The Wizards of the World: A Modern Allegory

19 June 2024

I began writing what was mean to be a tong-in-cheek comparison of the classic film with modern day life. This quickly turned into the makings of a could-be comedy screen play.

Plot Synopsis:

Greta Thunberg (Dorothy), after a powerful climate-related phenomenon (perhaps a giant storm or extreme weather event), finds herself transported to a colourful and bewildering land called Ozonia. Determined to find her way back and save her world, she sets off to meet the great and powerful Wizard, rumoured to have the answers she seeks.

Along her journey, Greta encounters Elon Musk (Scarecrow), who is desperate for a brain upgrade to fully comprehend the complexities of climate science and renewable energy. Together, they press on and soon meet Jeff Bezos (Tin Man), who longs for a heart to better connect with humanity beyond his corporate interests.

Their next companion is Mark Zuckerberg (Cowardly Lion), who craves the courage to face the ethical consequences of his social media empire. The unlikely quartet bands together, each with their unique quests, believing that the Wizard holds the key to their transformations.

As they navigate through the whimsical land of Ozonia, they face various challenges and humorous mishaps, bonding over their shared goals and discovering their strengths. Their adventures are filled with satire and witty commentary on modern socio-political issues, all wrapped in a comedic tone.

Finally, they reach the grand palace of the Wizard. With great anticipation and a touch of trepidation, they pull back the curtain to reveal… George Soros! The enigmatic billionaire is caught off-guard, fumbling with his financial charts and political strategy maps.

Soros, surprised by their arrival, tries to maintain his grandiose façade but quickly realizes the jig is up. In a comedic twist, he admits that his supposed omnipotence is nothing more than a series of well-placed investments and influence-peddling.

The punchline hits: despite all his wealth and power, Soros is just a regular person using “smoke and mirrors” to manipulate the world. The revelation is both humorous and enlightening, highlighting the fallibility of even the most seemingly powerful figures.

In the end, Greta and her friends learn that the true power to change their world lies within themselves and their collective efforts. They return to their respective roles, empowered and ready to tackle the global challenges ahead with newfound wisdom, empathy, and courage.

Conclusion:

“The Wizards of the World: A Modern Allegory” delivers a comedic yet poignant exploration of contemporary issues through the lens of beloved characters, culminating in a surprise twist that redefines the notion of power and influence in today’s world.

Cast & Characters:

  1. Dorothy: Greta Thunberg

    • A passionate activist for climate change, swept away from her current world of environmental advocacy into a surreal and fantastical realm.

  2. Scarecrow: Elon Musk

    • Known for his brilliance in technology and innovation but seeking wisdom and understanding beyond his realm of expertise.

  3. Tin Man: Jeff Bezos

    • The billionaire entrepreneur and former Amazon CEO, searching for empathy and compassion amidst his vast wealth.

  4. Cowardly Lion: Mark Zuckerberg

    • The Facebook founder, portrayed as seeking courage to confront the consequences of his platform’s impact on society.

  5. The Wizard: George Soros

    • A mysterious figure of immense wealth and influence, manipulating the political and economic landscapes behind the scenes.

The Original Comparison

Unveiling the Illusion: The Prophetic Allegory of ‘The Wizard of Oz

“The Wizard of Oz” (1939 (the year my mum was born)) is often regarded as a timeless classic, not only for its ground-breaking cinematography and storytelling but also for its deeper allegorical and prophetic layers. The film, based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the societal and political dynamics of its time, as well as offering insights that remain relevant in modern contexts. Here’s an exploration of its prophetic nature and metaphorical significance:

The Allegorical World of Oz

  1. The Journey to Oz:

    • Dorothy’s journey to Oz, beginning with a storm (a tornado), symbolizes upheaval and the start of a transformative experience. In modern terms, it can represent a significant societal or personal crisis that leads to a re-evaluation of values and realities.

  2. The Apparent Utopian World:

    • Upon arriving in Oz, Dorothy encounters a seemingly perfect world filled with vibrant colours and whimsical characters. This mirrors the initial allure of utopian ideals or new political regimes that promise a better future.
    • In modern contexts, this can be seen as the seductive nature of certain ideologies or movements that promise an ideal society but may conceal underlying complexities and challenges.

  3. The Mad Professor Behind the Curtain:

    • The Wizard, who is revealed to be an ordinary man behind a curtain, represents the disillusionment with authority figures and the realization that those in power may not have all the answers or the grandeur they project.
    • This aspect is prophetic of modern political and corporate leaders who often present an image of omnipotence but are ultimately fallible and human. It also speaks to the transparency issues in governance and leadership, where the true nature of power is hidden behind facades.

Modern Day Metaphors

  1. Technological and Political Control:

    • The Wizard’s use of smoke, mirrors, and loudspeakers to maintain control over Oz can be likened to modern-day media manipulation and propaganda, where technology and information are used to shape public perception and control narratives.
    • The internet and social media, while having democratizing potential, are also tools for surveillance and control, akin to the Wizard’s deceptive practices.

  2. The Search for Authenticity:

    • Dorothy’s quest to return home symbolizes the human desire for authenticity and truth in a world filled with illusions and superficiality.
    • In today’s world, there is a growing movement towards seeking genuine connections, transparency in information, and authentic experiences amidst the barrage of digital content and false representations.

  3. Societal and Environmental Crises:

    • The storm that transports Dorothy to Oz can be seen as a metaphor for societal and environmental crises that force humanity to confront its realities and seek new paths. Climate change, economic upheavals, and social movements are the modern “storms” that challenge the status quo and compel change.

The Happy Ending

  1. Overcoming Challenges:

    • Dorothy’s eventual return to Kansas represents overcoming adversity and finding peace after a tumultuous journey. It reflects the human spirit’s resilience and capacity to find hope and normalcy after crises.
    • Modern parallels can be drawn to how societies rebuild and recover after disasters, whether they are natural, economic, or social. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, has tested global resilience, but also sparked innovation, community solidarity, and a rethinking of priorities.

  2. Inner Strength and Realization:

    • The realization that the power to return home was within Dorothy all along highlights the theme of self-discovery and empowerment. It suggests that the solutions to our problems often lie within ourselves and our communities, rather than in distant, authoritative figures.
    • In contemporary terms, this speaks to grassroots movements, local initiatives, and the empowerment of individuals to effect change in their own lives and communities.

    Conclusion

    “The Wizard of Oz” is a rich tapestry of symbolism that continues to resonate with modern audiences. Its prophetic nature lies in its depiction of the allure and disillusionment with utopian ideals, the hidden machinations of power, and the ultimate journey towards truth and self-empowerment. In a world where technological, political, and environmental challenges are ever-present, the film’s themes offer timeless insights into the human condition and our quest for authenticity and resilience.

    Or, as the Late, Great Barry Norman may have put it….

    “The Wizard of Oz,” that timeless 1939 cinematic marvel, transcends its enchanting facade to unveil a tapestry of allegory and prophetic insight. L. Frank Baum’s literary marvel finds its celluloid counterpart in a tale of Dorothy’s odyssey, propelled into the kaleidoscopic realm of Oz by a tumultuous tornado—a metaphor for personal and societal upheaval.

    In this land of vibrant hues and fantastical beings, Dorothy’s journey parallels the seductive allure of utopian promises, where the promise of a perfect world belies the hidden complexities beneath. It’s here, amidst the lush tapestry of Oz, that the film’s prophetic resonance emerges most vividly.

    At its heart lies the enigmatic Wizard, a figure shrouded in mystery and wielding power with a deft hand of smoke, mirrors, and resonant theatrics. His illusionary grandeur and the awe-struck populace reflect the deceptive allure of authority, resonant even in contemporary political theatre.

    The pivotal revelation, where Dorothy and her stalwart companions draw back the curtain, reveals not a supernatural being, but a mere mortal orchestrating grand illusions. This unveiling strikes at the core of the human condition, where the phrase ‘smoke and mirrors’ finds its genesis—an evocative descriptor for the artful manipulation and deception that masks true intentions.

    Thus, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ not only endures as a masterpiece of visual storytelling but also serves as a profound metaphor for our perennial quest for authenticity amidst a world of illusory facades. It’s through Dorothy’s journey home—a testament to resilience and self-discovery—that the film’s timeless wisdom resonates, reminding us of the enduring power of cinematic allegory to illuminate deeper truths about the human spirit and societal dynamics.

    In sum, ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ through its kaleidoscopic lens, offers not merely entertainment but a profound reflection on the interplay between illusion and reality—a theme as relevant today as it was in the golden age of Hollywood.”