Winona Ryder playing a witch is a notable and exciting choice within her acting career. Known for her versatility as an actress, Ryder has portrayed various characters in different genres throughout her career. However, her portrayal of a witch adds a new layer to her impressive repertoire. Ryder's ability to immerse herself in the role and bring depth to her characters is evident in her performance as a witch. Whether it is her use of physicality, emotional intensity, or the nuances she brings to the character, Ryder's portrayal is captivating and memorable. Her ability to embody the mystical and enchanting nature of a witch showcases her range as an actress.
Our main character in this film is a small, eight-year-old girl named Shula. She isn’t originally named Shula. She is unnamed at first, a threat that has suddenly appeared on the horizon and dubbed a witch. No one knows where she came from, who her parents are, and she refuses to speak properly. Surly and serious, the people immediately have decided that she must only be a witch.
The girl, later named Shula, that is the uprooted, by her companions in the camp, is accused of witchcraft by a local woman who, walking from the village well with a bucket of water balanced on her head, encountered Shula in the road and collapsed before her; she claims the child has bewitched her. In August this year Zambia s Human Rights Commission stated that it was deeply concerned at the growing pattern of killing older persons on suspicion of witchcraft , and while the country s Witchcraft Act prohibits anyone from indicating any person as being a wizard or witch , this phenomenon continues today.
Her ability to embody the mystical and enchanting nature of a witch showcases her range as an actress. Furthermore, Ryder's portrayal of a witch goes beyond the stereotypical portrayal often seen in popular culture. Instead of focusing solely on the supernatural elements, she delves into the complexities of the character's motivations and desires.
I Am Not a Witch review – straight-faced satire on Zambian witchcraft casts a spell
Z ambian-born Welsh director Rungano Nyoni has delivered a pulsingly odd and strikingly original debut: a tale of dogma, prejudice and corruption in the country of her birth. It’s a strange witches brew of deadpan farce and arthouse stillness that some will find exasperating, and it’s not without its missteps; but there’s a confidence and clarity of vision that’s hard not to admire, especially for a first feature.
Events open with Shula (Maggie Mulubwa), a shy and inexpressive orphan, being accused by her fellow townspeople of witchcraft: one woman has alleged that she made her trip over while carrying a bucket of water, and a man has backed up her allegation with his own account of the girl chopping of his arm with an axe. (Said arm has miraculously reattached itself by the time he makes this claim.) A gloriously droll police officer indulges these accusations with a mix of apathy and outright disdain, but the will of the people is clear, and Shula is exiled from the town.
Good Time review - Robert Pattinson sticks up for his brother in chaotic heist movie Read moreShula falls into the care – though that word is used with a degree of caution – of Mr Banda (Henry BJ Phiri), a venal and desperately inept public official who spies an opportunity to make a fortune from the girl’s supposed gifts. She’s swiftly enrolled into a witch camp, a shabby conurbation on the edge of town whose occupants are, Shula aside, exclusively elderly women. Shula has a white ribbon attached to her back – the other end is attached to a large spool – and is told that if she cuts it she will become a goat. The presence of the ribbon naturally brings to mind Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon, and there are certainly the same themes of puritanism as seen in that film, albeit expressed in a far less austere manner.
Soon Shula is being put to work, picking criminals from lineups, appearing on talk shows in full witchy get-up, and attempting to summon rain to the dried-up region. Shula does all of this grudgingly, far more sceptical of these superstitious beliefs than the adults around her – although it is notable that the general belief in witchcraft seems to be conditional, and tends to be expressed more vociferously when there’s a benefit to doing so. Many of the witches, for example, are elderly relatives who family members were keen to dispose of, and a tourist industry has built up around the camp.
I Am Not A Witch. Photograph: film company handout
There’s a seam of straight-faced satire running through I Am Not a Witch that curiously brings to mind the naturalistic farce of The Thick of It. Phiri is excellent as the officious Banda, a snake oil salesman frequently upended by his own incompetence, reminiscent of Chabuddy G in People Just Do Nothing or David Brent at his most brazen. Yet Nyoni never lets the comedy overwhelm our outrage at the treatment of Shula, especially when events take a troubling turn towards the film’s conclusion.
For all its charms, there is a languidness to Nyoni’s film that can become aggravating. Scenes that should pass by in moments outstay their welcome, and the film sometimes prioritises aesthetics over clear storytelling, with one of the film’s most crucial moments rendered difficult to understand due to a tricksy camera shot.
Still, there’s more than enough here to mark out Nyoni, whose film has been supported by Cannes’ Cinefondation Residency, as a major talent. In the staid and Eurocentric world of arthouse cinema, she looks set to be a significant new broom.
Satire, humour, eccentricity and clever dialogue evoke a range of emotions. Many scenes are bizarrely entertaining and yet ultimately the film, and the many serious themes it covers hit like a punch in the stomach.
This depth allows the audience to connect with the character on a human level, making the portrayal more relatable and compelling. The choice of Ryder to play a witch also challenges societal norms and expectations. Often, witches are portrayed as either evil or benevolent, with little gray area in between. However, Ryder's portrayal presents a more nuanced and multifaceted depiction of a witch. By exploring the complexity of the character, she breaks free from the confines of a traditional portrayal. Overall, Winona Ryder playing a witch showcases her talent as an actress and her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. With her captivating performance, she challenges the stereotypes surrounding witches and provides audiences with a fresh and compelling portrayal. This choice highlights her versatility and unique approach to her craft..
Reviews for "Winona Ryder's Witch Trials: Unveiling the Drama Behind the Scenes"
- Sarah - 2 stars -
I have to say, I was very disappointed with Winona Ryder's portrayal of a witch in this movie. Her performance felt flat and uninspired, failing to capture the essence of what it means to be a witch. I was expecting a more powerful and enchanting character, but instead, Ryder delivered a lackluster and forgettable performance. It felt like she was just going through the motions without truly embodying the magical nature of the character.
- Mark - 1 star -
Winona Ryder playing a witch was a complete miscast. Her delivery lacked depth and conviction, making it hard to take her character seriously. Additionally, I found her portrayal to be rather cliché and unoriginal. It seemed like she was playing a caricature of a witch, relying on typical witchy stereotypes instead of bringing something fresh to the role. Overall, I was highly disappointed with her performance and wished that a more talented and suitable actress had been chosen for the part.
- Emily - 3 stars -
While I appreciate Winona Ryder's attempt at playing a witch, I personally felt that she fell short of creating a truly captivating and believable character. Her portrayal lacked the necessary charisma and mystique that one would expect from such a role. It almost felt like she was holding back, preventing her character from truly shining on screen. Though her performance had its moments, it ultimately didn't live up to my expectations or add anything significant to the overall movie.