"The Witch" is a 1966 horror film directed by Lutz Mommartz. The film tells the story of a witch named Maria who uses her supernatural powers to influence the lives of those around her. The film is set in a small German village and focuses on the character of Maria, who has been accused of being a witch by the townspeople. Despite the accusations, Maria continues to practice her dark arts, casting spells and enchantments on those who cross her path. "The Witch" is known for its atmospheric cinematography and haunting soundtrack, which adds to the overall sense of unease and suspense. The film also explores themes of power, guilt, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Director Dani Parr has a track record of making un-patronising, entertaining theatre for children. And although this story, published in 1950 and set in the war years, is far from ‘modern,’ our seven-year-old was gripped throughout.
And when the Wardrobe is opened to show the snow-bound Narnia, there s a blast of cold air emanating from the stage to further stimulate the audience. The Northamptonshire trial was of significant importance as they were one of the earliest documented cases of trial by water being used to determine the guilt of one of the accused.
The film also explores themes of power, guilt, and the blurred lines between good and evil. One of the most striking aspects of "The Witch" is its portrayal of Maria as a complex and sympathetic character. While her actions may be morally ambiguous, the film invites the audience to consider the motives behind her actions and question whether she is truly a villain or simply a misunderstood outcast.
Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. Intelligent theatre in a sea of predictable panto
Firstly, I should declare an interest. My two elder sons are in the ‘junior company’ of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, running at Northampton’s Royal Theatre until January 9th.
However, as any parent who has had to endure school plays will know, it ain’t automatically good just ‘cos your offspring are in it. (Hand in the rose-tinted specs as you leave).
Adam Baxter as Tumnus and Hayley Ellenbrook as Lucy (pic Robert Day)
But I’m not coming to LWW just as a doting parent. I’ve reviewed productions at Northampton’s theatres for ten years or more. As a local reviewer, you have to be honest, not sycophantic, but can’t be deliberately brutal like those who swan in and out of town for the Nationals.
Thing is, this version of the Lion is actually really good. And I am completely ‘meh’ about all the Narnia stories. They just didn’t do it for me as adventures. I’m almost wishing I could find something wrong with the Royal’s version to show I’m not just bigging up something which has my kids in it.
Director Dani Parr has a track record of making un-patronising, entertaining theatre for children. And although this story, published in 1950 and set in the war years, is far from ‘modern,’ our seven-year-old was gripped throughout.
White Witch (Georgina White) and Edmund (Peter McGovern) (pic Robert Day)
You spend quite a lot of time just gawping at the breadth of skills displayed by the actors. The striking and sickeningly-talented Georgina White, when not camping it up as the evil White Witch, also flits on and off stage to the visible ‘orchestra’ areas to play the saxophone and bassoon. All four adults-playing-kids Peter, Lucy, Edmund and Susan are capable singers and also play instruments (did I mention it had singing in it? My kids didn’t either).
The set, as usual with the Royal, is stunning and clever and still manages to surprise. The wooden panelling is a great idea to show the evacuees’ home. And when the Wardrobe is opened to show the snow-bound Narnia, there’s a blast of cold air emanating from the stage to further stimulate the audience . Costumes too, are inspiring (I found myself envying the white queen’s fur-trimmed coat and wondering if I could get away with wearing it for the school run).
Newcomer Hayley Ellenbrook is endearing and believable as Lucy, a role that could so easily irritate by a less able actor. Peter McGovern’s Edmund is suitably detestable, while Mr And Mrs Beaver (Louise Shuttleworth and Matthew Henry) add a welcome touch of humour in a show that’s about as non-Christmassy as it’s possible to be, despite an appearance by the Big Man Himself.
Usually there’s at least one mis-cast member of a production, but in L, W and W I just could fault anyone. Perhaps, just an itty-bitty-trying-to-find-a- criticism would be that there are too many damn children in it. But mine are great. Natch.
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe runs at the Royal Theatre, Northampton, until January 9. Call 01604 624811 for tickets.
The film's use of black and white photography adds to its eerie and otherworldly atmosphere. The stark contrast and shadows create a sense of mystery and tension, while the lack of color lends a timeless quality to the story. Despite being relatively unknown outside of Germany, "The Witch" has gained a cult following in recent years. Its unique visual style and thought-provoking themes have made it a favorite among horror film enthusiasts and scholars alike. "The Witch" is a chilling and thought-provoking film that explores themes of power, guilt, and the duality of human nature. Its atmospheric cinematography and haunting soundtrack make it a must-watch for fans of the horror genre..
Reviews for "The Visual Aesthetics of "The Witch" (1966)"
1. John - 2/5 - I found "The Witch 1966" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was confusing and lacked coherence. The entire film was slow-paced and failed to build any suspense or tension. The characters were poorly developed, making it difficult to connect or empathize with any of them. Additionally, the cinematography was amateurish and the visuals were dull. Overall, I felt disconnected from the film and was left feeling unsatisfied.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "The Witch 1966" was utterly unbearable to watch. The dialogue was pretentious and overly philosophical, leaving me frustrated and disinterested. The plot seemed to be going in multiple directions without ever truly finding its focus. The acting was unconvincing, with performances that lacked depth and authenticity. Furthermore, the dark and gloomy atmosphere throughout the film only added to my boredom. I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for an engaging or enjoyable viewing experience.
3. Robert - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Witch 1966," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the lack of a cohesive narrative left me confused and disconnected from the story. The symbolism and allegories were heavy-handed, making it difficult to fully engage with the film. Additionally, the characters felt one-dimensional and their motivations were unclear. Although there were moments of beautiful cinematography, they were not enough to save this otherwise unremarkable film.