Sentimental Garbage: Return to Oz with Shon Faye – Episode Summary

Hosted by Caroline O'Donoghue

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of Sentimental Garbage, Caroline O'Donoghue welcomes guest Shan Faye to delve deep into the cult classic film Return to Oz. The conversation weaves through personal anecdotes, cinematic analysis, and cultural insights, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of the film's enduring impact and underlying themes.

Personal Reflections and Introductions [00:45 – 03:56]

Shan Faye begins by sharing a heartfelt reflection on her upcoming two-year wedding anniversary, illustrating how even the mishaps become cherished memories over time. She recounts a memorable moment when her wedding musicians failed to appear, only for a friend to improvise with a grand piano, turning a potential disaster into a magical experience.

Shan Faye: "Actually the stuff that goes catastrophically badly is the stuff that you'll remember the most fondly of all." [02:15]

This anecdote seamlessly transitions into broader discussions about nostalgia and resilience, setting the stage for the episode's main focus on Return to Oz.

Exploring Return to Oz: Horror and Nostalgia [03:57 – 07:30]

Caroline introduces Shan Faye's perspective on Return to Oz, highlighting the film's unique blend of horror and whimsy. Shan expresses her deep affection for the movie despite its narrative inconsistencies.

Shan Faye: "I feel like this movie, I don't know if it totally hangs together as a complete narrative sometimes, but it doesn't mean I don't fucking love it." [03:59]

Farouza Balks joins the conversation, sharing her vivid memories of the film's most terrifying scenes, such as Dorothy being strapped to a gurney for electroshock therapy. Both hosts agree that the film masterfully balances its dark themes with fleeting moments of levity, though they sometimes find the latter detracting from the overall horror.

Performance Analysis and Cinematic Techniques [07:35 – 15:34]

The discussion shifts to the performances within Return to Oz, particularly praising Farouza Balks' portrayal of Dorothy. They compare her naturalistic acting to Judy Garland's iconic role, noting how Farouza's genuine emotion stands out against the film's more mechanical characters, like the Scarecrow and Tin Man.

Farouza Balks: "I was so, the wizard of Oz was like a huge part of my childhood... It gave me a taste." [08:21]

Shan Faye and Farouza delve into the film's aesthetic choices, such as the use of puppetry and practical effects, which contribute to its unsettling atmosphere. They also explore the film's steampunk elements and 1980s influences, which add layers of complexity to its visual storytelling.

Queer Subtext and Cultural Impact [15:34 – 25:04]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unpacking the queer subtext embedded within Return to Oz. Shan Faye articulates how the film's themes of escape and transformation resonate with the LGBTQ+ experience, drawing parallels between Dorothy's journey and the quest for a safe space.

Shan Faye: "Why do you think wizard of Oz has become so rich in queer subtext?" [13:33]

They discuss how elements like Elphaba from Wicked and the character of Ozma embody queer identities and struggles, emphasizing the film's unintentional yet profound representation of these themes.

Psychiatric Themes and Anti-Psychiatry Sentiments [25:04 – 36:31]

The conversation takes a darker turn as they examine the film's portrayal of psychiatry and mental health. They critique the use of electroshock therapy and the film's depiction of mental institutions, viewing it as a radical anti-psychiatry statement.

Farouza Balks: "I was gonna say the Return to Oz is also a very radical anti psychiatry film." [19:14]

Shan Faye adds that the film's opening scenes, where Dorothy is subjected to harsh treatments, reflect a broader societal fear and misunderstanding of mental health issues, making the movie both psychologically disturbing and socially relevant.

Cultural Legacy and Cult Classic Status [36:31 – 48:08]

Caroline and Shan Faye explore how Return to Oz has achieved cult classic status despite its initial commercial failure. They compare it to other cult classics like The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and various one-hit wonders in music, discussing how the film's unique blend of horror and fantasy has cemented its place in cultural memory.

Shan Faye: "It's such an achievement to..." [40:07]

They reflect on the film's lasting impact, noting how its disturbing imagery and complex themes continue to resonate with audiences who seek depth and ambiguity in cinematic experiences.

Final Thoughts and Reflections [48:08 – 80:47]

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts ponder the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. They discuss the importance of leaving space for imagination and fear in children's films, advocating for stories that embrace darkness alongside light.

Farouza Balks: "I think it is captivating and I just think some of the..." [48:08]

Shan Faye emphasizes the film's ability to evoke genuine emotion and its relevance in today's context of growing mental health challenges, drawing a poignant parallel between the film's themes and contemporary societal issues.

Shan Faye: "We're only, like, getting more and more... managing an unsolvable growing mental health dip." [80:14]

Conclusion

Caroline O'Donoghue and Shan Faye's in-depth discussion of Return to Oz offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the film's enduring legacy. By intertwining personal experiences with critical analysis, they illuminate the movie's complex tapestry of horror, nostalgia, and queer subtext, reinforcing its status as a beloved yet haunting cinematic gem.

Shan Faye: "Return to Oz, our heads are fucked. Thank you, Sean." [80:47]

Notable Quotes

• Shan Faye: "Actually the stuff that goes catastrophically badly is the stuff that you'll remember the most fondly of all." [02:15]

• Shan Faye: "I feel like this movie, I don't know if it totally hangs together as a complete narrative sometimes, but it doesn't mean I don't fucking love it." [03:59]

• Farouza Balks: "I was gonna say the Return to Oz is also a very radical anti psychiatry film." [19:14]

• Shan Faye: "Why do you think wizard of Oz has become so rich in queer subtext?" [13:33]

• Shan Faye: "We're only, like, getting more and more... managing an unsolvable growing mental health dip." [80:14]

Key Takeaways

• Return to Oz balances horror with whimsical elements, creating a unique and unsettling viewing experience.

• The film contains rich queer subtext, resonating deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences through themes of escape and transformation.

• Its portrayal of psychiatry and mental health reflects societal fears and critiques, positioning the film as a radical anti-psychiatry statement.

• Despite initial commercial failure, Return to Oz has achieved cult classic status, celebrated for its disturbing imagery and complex themes.

• The film's legacy underscores the importance of embracing darkness and ambiguity in storytelling, especially within children's narratives.

This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while preserving the essence of the original discussion.