2016 was an eventful year for the world. It was marked by various significant events, both positive and negative. One of the key events of that year was the U.S. presidential election, which saw the controversial candidate Donald Trump emerge as the winner. This unexpected outcome sparked widespread shock and debate, with people expressing their concerns and hopes for the future of the United States and the world.
"The Witch," a period drama/horror film by first-time writer/director Robert Eggers, tellingly advertises itself as "a New England folktale" instead of a fairy tale. Fairy tales are, at heart, parables that prescribe moral values. "The Witch," a feminist narrative that focuses on an American colonial family as they undergo what seems to be an otherworldly curse, is more like a sermon. Sermons pose questions that use pointedly allegorical symbols to make us reconsider our lives, just as one character uses the Book of Job to understand her role in her family (more on Job shortly). But "The Witch" is not a morality play in a traditional sense. It's an ensemble drama about a faithless family on the verge of self-destruction. And it is about women, and the patriarchal stresses that lead to their disenfranchisement.
It s probably not grieving mother Katherine Kate Dickie , though Eggers gives ample consideration to her mourning of infant son Samuel, who has disappeared under unusual circumstances. Part of the reason, as historian Elizabeth Reis has written, was physical Puritans believed that the Devil had an easier time gaining access to women s physically weaker bodies.
This unexpected outcome sparked widespread shock and debate, with people expressing their concerns and hopes for the future of the United States and the world. Aside from politics, 2016 was also marred by numerous terrorist attacks across the globe. From the Brussels bombings in March to the Nice truck attack in July, these tragic events left a lasting impact on many nations.
The Surprising True History Behind The Witch
T he new movie The Witch, in theaters Friday, draws on both reality and fairy tale to create the story of a Puritan family’s terrifying encounter with the title character. Filmmaker Robert Eggers spent years researching the period, from daily 17th-century life and the way people really spoke, to the true history of early American witch trials.
You may think you know about that last part: in Salem, Mass., in 1692, a group of young girls claimed they were bewitched, sparking a frenzy that eventually resulted in the hangings of 19 people.
But what happened in Salem was also “highly anomalous,” says bestselling author and witch expert Katherine Howe, who edited and annotated the Penguin Book of Witches. The extent and intensity of the incident in Salem have helped it remain famous, but Howe says that fame gives us a skewed view of the history of witches in the U.S.
A more typical witch trial “would usually be one woman, or occasionally two, often who’d had a bad reputation for quite some time,” Howe says. “It was actually kind of hard, believe it or not, to try somebody as a witch.” According to one calculation, the conviction rate—excepting Salem and confessions—was under one in five. And though Salem is noted for the youth of the accusers, Howe says that more often “accusers were women who were peers of, often longstanding acquaintances of or neighbors of, the woman being accused.” Suspected witches and their accusers were also more likely to be middle-aged. When children got involved, it was usually as the object of a witch’s interest.
One element that the prevailing wisdom does get right, however, is that most people believed to be witches at the time were women—though not because gender was part of the definition of a witch. Part of the reason, as historian Elizabeth Reis has written, was physical: Puritans believed that the Devil had an easier time gaining access to women’s physically weaker bodies. But, perhaps more importantly, there were social reasons for women to be more frequently accused. The stereotypes of the time held that women were predisposed to sin: they were seen as more sexual, more tempted by material goods and more in need of a guiding authority, “specifically in the form of the church or a father or husband,” Howe says.
It followed that those accused of witchcraft were those who failed to fit in with the strict Puritan expectations for women, for example by remaining childless at a time when most gave birth many times. “That’s something you see articulated in the film,” Howe adds: though the mother expresses anxiety that “her daughter is constantly at risk for moral imperfections,” that concern is “not an anxiety that is ever articulated about the son.”
There are other elements of real history that Howe says are reflected in the Witch, like the “real scarcity” of the period—when minor hardships attributed to witches, like food going bad, posed a real problem—and the threat perceived in the nearby wilderness. As Cotton Mather wrote in his 1693 book on the Salem witch trials, The Wonders of the Invisible World, “The New-Englanders are a People of God settled in those, which were once the Devil’s Territories.” This sharp divide between wilderness and civilization was especially important in the Puritan’s morally black-and-white universe, where, Howe says, “either you were Christian or you were devilish.”
While Howe says that most often witch accusations were a case of “women policing the behavior of other women” when they failed to fulfill gender norms, The Witch does provide a window into the fears and hardships which shaped Puritan life, with details pulled straight from the primary sources.
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And what did he steal? A silver wine cup. Time and again, Eggers adds hints of the Biblical, to thicken the air of piety that these people breathe. One of them, in the wake of a spell, vomits up a whole apple, shiny and intact. When they pray, they are planted squarely in the frame, and viewed either from behind, kneeling on the ground with their hands conjoined and upraised, or head on, at table, as in the Last Supper, with William saying grace. Thomasin, alone, confesses to the Almighty, “I have, in secret, played upon thy Sabbath,” compelling us to wonder what her games consist of and whether they count as play.
The rise of the Islamic State and its increasing global reach added to the climate of fear and uncertainty. In terms of sports, the 2016 Summer Olympics took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Despite initial concerns about the city's readiness to host the games, the event was largely successful, showcasing the talents and achievements of athletes from around the world. It was also a landmark year for the sporting world as Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter, successfully defended his titles in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay, solidifying his status as one of the greatest sprinters of all time. Technology also made significant strides in 2016, with various advancements and breakthroughs. Self-driving cars became a reality as major companies like Google and Tesla made progress in developing autonomous vehicles. Virtual reality gained traction with the release of consumer-friendly headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. The year also saw the explosion of Pokemon Go, a mobile game that took the world by storm, merging augmented reality with gaming. On a cultural level, 2016 saw the loss of many influential figures. The deaths of musicians David Bowie, Prince, and Leonard Cohen, as well as actors Alan Rickman and Carrie Fisher, left a void in the creative world. Their contributions to art and entertainment will be remembered for years to come. Overall, 2016 was a year characterized by surprises, challenges, and changes. From the political landscape to cultural shifts, the events of this year left an indelible impact on the world. It served as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the need for adaptability and resilience. As we move forward, it is crucial to reflect on the lessons learned and strive for a better and more united world..
Reviews for "Unforgettable Performances in 2016 the Witch"
1. Kelly - Rating: 2/5
I was really disappointed with "2016 the wotch". The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The dialogue was cheesy and uninspiring, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the film. The special effects were also lackluster, making the action scenes feel flat and unexciting. Overall, I wouldn't recommend watching this movie if you're looking for a well-crafted and engaging story.
2. John - Rating: 1/5
I have to say, "2016 the wotch" is one of the worst films I have ever seen. The acting was abysmal, with wooden performances from the entire cast. The storyline was predictable and full of cliches, offering nothing new or original. The movie lacked any real suspense or tension, and I found myself bored and uninterested for the entire duration. Save yourself the time and skip this one.
3. Amanda - Rating: 2/5
I had high hopes for "2016 the wotch" but ultimately found it to be underwhelming. The pacing was off, with slow and meandering scenes that failed to keep my attention. The supposed twist in the plot was predictable and felt forced, and I was left feeling unsatisfied with the conclusion. The cinematography was decent, but that couldn't make up for the lackluster script and unimpressive performances. Overall, I wouldn't say this movie is worth the hype it received.
4. Mike - Rating: 1/5
To put it bluntly, "2016 the wotch" was a complete waste of time. The plot was nonsensical and illogical, leaving me feeling confused and frustrated throughout the movie. The characters were poorly developed and unrelatable, making it hard to invest in their journey. The special effects were subpar and unimpressive, and the film overall lacked any real substance. I highly advise against watching this movie, as it will leave you feeling unsatisfied and questioning your life choices.