As a lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz, I’ve always held a special place in my heart for Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. But after coming across this AI-generated depiction of the characters from L. Frank Baum’s original books, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia tinged with a hint of unease.
Imagining the Wizard of Oz brings to mind a large, floating head barking orders at Judy Garland and her friends in the cherished 1939 film. However, it’s important to note that not every character from the movie aligns perfectly with their portrayals in L. Frank Baum’s original books. To provide some clarification, YouTube channel Screen AI has offered the most accurate depictions of Oz’s characters based on Baum’s descriptions, and many of them differ significantly from our traditional understandings.
In my perspective as a fan, while Judy Garland’s portrayal of Dorothy dons the iconic blue and white gingham dress, it falls short of Baum’s ruby-slipper wearing hero. Her outfit is accessorized with a pink bonnet, and her eyes are described as “huge blue sapphires,” contrasting Garland’s appearance. The Scarecrow in this adaptation is overflowing with straw and adorned with blue button eyes, resembling Jim Henson’s creatures more than Ray Bolger’s portrayal. Oz appears less like the classic silver-haired trickster and more akin to Geri from “Toy Story 2,” specifically in his design for “Geri’s Game.” However, both the antagonist and Dorothy’s protective figure deviate significantly from their familiar counterparts but align closer to Baum’s original vision than anticipated.
The Wicked Witch was never green until the 1939 movie
Cynthia Erivo is famously cast as the lead Wicked Witch in “Wicked,” but it’s Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal opposite Judy Garland that remains deeply etched in audiences’ minds. While Cynthia’s character sports green skin, this trait was never present in L. Frank Baum’s original books. Instead, the witch was depicted with a powerful telescopic eye, three pigtails, and owned a Golden Cap – an enchanted hat granting her control over fearsome winged monkeys. This magical headpiece made its way into live-action adaptations, instilling terror in generations of children.
In Screen AI’s adaptation, the witch resembles Daryl Hannah from Kill Bill rather than the cyclops depiction in Baum’s original Oz. Regarding Dorothy’s initial adversary in Oz, the green skin of the witch is a deviation from the source material. This alteration could have been made for the colorful cinematic effects used in the film, as witches were typically portrayed as orange or red prior to Hamilton’s interpretation. Over time, the witch’s green complexion has become an essential aspect of her character, influencing the plot in “Wicked.” Similarly, the Tin Man’s disturbing appearance from Oz has been overlooked through the years.
The Tin Man’s origin story is horrifying
The memory of flying monkeys from Victor Fleming’s “The Wizard of Oz” may have left deep scars on childhood imaginations. However, another travel companion of Dorothy’s might have caused even more nighttime fears for young viewers. With an appearance reminiscent of a monster from Clive Barker’s tales, this AI-enhanced Tin Man could be closer to L. Frank Baum’s original concept. Contrary to the common depiction of a tin man, this character was once a human named Nick Chopper. He gained unwanted attention from the Wicked Witch’s servant and, in retaliation, she cursed his ax. As a consequence, Nick had to chop off his own arm and replace it with a tin one.
The terror didn’t end there; instead, his body underwent a grotesque transformation into metal, robbing him of a heart and any chance of rekindling his romance with his past love. Considering this, the man in the AI video who appears mechanical might be a closer match to previous depictions, albeit disturbingly so. If the upcoming “Wicked” film manages to captivate fans beyond its “Wizard of Oz” roots, we may need to brace ourselves for the reappearance of these monstrous characters.
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2024-07-29 16:59