The 2020 remake of The Witches, starring Anne Hathaway, clocks in at a crisp 1 hour and 46 minutes (106 minutes). This runtime provides a relatively swift, family-friendly foray into Roald Dahl’s dark fantasy world.
Unpacking the Runtime: What to Expect
The 106-minute duration of The Witches (2020) is a crucial element of its overall impact. It’s shorter than some blockbuster fantasy films, but whether it effectively tells the story and delivers on its promise is a matter of debate. Here’s a deeper dive:
- Pacing: The film’s pacing is generally considered brisk. It moves quickly through the initial setup, introducing the main characters and the traumatic event that leads to the grandmother’s intervention. This allows for a faster immersion into the world of witches.
- Story Compression: Some critics have argued that the relatively short runtime necessitates some compression of the original story’s nuances. Character development and the exploration of the psychological impact of the witches’ actions may feel rushed to some viewers.
- Target Audience: The runtime likely reflects the film’s target audience of families and younger viewers. A shorter film is generally more palatable to this demographic, helping to maintain engagement without overstaying its welcome.
- Comparison to the 1990 film: The 1990 version of The Witches, starring Anjelica Huston, runs slightly longer, at 91 minutes. While only a 15-minute difference, these extra moments might have been used for more detailed character arcs and suspense-building scenes.
Ultimately, the value of The Witches’ runtime hinges on the individual viewer’s expectations. Is it enough to deliver a satisfying and memorable experience? Our analysis suggests the runtime adequately serves the narrative, but may feel truncated to those seeking a more comprehensive adaptation of Dahl’s novel.
The Witches (2020): Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the 2020 adaptation of The Witches, going beyond just the runtime and looking at context and impact.
Is The Witches (2020) a faithful adaptation of the book?
The 2020 film takes liberties with the source material. While the core plot elements remain – a young boy overhears a coven of witches plotting to turn children into animals – the setting is changed from England to Alabama in the 1960s, and the ending is significantly altered. Purists may find these changes disappointing, while others may appreciate the fresh perspective. The change of setting to 1960s Alabama specifically adds a layer of complexity, addressing themes of race and social injustice that are not present in the original novel.
Who directed the 2020 adaptation of The Witches?
Robert Zemeckis directed the 2020 film. Zemeckis is renowned for his visual effects-heavy films, including Back to the Future, Forrest Gump, and The Polar Express. His experience with motion capture and CGI is evident in the film’s depiction of the witches and their transformations. While he’s a decorated filmmaker, his approach with this particular project garnered mixed responses.
Who stars in The Witches (2020)?
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch, Octavia Spencer as Grandma, Jahzir Bruno as Hero Boy (Charlie), and Stanley Tucci as Mr. Stringer. Chris Rock also provides narration. The ensemble cast brought significant talent to the project. However, some felt the performances, particularly Hathaway’s, leaned heavily into caricature.
What age is The Witches (2020) appropriate for?
The Witches (2020) is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements/scary images and language. While marketed as a family film, the film contains some genuinely frightening moments and disturbing imagery that may be unsuitable for very young children. Parental guidance is strongly recommended. It is important to consider your child’s sensitivity to scary content before viewing.
Is The Witches (2020) available on streaming?
The Witches (2020) was initially released on HBO Max in the United States. Its streaming availability may vary depending on your region and current licensing agreements. Check your local streaming providers or online databases like JustWatch to determine where the film is currently available. Over time, it has migrated across different platforms.
How does The Witches (2020) compare to the 1990 film?
The 1990 adaptation, directed by Nicolas Roeg, is widely regarded as a classic, praised for its practical effects, dark atmosphere, and Anjelica Huston’s iconic performance as the Grand High Witch. The 2020 film utilizes CGI more extensively and offers a different interpretation of the story. Many critics and viewers have found the 1990 version more unsettling and faithful to the spirit of the novel. Roeg’s rendition leans towards a more grounded, horrifying aesthetic, while Zemeckis delivers a more fantastical and visually driven experience.
Was there any controversy surrounding The Witches (2020)?
Yes, the film faced criticism for its depiction of limb differences. Some disability advocates argued that the Grand High Witch’s missing fingers resembled ectrodactyly, a congenital limb difference, and that this portrayal reinforced negative stereotypes about disabilities. Warner Bros. issued an apology and stated they were saddened to learn that their depiction of the fictional characters had upset people with disabilities. This controversy highlights the importance of inclusive representation in media.
What are some of the key differences between the book and the 2020 film?
Aside from the setting change, the 2020 film features a different ending than both the book and the 1990 film. In the book, the protagonist remains a mouse, while in the 1990 film, he is restored to human form. The 2020 film offers a more bittersweet conclusion. Also, the characterizations of certain witches and the overall tone differ somewhat between the various versions.
Where was The Witches (2020) filmed?
Principal photography for The Witches (2020) took place in various locations, including Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden in Hertfordshire, England, and Savannah, Georgia in the United States. The combination of studio sets and on-location filming contributed to the film’s visual style.
What is the overall critical reception of The Witches (2020)?
The film received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of the cast and the visual effects, others criticized the film for its uneven tone, reliance on CGI, and deviations from the source material. The film currently holds a mixed score on review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic.
Is there a sequel planned for The Witches (2020)?
As of now, there are no officially announced plans for a sequel to The Witches (2020). The film’s mixed critical reception and box office performance may make a sequel less likely. However, with the enduring popularity of Roald Dahl’s books, future adaptations are always possible.
What are some other Roald Dahl adaptations worth watching?
If you enjoyed The Witches (2020), you might also enjoy other adaptations of Roald Dahl’s works, such as Matilda (1996), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971 and 2005), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), and James and the Giant Peach (1996). Each offers a unique interpretation of Dahl’s imaginative storytelling. Many are classics and considered essential viewing. In fact, a new adaptation of Matilda (2022) has been received with wide acclaim.