If you're reading this, you already know about this movie, so I won't
waste time telling you what it is, how dark/somber it is, how it isn't
for everyone, how some WIZARD OF OZ fans hate it, how unique its
backstory was, how its director never directed a single other film, or how
strange it is to see electric shock treatment in a film with a talking
chicken. All I will say is that I simply adore it.
-I love the haunting look on Fairuza's face as the camera pans to her
in the opening shot, and the heartfelt gravity in Piper Laurie's voice
when she says "It's past one in the morning."
-I love the way mirrors are a reoccurring symbol throughout the film.
-I love the strange sadness I feel as Fairuza speaks solemnly to the
adults that tower over her.
-I love the moment of hesitation Aunt Em shows before she leaves
Dorothy at the clinic, and doesn't even turn around.
-I love when Dr. Worley asks Dorothy how she's doing, and she responds
"I wish I wasn't tied down."
-I love when Dorothy and Billina first arrive in the Deadly Desert, and
as she balances her way on the giant boulders, a claymation eye on the
rock pops open.
-I love when she pulls down the lunch pail, the reaction of the strange
face floating on the rock, and the face reporting the news to unseen
Nome King.
-I love the fun turn-of-the-century music playing during this whole
sequence.
-I love the moment when, trapped by the Wheelers, Dorothy finds Tik
Tok, and the wonderful moment they share.
-I love the moment when Mombi first removes her head.
-I love that wonderful/creepy Neil Gaiman/Coraline moment when Dorothy
reaches for the Powder of Life and wakes up the disembodied head that
screams her name.
-I love the flight of the Gump, the feeling of escape, David Shire's
wondrous score, and that moment when Dorothy says "I'm awfully sleepy,
but I'm glad I have my own head to be sleepy with."
-I love how in that moment when Dorothy cries in the Nome King's lap,
in a cold stone hall that seems like it must be infinitely lonely, he
pats her shoulder, and strangely, cries himself. Are these crocodile
tears? Does he have some second personality that does care? We'll never
know.
-I love the scene when Dorothy eats the rock cakes and melted silver,
the gravity in her voice when, talking about Jack, says with little
hope "Maybe he'll be lucky," and the intimate moment she shares with
Tik Tok as she winds his thinking.
-I love the creepy bewilderment felt in the ornament room, Tik Tok's
green tears, and the moment she hugs him.
-I love the restoration of Oz, when she tells the crowd they're the
best friends anyone could have, and when they say they understand, I
love the pure heartbreak in her voice as she asks "Do you?"
-I love and feel infinitely sad for Dorothy as she rushes to say
goodbye to her friends, not able to fully do so as the screen turns
white, then we see shots of the clouds, and finally the camera pulls
back on Fairuza's gorgeous eye, already open, as her voice, filled with
melancholy, murmurs a quiet "Goodbye."
-Finally, I love the final scene, as Dorothy sees Ozma in the mirror,
her reflection, so she can finally live in both worlds, and finally she
runs outside with Toto, and David Shire's score reaches its crescendo.
This is how RETURN TO OZ has touched me, and why it will always be one
of my favorite films.
