Out Takes

26 Nov 2016

Movie Magic – Witches and Wizards.

Arts, TV & Film

In-conjunction with the theatrical release of JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the Out Takes team turn their attention to the wizarding and witching world, taking a look at some of cinema’s queerest (and campiest) witches and wizards: from the Sanderson sisters and Sondheim’s witch, to Gandalf and Albus Dumbledore.

We’re also asking why it is that so many cinematic tales of powerful witches – think Practical Magic, The Craft and The Witches of Eastwick – offer us witches who despite their powers fail the Bechdel test with flying colours, and why those who pass it (we’re looking at you, Maleficent) are characterised as evil or subversive.

Essential viewing: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016, Dir. David Yates)

Hungry for more: Hocus Pocus (1993, Kenny Ortega)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:07 — 19.7MB)

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