different way. One line, at around 13:08 really struck a chord with me " ...growing up, finding independence on some level does naturally mean hurting your parents.." Oh definitely as I'm the parent of an amazing daughter who is forging her way in the adult world as she is graduating from uni this summer. It does hurt, but that is how it should be. Letting go is difficult for me but seeing her taking huge steps into her adult life is also so beautiful too.

[@That_Ozian]

Can’t wait for the return to Oz review

[@shalini_sevani]

Its a Wonderful Life would be good to analyze. My friends love it, but I never really did. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is one of my favorite movies ever. It's kind of just fun, but I think that there could be an interpretation in there somewhere.

[@charcoal8]

I never liked It's a wonderful life either. Looking into why, would mean watching it again, no thanks. My favourite old film is Brief Encounter, though I've not seen many tbh

[@Eric-tj3tg]

Nicely done. Very insightful and enjoyable. Thank you.

[@SeyaDiakite7]

There is a deleted scene about a dialogue between auntie ‘‘em and uncle Henry mentioning Dorothy is an orphan.

[@Old_Man_Fire]

now i am really, really interested in what your take on the sequel "Return to Oz" might be. Dorothy is younger in that movie but far, far more emotionally mature and deals with far, far more complex issues and themes.

[@vallum12100]

Was just about to comment this myself! The sequel is amazing!

[@LisaRichards_123]

Please note that many people were trying to ban the books out of school library’s, and this went on in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, as well.

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Thank you. Enjoyed this. I first saw the Wizard of Oz when I was a teenager which was quite some time ago. When Dorothy sang Over the Rainbow it was like my soundtrack.

[@shalini_sevani]

A couple of years ago I read all the books with my son. In the second book Dorothy does indeed go back to live in OZ and she takes Aunt Em with her. She does go off and have adventures without Aunt Em though.

[@majkus]

Sixth book ("The Emerald City of Oz"). The second book (strongly influenced by the success of the Wizard of Oz stage musical extravaganza) did not include Dorothy as a character. Baum intended that sixth book to end the series, and the plot resolved with Oz being cut off from the rest of the world. But by popular demand (and financial need), he resumed the series about three years later.

[@growingupwithdisney]

you gave me a new appreciation for this film and Dorothy as a character, thank you lol. I used to think nothing of this movie, and never really understood why it stood the test of time, since it seems like just a simple story. What I currently know of Wicked, it seems more complex, but I guess I gotta dig beneath the surface to truly appreciate The Wizard of Oz

[@Eric_1991]

Very cliche to say, but this is probably my favorite movie

[@colonelweird]

I'm sure this film can withstand multiple interpretations, but what jumps out at me now (though I last watched it maybe 15 years ago) is how much its message is ideological and conformist - it's clearly telling children to be happy in their circumstances now, and to stop hoping for change.

[@EverlastingHobnocker]

You can be happy in your circumstances and still hope for change.

[@colonelweird]

@@EverlastingHobnocker OK. But I'm talking about this movie, which contrasts change (=illusion, trickery, dreams) with stability (=home, family, love).

[@mylittlethoughttree]

Arguably, yes, though I think the point is still that Dorothy was supposed to make the journey, even if only to discover that. It's not that she shouldn't have bothered and should've just stayed home, it's that the journey was important to recognise the beauty of home. It still arguably promotes following dreams and ambitions, just also in a way to recognise that they're not necessarily as fulfilling as we hope.

[@colonelweird]

@@mylittlethoughttree Yes, that makes sense. To me the most interesting thing about great stories is the way they can often have contradictory or incompatible themes - as if the point is to reflect our own inner contradictions, not simply to supply a "good message."

[@charlesbwilliams]

This was an excellent video, thanks for making it!

[@Sandra-hc4vo]

i think her saying i will never leave again, via what you said so far could be like a small regression from guilt but not necessarily the long term thing she will stick with.

[@niabedard6143]

Tree this was so fun to watch and hit me right in my nostalgia bone. I have so enjoyed your content and have loved your videos especially on Katie and The Dead Poet’s Society. As someone who wants to major in psychology and become a therapist these videos have just been incredible. Just as a request for a future video I would love to see a video about Wall-E and the concept of love being powerful or a video about Up and how we as humans deal with grief and the cycle of grief into acceptance . Keep doing what you are doing because it is fantastic.

[@trinaq]

The quote of "Only Bad Witches are Ugly" has never quite resonated with me. The idea that someone's morality can be linked to their appearance just seems a little bizarre now, and might give impressionable audience warped, unrealistic standards of beauty.

[@ChartreuseDan]

Of course Glenda the "good" witch would say that before roping Dorothy unwittingly into whacking her rival

[@saskoilersfan]

Judy Garland and JFK...ignore the man from behind the iron curtain on six floor named Os. And his iron curtain rods.

[@atrixEbitch]

I think that’s very much tied to the old belief in Physiognomy, that you can tell someone is evil by looking at the shape of their features or the bumps on their head. We know now that’s just pseudoscience, but when the books were first written the idea was still pretty popular.

[@saskoilersfan]

@@atrixEbitch If I was you...I would believe this world of liars. Never seen a world of loonies before. They are so mad / crazy / insane / killers / cheats / cons / psychopaths. This is a world of liars who believe anything ..but truth. Here is a day in the life of the human madness.. Children wake up and eat.. Then turn on technology called television. The television programs thier minds by showing them illusions and monsters and fairies. Not only that , they use lies with the illusions. Soon the mind controled child thinks in lies now. The crow had cause for thoughts . So did the raven who said never more , his thoughts too were never more.. They even speak Klingon . Lol . Fact .it was one of media's troupes who shot Lincoln . You just have to go through perceptions , till you hit the right one with liars... Optical illusions are real..not reel....very odd.

[@gracehaven5459]

hey originally back in the day Beauty was considered a virtue, even in the bible, not that it is something that you can control of to a certain extent so it's kinda weird

[@Silentrob555]

Also, I would think there is a good message to those who have grown up in rural areas and think that bigger cities will answer all of their problems or poorer people thinking that money will answer all of their problems. If you aren’t happy poor you probably won’t be happy rich.

[@raywilliams212]

Miss Gulch (the neighbor who wanted Toto killed and is represented the wicked witch) was basically the first on screen Karen haha.

[@patiencekillz]

LMAO

[@dmnemaine]

Actually, in the book ("The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz") that this film is based on, Dorothy's journey to Oz is most definitely not a dream. She literally journeys to OZ. The later books chronicle the further history of Oz, mostly with Dorothy as a character, but sometimes without. Dorothy eventually moves to Oz permanently with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry.

[@stavrosaugustogodoideolive5624]

That does not mean that it is not a dream, and it that it doesn´t represent the incouscious

[@dmnemaine]

@@stavrosaugustogodoideolive5624 Yes, it does mean that it's not a dream. The books state very clearly and succinctly that Oz is a real place. The dream idea was made up for the 1939 film version.

[@groofay]

I really enjoyed this video. The parallels in the film run a bit deeper when you realize that the main actors are double-cast; Dr Marvel is the Wizard, Ms Gulch is the Wicked Witch, and the lion, tin man, and scarecrow are all characters in Kansas as well. I've also heard that the original text by Baum might have been written in direct response to late 19th century US politics, in which interpretation the Wizard is, in fact, the federal government. My, how things have changed 🙄

[@SleepyLeeeee]

I remember I was 4 when I first watched this film. I lined up a few of my baby dolls and a glow worm on the sofa to watch it with me. My mom had Christmas decorations out and I found the sparkly garland. I used it as a boa, lol.

[@andrewmclellan1623]

Excellent review, thanks! Gives me another way to look at the ending (Dorothy seemed a little too passive, I like that she found something within herself). At the risk of being that guy, definitely read the book. Much more action, the lion is as fleshed out as his companions, and more engaging. Would recommend them through book 3

[@LisaRichards_123]

Great explanation about the wicked witch of the west.

[@DanceSeek]

I've never found this draggy or dull, but then I love kid stories, fantasy, and musicals. We all have different tastes. Oddly, I never caught the rather unsubtle point about the three companions already having what they were searching for until I saw the point being made again in The Wiz. I guess that's because I first watched it as an uncritical moppet and didn't think about it much, I just enjoyed the music and the visuals. When I did think about it more deeply, I thought the "I'll never look farther than my own back yard" message to be rather disempowering. Despite all the excuses of she's a young girl and her view might change later, I thought it was a reflection of the 1940s - 50s script for girls to be passive and docile. Do we have any stories from which boys are supposed to get this message? Boys of this age are expected to be forming fantasies of the grand accomplishments they're going to achieve some day.

[@TheNotverysocial]

Quite probably one of the most faithful retellings in film. Based on a play even more so, does not sweep Oz under the rug, separates the witches, provides silver shoes, more natural obstacles on the way to the city, tip of the iceberg. Even more so, the morals are less confused, as Dorothy is less afraid to venture out into the world because of this, especially knowing she still has a home and family to come back to, as opposed to the shut in who is terrified of being out and about, and even of guests. Only of couple of 1980s animes were even closer. All of which can be viewed on KZbin. The cleverness, sentimentality and valour of companions are also far more apparent than they were prior, lion especially who is finally more in tune with his literary counterpart again. He isn't forced to face his fears, he does so on his own, as the character always had, but admits to being afraid, which is healthy and natural in the face of danger. Where the movie took liberties did not betray the original tale, and gave it its own identity, more so than the play which told it straight. This movie is widely the center of all things Oz for most today, but it resembles its namesake most on the journey to the city and meeting the companions. Everything else goes off track, but pays homages. The Kansas scenes are like a miniature movie unto themselves, and you could put anything between them and not take away from it. I agree that her final lines take some away from it. She goes through this whole journey to learn a lesson she learned in the first fifteen minutes. It only made her neurotic. Keeping the witches separate makes the story stronger. I am of that minority who read the original book first and always thought it best. Oz is more fully realised as a land itself and is tangible. Creatures within it will not hurt her as they all recognise the good witch's symbol on her forehead and don't want to incur her wrath, but natural hazards are still dangerous like falling off a cliff or drowning in a river. Such a dense story, even with symbolism mimimised.

[@oliviastratton2169]

In the books she returns to live in Oz as a princess later, and nearly all the power-players in Oz are women. I don't know why the filmmakers put that line in there, but the core of the story is clearly not intended to be disempowering to girls.

[@DanceSeek]

@@oliviastratton2169 I'm glad to hear the original story didn't seem to include this sentiment that the 1940s (50s?) filmmakers included. Movies are often very different from the literary inspiration, both because making a movie essentially cuts the story down to fit in 3 hours max, and because the screenwriters want to put their own oar in. I always urge people to go read the original if they can, it will usually be a better story. This movie was still great fun though.

[@slaterrox23]

Your videos always make me cry

[@mylittlethoughttree]

I think that's good, I'm not sure 😂

[@eduu1717]

Okay 4 in the morning and I’ve never seen your videos , and I’m a bit drunk. Let’s do this

[@skunko1871]

How was it?

[@raywilliams212]

you won't be disappointed haha.

[@charlievanbeek3053]

So, what did you think? 😂

[@maryann7619]

Awake yet?

[@geekexmachina]

nice vid, I always liked the symmetry of the the people and items found in Kansas and Oz, like the crystal ball, the deliberate use of the characters, it then becomes interesting that her aunt and uncle are not in Oz and what this means to this pseudo ideal world. The books are different in many ways but you can see the purpose driving this film there are hints of the films backdrop of the Great depression which was gripping America with Oz as some future Roosevelts Dream even down to the cyclone which wre a scourge in that era wiping out farms and crops. Maybe even the stay at home message dont leave your family and farms even though times are tough, we need farms to feed people, do your duty, maybe the death of her parents are caused by this, as a metaphor the witch may represent poverty and economic depression that if you water the land it becomes fertile and it recovers killing the witch. The witches land is dark and withered. And Oz in his big city trying to create wealth and glamour is the role of the President. personally when i was a small child i found the witch very scary so i think you need to bare that in mind and when it was made I imaging it was a very scary site for a society who would be less desensitised. From a dream point of view also the bucket of water in the face is a literal wake up call and starts Dorothy gradually coming out of the dream. And Ozs Sanctum that looks like the Temple Of Apollo in Ancient Delphi which had the words "Know Thyself " inscribed (I thought you were going this direction with the Oedipus reference as it is in the Sophacles version). Return to Oz is very interesting and is dark for many reasons some less obvious for example the Nome kings justifications for his actions.

[@rk41gator]

Back again, having watched and enjoyed. While occasionally tedious in repetition, I understand it is important to get the ideas laid out. Like listening to great music, understanding the how and why does not ruin the spell but enhances our appreciation. Your insights seem quite correct and bring even more wonder to this wonderful, mythical movie. Thank you.

[@PapaPeregrine]

In the books it isn't presented as a dream. You'll find the books are a completely different experience, quite brilliant, and that, though MGM veered dramatically from the book, they kept true to the spirit of it. Audiences in 1939 could not accept a fantasy as simply a fantasy. On the brink of WW2, one foot had to stay firmly on the ground, I expect, hence the dream trope. Also, the medium of film was invented to be a medium of fantasy. Prior to this film, audiences did not take easily to the use of color in movies, as, for them it represented reality. With this Oz movie, it was the first time the fantasy was presented in colour, which also adds another layer of consideration to the analysis of the picture. With WW1, the Great Depression, and WW2 almost back to back, cinema was a welcome medium of escape. I would be very interested to hear your analysis of each book, as well as the subsequent films. (There are also silent films that were made in the earliest part of the 20th century that you might enjoy. After the book was published in 1900, a stage musical was created just a couple years later, which achieved great success.) Excellent videos! Keep them coming!

[@robertmatthews9650]

I like the Dr. Phil jab lol.

[@lanicedavis4936]

I caught that 😂

[@ganewanchuk1291]

I played The Sour Kangaroo in my community theater’s production of Seussical when I was 12. It was the first time I was ever casted as a (relatively) major character so this show holds a special place in my heart and it was fun to see where it started

[@baraka490]

Isn't the whitch just pissed that Dorothy killed her sister?

[@claymccoy]

Actually, it's because the witch wanted the ruby slippers and got shocked when trying to take them. I wonder if she really did care about her sister...

[@lilithiaabendstern6303]

@@claymccoy in the book she was pretty p*ssed about the fact, that her sister was killed and that Dorothy had taken the shoes, her reasoning was that these shoes are all that was left of her sister + because they belonged to a witch, they were powerful artifacts as for the relationship between the two sisters, there is Wicked by Gregory Maguire

[@TheMeaningOfNerd]

Great Video man💪🏼 I really liked the book but never had the time to check out the movie. Liked your take on it though🙏🏼

[@mariad.6373]

It it absolutely brilliant and Margaret as the witch is absolutely terrifying even as an adult. At least to us who are indeed young at heart.

[@aaronpatrick3541]

Waiting on “it’s not your fault” episode 6 with bated breath.. Love your work, would love a video/q&a with advice to people thinking of becoming a psychologist or a similar career in that field.. Keep up the good work!

[@sasquatchka]

This video felt too relevant to my life.. I'll try harder not to rest when I feel I'm finally about to make important progress!

[@vallum12100]

Give yourself the grace to be human as well. We work to live, not live to work. Maybe if there is frustration in how much you are resting and feeling the lack of progress, might help to reflect WHY you need the progress to feel fulfillment and why your body needs rest.

[@cutienerdgirl]

5:09 - 5:24 You're probably not gonna see this, Thought Tree, but I feel this 100%! I used to always chase something else and want to be someone else because I wasn't satisfied with myself and I sometimes do so now, but it no longer looms over my head. I have been through a lot of bad things in my life so when my peers where learning to thrive, I was trying to survive so, I look at their successful lives and sometimes want to cry (That rhymed lol). I'm starting to learn that life isn't a race and I'm not a failure because I didn't reach my goals the same time as they did. I also learned that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, it's still hard to remember this when I see someone I grew up with doing what I dreamed of doing because that's what society puts value in. 😅

[@Venejan]

What a thought-provoking analysis! BTW, I think it's clear that the skull-like hologram of the Wizard was inspired by the skull that's mounted above Prof. Marvel's doorway (10:03).

[@oliviastratton2169]

If you do read the books, I'd be fascinated to hear your thoughts on them. Baum was more interested in wacky creatures and silly banter than deep themes, but there's still a lot of interesting material. The "Return to Oz" movie from the '80s isn't half-bad either.

[@zenagitana]

Dorothy in the books was 6, so she was very young and still very focused on her parental figures. Her Independent streak in the film and her mindset is at odds with her visual maturity being played by an obviously older actress.

[@andrewmurray1550]

she's back in her home, woken up from the dream...(or was it a dream....) back to the dilemma over Toto biting Ms Gulch.....

[@stevejarrettnc]

It is considered as America's original fairy tale.

[@rk41gator]

I think it is now the world's fairy tale. It is so universal.

[@hectormanuel8360]

A few years until the MOVIE becomes public domain! YAY!

[@TheNotverysocial]

I would not count on this. In Warner hands.

[@hectormanuel8360]

@@TheNotverysocial There's nothing they can do anymore other than trademarking characters etc.

[@TheNotverysocial]

@@hectormanuel8360 The original tale has long since been public domain, but the Kansas scenes and songs are specifically MGM. There are many adaptions of this as a result. I would not count on this happening any time soon.

[@hectormanuel8360]

@@TheNotverysocial It will in the 2030s and I'm looking forward for the arrival to the PD.

[@majkus]

@@hectormanuel8360 Or, as Disney did, pay Congress to amend the copyright law to extend the period of copyright.

[@SlaserX]

Great video, but now you should help us all integrate the experience of watching Return to Oz. We need a Therapist's touch

[@matthewc9806]

22:40 made me tear up

[@viviennemorgan7217]

i heard about wizard of oz it's about dorothy being in oz fighting against a wicked witch and goes back home to her guardians.

[@princessjupiter922]

Storytelling for this movie is why it's a classic and yes a bit dated. I even know about the dark things that happened while making the movie. The fact they had to recast Tin Man due to Buddy's severe allergies to the make up they used, to even Judy's drug addiction that eventually killed her. Hollywood is dark even with today. It's not a secret these days after all. I still love this movie because of how it came out. Technicolor was brand new around this time which is why it goes from black and white to color and then back to black and white at the end. Since this was an adaptation of the book that's why they had to put that at the beginning of the movie. Sorry for the ramble there. I'm glad you focused on the story and on Dorothy for this. This was a very well thought out video you did here and I believe you were spot on. This is in my opinion why the movie is still the most inspirational movie of all time. Not just the technical and artic parts but, the message that brings to those who watch the movie.

[@rk41gator]

I never thought I would really watch this again, but here I am and writing (again) having enjoyed your analysis (again). Talking about grieving and the Oedipus complex makes me think of Disturbed's heavy metal song 'Down With the Sickness'. The long version is quite disturbing and talks about child abuse and the feelings of hate, of wanting the mother to die, that can be activated in a child (the sickness?). Your review of it would be of interest, but perhaps not enough substance for a full episode. Like film, music can reach deeply into our psyche. But this brings me to another, much longer musical work that may relate quite nicely to 'The Wizard of Oz'. If you agree, it might make its own episode. Being English you may know of the Genesis work called 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway'. Currently consumed by this artful music, I am struck by how much of what you said in this video could relate to this brilliant album. The rock piece is a bizarre journey of self realization that mirrors 'Oz' in ways I never thought of until this instant. Being a creation of the '70s, their music has a darkness and sense of consequence that you say the 'Oz' film lacks. Perhaps 'The Lamb' is also naive, but its mystical dreams, symbolism and metaphors might be real grist for you to explore. If you have not listened to the entire double album/CD, please do. As a concept album it is not a waste of time and I would love to hear your ideas on how it progresses and what psychological nerves it exposes along the way. How this could be presented, I admit I can not fathom. Sadly, Genesis never put together a movie though Nathaniel Barlam (Jan 2020) has a wonderful animated version on KZbin. Thanks for reading (if you have). I thoroughly enjoy your sensitive explorations and eagerly wait for the conclusion of your 'Katie' series.

[@jenhalbert3001]

Thanks, this was really well done for only having seen the movie once. Especially for NPR liking musicals.

[@deeanna8448]

I don't love musicals either, but I love this one.

[@MsKingwa]

This was sooo good!!! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@willroberts457]

I really enjoy your analysis of the shows You should do some videos about my two favorite TV series Suits and Billions Suits - the main character Harvey Specter And BILLIONS - Bobby Axlerod and Windy Rhoads These are two of my favorite series of all times and they've been really insightful for me I'm really curious of what you think Thanks

[@Sleepy_DOOD1701]

It’s one of those movies like The Shining. You can watch it 100 times and still find new ways to look at it

[@jonathanfarrell2378]

Insightful! Yet this omits the complexity of all the books by Baum in the Wizard of Oz series.

[@baraka490]

You should totally do a video on the second one

[@brightphoebesays]

Remember though, in the 30's children were supposed to be obedient, so when she goes home in the end and vows never to leave again, she's being a "good girl". The film to me is about a girls experience of growing up and finding herself and her independence. It's scary and you have to be brave. But "home" is a myth we are taught in childhood. Once we grow up, home evaporates. That's what makes me bawl in this film. You can never go home.

[@rk41gator]

It WAS scary. I remember a photo my brother-in-law took of his three kids first watching 'Oz', all lined up on the floor, enthralled as the wicked witch is presented. The looks of horror on each of their faces was amazing and priceless!

[@brightphoebesays]

@@rk41gator I remember that myself, how scary she was, and I wanted to be Glenda, but later on, when I grew up, I wanted to be the Wicked Witch of the West!

[@rk41gator]

@@brightphoebesays LOL Most of us seem to gravitate away from the 'goodie two shoes' characters towards the darker, scarier ones. (did that phrase come from those ruby slippers?) As we grow older perhaps we learn more about our dark side and identify. Besides the Wicked Witch had a much meatier part. Ha!

[@brightphoebesays]

@@rk41gator However I also really liked the idea that witches could be good, and in my case it sparked an interest in herb lore, folk magic and paganism.

[@rextrek]

137th...WOW ...a Wild Deep Dive into the Mind / Feelings of Dorothy Gale...I actually enjoyed this..and your English Accent makes it even better...... Have you seen the Prequel Oz the Great and Powerful"?

[@melissatiger]

Most of the cast got hurt during the filming. The snow is actually Asbestosis. Margaret Hamilton got burned. The original tin man had severe reactions to the make up and the part was recast. There was only a few lion costumes made because it was made from real lions. And then there is the myth of someone who unalived themselves that can be seen in the movie.

[@ShirDeutch]

Really interesting interpretation. I haven't seen the movie in a long while but I read the book for the first time fairly recently and let me tell you - it's quite different. Brutally violent for a book aimed at children (well I guess it was okay for the children of 1900), especially the Tin Man's backstory - WOOF. I don't think you'll get many answers for your questions from the sequels, for the simple fact that in the book, it WASN'T all the a dream. I'm pretty sure this movie popularized the "it was all a dream" trope but the idea was probably borrowed from Alice In Wonderland rather than the source material.

[@sorakirei]

I'd be really interested in your take on The Wiz, a different take on this story.

[@rk41gator]

Though he did say he is not a big 'musical' fan.

[@orlandobabe]

Bottom line is that no matter what Dorothy learned or not it is still her choice entirely. Few things she changes in her life is that she grows up, marries (maybe one of the farm helpers, I vote for Hunk) has children whom she’ll visit in collage or wherever they choose to live but her forever home is Kansas on her family farm.

[@topeogunmakinwa9347]

Brynhildr in the Darkness (2014) have difference references from the media and pop culture that you may not realize. For this list; I’m doing the “Top 10 References in Brynhildr in the Darkness (2014)”. For me personally; I was surprise that some of these references were in this 2014’s anime series after re-watching it over and over again. I’m sure ya’ll will be surprise about this too. Okay then; moving on the list: Top 10 References in Brynhildr in the Darkness (2014) 1.Hatsuna seeing the Astronomy Club's members covered in red paint with a bucket is a reference to the infamous “Prom Scene” in Carrie (1976 film) - A Sudden Reunion 2.Neko’s earliest death is a reference to Mami Tomoe’s earliest death in Episode 3 of Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011) - Death Suppressants 3.Ryouta and Neko’s class trip to Kamakura is the same place where the events happen in Elfen Lied (2004) - Lost Memories 4.Chisato’s plan to revive his dead sister is a reference to Gendo Ikari’s plan to revive his dead wife from the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” franchise (1995 -) - “Hexenjagd” & “Things to Protect” 5.Ryouta and Neko in the “Mudslide scene” is a reference to the “2013’s Taiwan Rockslide” - While I Wait For You 6.The deaths of the “Witches” by melting after their “Eject” buttons are pressed or without taking any pills is a reference to the death of The Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz (1939 film) - Various 7.Saori’s Slicing Magic is a reference to the “Vectors” from Elfen Lied (2004) - “Death Suppressants” & “Lost Memories” 8.Ryouta being saved and rescued by Neko and Kotori from the Police Squad is a reference to the “Superhero Genre” - The Clue That was Left 9.Kikako’s Mouth Beam Cannon is a reference to the “Mouth Energy Waves” from the “Dragon Ball” franchise (1986 -) - “Astronomical Observations” & “The Reason For Her Smile” 10.Neko’s school girl outfit is a reference to the Sailor Scout’s Transformations in the “Sailor Moon” franchise (1992 -) - Various Notes *Brynhildr in the Darkness (2014) is one of my favorite anime series of ALL-TIME and The Wizard of Oz (1939 film) is one of my favorite movies of ALL-TIME. The Wizard of Oz (1939 film) is one of the influences for Brynhildr in the Darkness (2014). *In August 25, 2021 will be the 82th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz (1939 film) *If you loved The Wizard of Oz (1939 film); then you should give Brynhildr in the Darkness (2014) a good binge-watch at least once.

[@treasalynam8940]

Toto is just so beautiful and cute and precious xxxxxx

[@migz_8894]

Nice video man..thanks!

[@lincoln7echo]

How do you think the impossible task given to Dorothy of slaying the Witch by Professor Marvel fits into the overall narrative of her journey? Also, what do you think about the possibility of Dorothy dreaming the journey? Do you think by the power of the mind she self-therapied into acceptance? Interesting video, btw.

[@clevm002]

Who calls him 'the straw man'... It's just 'the scarecrow'

[@dahomiet8189]

In the book he's referred to as the straw man a few times

[@maryann7619]

It's there. Maybe re-watch the movie.

[@DanceSeek]

I think West Wicked Witch calls him Straw Man in the movie.