The term “witches” can be used for numerous types of films, books, or other representations within a culture. The following are the most remarkable examples:
The Witches, 1990, film by Nicolas Roeg
A dark fantasy-comedy film directed by Nicolas Roeg, based on the book by Roald Dahl.
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- Synopsis: A boy and his grandmother are together in the story where she is raised by him. They encounter witches who intend to transform youngsters into rodents. He has a conflict with their aspirations while the witches’ world is treacherous.
- Cast:
- Anjelica Huston is the Grand High Witch.
- Jasen Fisher is Luke, the boy.
- Style: The witches are depicted in a perfect balance of humor and horror even thanks to the incorporation of fascinating stylized dresses that were adorned with practical effects that were complementary to the overall approach of the film.
The Witches, 2020
Remake of the same by Robert Zemeckis – it uses the novel ‘The Witches’ by Roald Dahl.
- Plot Summary: This time it is set in Alabama in the year 1968, It concentrates on a little boy who, together with his grandmother, is confronted by witches with a rather peculiar motive: they despise children.
- Cast:
- Anne Hathaway is the Grand High Witch.
- Octavia Spencer is the grandmother.
- Reaction: Although it was well-produced, it managed to draw rather mixed reviews for having a different feel in relation to the original movie of 1990.
The Craft, 1996
This is a cult classic teen horror film based on witches.
- Synopsis: Following their expulsion from their high school, four girls create a witch’s coven in pursuit of revenge and change. In return for what they did, something dark awaits them.
- Cast:
- Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True.
- Themes: Power, friendship, and trust between females, as well as the roles that strength and influence might play in this relationship.
- Legacy: Yes, both regarded as heavily stylized and influential to their respective aspects of pop culture.
Suspiria (1977, 2018)
Another classic horror film along with a remake of it about witches.
- Synopsis: A gifted dancer travels to Europe to join a world-class ballet school and finds out the entire institution is a cover for a witch coven.
- 1977 Original:
- Helmed by Dario Argento, developed by its stylistic approach and eerie soundtrack.
- 2018 Remake:
- Helmed by Luca Guadagnino, with more focus on a brooding and psychological aspect of the film.
- Starring Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Hocus Pocus is a family film suitable for Halloween.
- Synopsis: The 3 witches from Salem try to defeat three kids and a talking cat while they have been resurrected on Halloween night in order to take over the town.
- Cast:
- Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy all as the Sanderson Sisters.
- Legacy: Characterized by charm, catchy song and dance routines, and a blend of the past.
Books and Folklore
- The Crucible (Arthur Miller): This is a play depicting the events in Salem of women being executed for witchcraft and presents similar features with the period of McCarthyism.
- Witchcraft in History and Culture:
- Witches, who are often associated with folklore, have represented the ‘fears of the unknown’ as well as the ‘womankind’s fight.’