Los Angeles Buzz: ‘It’s Dorothy!’ Explores the Iconic ‘Wizard of Oz’ Heroine Like Never Before
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Jeffrey McHale’s new doc-essay, ‘It’s Dorothy!’, offers an extensive cultural analysis of the beloved protagonist from the ‘Wizard of Oz’ saga. The documentary covers an impressive range, tracing Dorothy’s journey from the original 1900 L. Frank Baum novel, through the classic 1939 Judy Garland film, and further into modern adaptations like ‘The Wiz’ and ‘Wicked.’
The film functions as both an affectionate tribute and a scholarly dive into Dorothy’s evolving role in American culture and beyond. McHale navigates Dorothy’s character with a wide lens, connecting the dots between various adaptations and interpretations that have emerged over the last century. From the innocent, wide-eyed girl from Kansas to a symbol of empowerment, courage, and identity, the documentary details how Dorothy’s image has been reshaped and reimagined to suit different generations.
Visually rich and steeped in archival footage, interviews, and cultural references, ‘It’s Dorothy!’ offers audiences a deeper understanding of why Dorothy remains one of the most iconic figures in literature and cinema. The film also examines how Dorothy has served as a touchstone in discussions of gender, race, and social change, particularly spotlighting adaptations like ‘The Wiz,’ which brought an African-American perspective to the story, and ‘Wicked,’ which explores the narrative from an alternative viewpoint.
However, the doc-essay sometimes feels overambitious, attempting to cover an enormous amount of material in a limited timeframe. This occasionally leads to an overstuffed presentation that might overwhelm viewers looking for a tighter narrative. Despite this, McHale’s enthusiasm and reverence for the source material shine through, making the film a must-watch for fans of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ mythos and lovers of cultural history alike.
From the yellow brick road to the emerald city and every reinterpretation in between, ‘It’s Dorothy!’ captures the magic and ongoing relevance of a character who continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
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