Magic Murals is a renowned establishment located in Smithfield, NC. It specializes in creating captivating and enchanting murals that bring life and vibrancy to any space. With a team of talented artists and designers, Magic Murals has gained recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship and artistic expertise. The murals created by Magic Murals are not limited to any particular style or subject. They offer a wide range of options, allowing customers to choose murals that suit their preferences and complement the overall aesthetic of their space. From nature-inspired landscapes to abstract and contemporary designs, there is something to suit every taste.
And then there’s the rat of it all. Keziah Mason being a witch means that she gets to enjoy the company of a witch’s familiar – a spooky little animal buddy to assist her in dark magic. In Lovecraft’s short story, Keziah’s familiar is “a small white-fanged furry thing” that takes the rough appearance of a rat with a human face named Brown Jenkin. In the Cabinet of Curiosities version, the familiar maintains its mostly rat/human features but gets an inverted name of Jenkins Brown.
Nearly all of Guillermo del Toro s Cabinet of Curiosities episodes feature a showstopping monster design that the creature connoisseur has become known for. He s got the creature designers who makes all the prosthetics and then he s got Luis Sequeira the costume designer who made all the roots and everything.
From nature-inspired landscapes to abstract and contemporary designs, there is something to suit every taste. One of the reasons why Magic Murals has become a popular choice for mural installations is the high quality of their work. Their team of artists pays meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every mural is a true masterpiece.
How Dreams in the Witch House Adapts The Sounds of Lovecraft
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities: "Dreams in the Witch House" makes an H.P. Lovecraft story more human.
- Share on Facebook (opens in a new tab)
- Share on Twitter (opens in a new tab)
- Share on Linkedin (opens in a new tab)
- Share on email (opens in a new tab)
This article contains spoilers for Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities: “Dreams in the Witch House.”
By its very definition, the work of H.P. Lovecraft is often challenging to adapt properly. The massively influential early 20th century sci-fi and horror author reveled in depicting the indescribable. The terrors of Lovecraft’s “Cthulhu Mythos” are so profound that his characters are often incapable of even perceiving them without going mad. How, exactly, is any visual medium supposed to go about crafting the unseeable? According to “Dreams in the Witch House” director Catherine Hardwicke, you opt to ensnare one of the other human senses instead.
“It was almost a story written for a sound designer, in my mind,” Hardwicke says of her adaptation of the Lovecraft story of the same name. “(The story) just talks about the creaks and the sounds moving all through the witch house. I got the sound designers to really go step by step in there.”
“Dreams in the Witch House” is the sixth installment in Netflix horror anthology Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities. Directed by Hardwicke (Twilight) and written by Mika Watkins (Black Mirror), the short film was released alongside “Pickman’s Model,” another Lovecraft adaptation as part of the series’ “Night Three: Lovecraft.” “Dreams” is slightly atypical for a Lovecraft joint in that it’s A. not regarded as very good, and B. actually adaptable, as evidenced by its previous retelling in Showtime’s Masters of Horror series. Another part of it is that Cabinet’s tellers of this story made extra efforts to properly transition it to the screen.
Ad – content continues below
“(The script) deviated a lot from the Lovecraft story,” Hardwicke says. “Mika came up with all these ideas to enrich it and introduce more human dynamics. We added more layers to it and enriched the female characters.”
While in Lovecraft’s original tale, the occupant of the titular Witch House is a student of mathematics and folklore seeking out the mysteries of the occult for academic purposes, in this adaptation Walter Gilman (Rupert Grint) seeks out the Witch House for intensely personal purposes. After watching his twin sister die and her spirit being dragged out into the Forest of Lost Souls, he spends all of his adult life consumed with bringing her back. Both Walter’s twin connection and the Forest of Lost Souls itself are inventions for the show.
Even while making Lovecraft more accessible for cameras, there are certain elements from this story that warrant inclusion. Chief among them, of course, is the monstrous witch at the center of the Witch House: Keziah Mason. Nearly all of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities episodes feature a showstopping monster design that the creature connoisseur has become known for. But even in a crowd of abominable competitors, Keziah Mason stands out. Part foliage, part human, and all hate, this undead witch cuts an imposing figure throughout the back half of the tale.
“That was one the best parts of this whole thing is to collaborate with Guillermo and his team on the witch,” Hardwicke says. “(del Toro) has this cool concept artist (Guy Davis) he’s worked with for years. He’s got the creature designers who makes all the prosthetics and then he’s got (Luis Sequeira) the costume designer who made all the roots and everything. Between Guillermo and all of those three teams it was just pure fun. Just building that design up and putting the prosthetics on (actress Like Johnston) – when you see it all come together is just so creepy.”
And then there’s the rat of it all. Keziah Mason being a witch means that she gets to enjoy the company of a witch’s familiar – a spooky little animal buddy to assist her in dark magic. In Lovecraft’s short story, Keziah’s familiar is “a small white-fanged furry thing” that takes the rough appearance of a rat with a human face named Brown Jenkin. In the Cabinet of Curiosities version, the familiar maintains its mostly rat/human features but gets an inverted name of Jenkins Brown.
Six episodes in, rats have become something of a recurring motif for the Cabinet of Curiosities, whose first day featured the rat-a-palooza that was “Graveyard Rats.” Still, Hardwicke is fiercely partisan when it comes to her rodent.
Ad – content continues below
Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities: "Dreams in the Witch House" makes an H.P. Lovecraft story more human.
The use of vibrant colors and intricate designs adds depth and character to any wall or surface. Not only does Magic Murals offer visually stunning murals, but they also prioritize customer satisfaction. They work closely with their clients to understand their vision and bring it to life. Whether it's a residential or commercial project, they go the extra mile to ensure that the final result exceeds expectations. In addition to their exceptional craftsmanship, Magic Murals also uses high-quality materials and techniques. This ensures that the murals are durable and long-lasting, maintaining their beauty for years to come. They also offer installation services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for their customers. Whether you're looking to transform your home, office, or any other space, Magic Murals is the go-to destination for all your mural needs. Their commitment to excellence and passion for art shine through in every project they undertake. If you're in Smithfield, NC, or the surrounding area, be sure to visit Magic Murals for a magical and transformative experience..
Reviews for "Smithfield's Artistic Legacy: The Magic Murals You Must See"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I recently had the unfortunate experience of visiting Magic Murals in Smithfield, NC and I must say I was highly disappointed. The service was incredibly slow and the staff was unfriendly and unhelpful. Not to mention, the quality of the murals was subpar. The paint was peeling off and the colors looked very faded. Overall, I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for quality murals.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for Magic Murals in Smithfield, NC, but unfortunately, I was let down. The communication with the staff was poor, as they took forever to respond to my inquiries. When I finally received my mural, it was not what I had envisioned. The colors were off and the image was pixelated. It was clear that the quality control was lacking. I was not satisfied with my purchase and would not recommend this place to others.
3. Mike - 2/5 stars - I had a rather disappointing experience at Magic Murals in Smithfield, NC. The customer service was lackluster, with little to no assistance provided when I had questions about the different mural options. Additionally, the installation process was a nightmare. The mural didn't align properly and there were visible air bubbles trapped underneath. It was a hassle to fix and the final result still looked imperfect. I expected better quality and service for the price I paid. Overall, I would not recommend this place if you're looking for a hassle-free experience.