The Wizard of Oz is slightly different than most epics in that, being set primarily in a fantasy land, it is very much both a physical and emotional journey for the protagonist Dorothy. The classic film is undoubtedly known for its stunning and breakthrough visuals, and while many believe the bright colors mask a basic plot and weak emotional journey, I would argue that Baum actually uses the visuals and the plot to create more depth to the Land of Oz and Dorothy than originally meets the eye. This is where I disagree with Nick’s argument that Baum shows his hand too early in introducing us to the colorful Oz.
In our first encounter with the Land of Oz, we get a classic standard coverage shot as Dorothy opens the door to the fantasy world. From the second that Dorothy opens the door, Baum’s shot not only makes it clear to the reader that Dorothy and Toto are “not in Kansas anymore” but also transfers the viewers into this new world. As Nick points out, Baum drags this shot out for almost a minute, but I believe that minute actually is the perfect amount of time for the viewer to take in the scene. It is easy to watch from a modern perspective and think that the extended shot drags on, but for people watching it in 1939, a sight like this on big screen was truly remarkable, and a minute may have hardly been enough to let the sight sink in. Even just as soon as the shot seems to get too long, Dorothy hits us with her famous line, “we’re not in Kansas anymore.” While Hitchcock and others often had to write the time and place on the screen to let the viewer know where the scene is set, all Baum uses is the standard coverage shot and Dorothy’s subsequent one liner to show us where we are, while also adding a twinge of mystery to what else this fantasy world has in store for Dorothy and Toto. Furthermore, the shot also sets the tone for the rest of the movie, not only explaining where the rest of the movie will play out, but sets a fantastical tone for the rest of the movie that is played out until the end.
While many see The Wizard of Oz as a simple children’s fantasy movie, the true art of the epic is undeniable when watching it with a newer, more informed perspective.