Cackles, Cauldrons, and Comedy: Witches in Cinema

Hey there, fellow movie buffs and magic enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the enchanting world of witches in cinema. Throughout October at Rooftop Film Club we are screening a whole host of witchy movies to get you settled into Spooky Season. So grab your broomsticks, your spellbooks, and maybe a few newt eyes (just kidding, don’t do that!) as we take a whimsical journey through the often hilarious and occasionally bewitching portrayals of witches on the big screen.

1. The Classic Cackle: First things first, let’s talk about the classic witch cackle. You know the one – that spine-tingling, hair-raising laughter that sends shivers down your spine. It’s a laugh that the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus” would envy. Those three kooky witches, with their infectious cackles and insatiable quest for eternal youth, remind us that witches can be wickedly funny.

2. Wardrobe Envy: Witches in cinema have a flair for fashion, from the glamorous to the gloriously goofy. Just take a look at Morticia Addams in “The Addams Family.” She’s the epitome of gothic chic, with her long flowing gown and morbidly charming accessories. Witches like Morticia teach us that it’s okay to embrace the dark side – as long as you do it in style.

3. Warty Noses and Green Skin: Speaking of embracing the dark side, the witches of “The Blair Witch Project” took a different approach. They didn’t need warty noses or green skin to send chills down our spines. Their eerie presence in the woods, their haunting symbols, and their unseen malevolence turned an innocent camping trip into a spine-tingling nightmare.

4. Misunderstood Sweethearts: While some witches are wicked, others are simply misunderstood. The Owens sisters in “Practical Magic” fall into the latter category. These lovable witches just want to find love and happiness, but their family’s curse has a way of complicating things. Through laughter and tears, they teach us that love can be the most potent magic of all.

5. Familiar Follies: Witches in movies often have trusty animal companions. Whether it’s a black cat, a crow, or a toad, these furry (or feathered) friends add a dash of whimsy to the witchy tales. Just like in “The Craft,” where a coven of teenage witches forms a sisterhood and conjures up some seriously unexpected consequences when they start experimenting with their powers.

6. Spellbook Shenanigans: Witches and their spellbooks are like chefs and their cookbooks – the possibilities are endless! Anne Hathaway’s Grand High Witch in “The Witches” unleashes chaos with her magical spells and potions. She serves as a cautionary tale that even the most mischievous witches can meet their match.

7. Broomstick Ballet: Lastly, we can’t talk about witches in cinema without mentioning the enchanting world of “Bewitched.” Samantha Stephens, the charming witch portrayed by Nicole Kidman, weaves magic into her everyday life with a twitch of her nose. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most magical moments happen in the most ordinary situations.

So there you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of how witches are portrayed in the magical world of cinema, featuring iconic films like “Hocus Pocus,” “The Addams Family,” “The Blair Witch Project,” and “Practical Magic.” From the classic cackle to the broomstick ballet, witches have been enchanting and entertaining us for generations. Whether they’re brewing up potions, causing mischief, or just trying to fit in, witches are a cinematic treasure that keeps us spellbound with laughter and wonder.

Remember, the next time you see a witch on the silver screen, don’t be too quick to judge. They might just be a misunderstood sweetheart with a killer fashion sense and a penchant for cackling. After all, in the world of cinema, anything is possible – even turning a pumpkin into a carriage! We’re celebrating all witches on October 1st with screenings of Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, The Blair Witch Project, Practical Magic and Coraline.
Stay witchy, my friends, and may your cauldrons always be bubbling!