Bette Midler's Witch Character: A Memorable Performance

Bette Midler is a renowned actress who is known for her versatile performances across various genres. One of her most iconic roles was portraying a witch in the 1993 film "Hocus Pocus." In the film, Midler plays the character of Winifred Sanderson, a comedic yet villainous witch who, along with her two sisters, wreaks havoc on the town of Salem. Despite their wicked intentions, Midler manages to add a certain charm and humor to the character, making Winifred Sanderson a memorable and beloved witch. What sets Midler's portrayal of a witch apart from others is her ability to balance the character's sinister side with her comedic timing. She effortlessly switches between being menacing and hilarious, making the audience both fear and laugh at her antics.

Witch trials rocked Europe even before they took Salem by storm, Christ-Doane said. The word "witch" itself has taken on modern meanings in recent decades, gradually shedding some of its negative historical connotations.

But when I read the script, I thought this is really perpetuating a stereotype about an evil ugly witch, and I know that there are groups of really strong women who sort of bond together and are very spiritual and powerful, Najimy says. Greene is a witch who s also an editor, film historian and religion journalist who recently penned a thoughtful piece comparing the Hocus Pocus installments.

She effortlessly switches between being menacing and hilarious, making the audience both fear and laugh at her antics. This unique blend of darkness and comedy is what makes her performance as Winifred Sanderson so captivating. Additionally, Midler's portrayal of a witch is enhanced by her musical talent.

The 'Hocus Pocus' Reboot Has Real Witches Spooked

On Thursday it was announced that the iconic 90s film is being remade with a new cast. But not everyone is casting spells of celebration: Though "Hocus Pocus" is widely celebrated as a Halloween favorite, many practicing witches find it disturbing.

In the summer of 1993, powerful feminine forces combined to produce perhaps the most iconic and enjoyable family film about witches. Hocus Pocus, set in Salem, Massachusetts, tells the story of the Sanderson sisters, three witches (portrayed by Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker) who were executed in 1693 after magically feeding off the life force of children. Three hundred years later, on Halloween, a foolish virgin accidentally resurrects the sisters, who proceed to terrorize the town in an attempt to achieve immortality.

On Thursday, Deadline announced that Hocus Pocus is getting a remake. Though details are currently sparse, the news is thrilling for fans, who have endured years of rumors that a sequel was in the works. Actual witches, however, are genuinely concerned: Many are disturbed by the 1993 cult classic, and wonder whether the remake will take the opportunity to correct several wrongs in the original.

Zoe, a 20-year-old witch, tells Broadly that Hocus Pocus made her worried that she'd be treated "like a joke" for practicing magic when she first saw it five years ago. To Zoe, Hocus Pocus is somewhat harmful because it portrays "a real group of people" in a frivolous and stereotypical light. "I hope the filmmakers are sensitive to the fact that they can influence how the general public views witches and pagans, and I hope they make an effort for their portrayal to be more accurate than fantastical," she said.

Contemporary critiques of Hocus Pocus from the pagan community tend to focus on the fact that witches and magic are real, that they're not jokes, and that amplifying outdated stereotypes about the craft is damaging to the lived experiences of witches today. "Witches do not feed on children, fly on broomsticks, or worship Satan," wrote one detractor in an article published on Odyssey Online. "Real witches also don't have the ability to turn a teenage boy into a black cat. Everything in this movie can be seen as offensive to real witches, despite how beautifully magical it is."

Sophie, a teen witch, also finds the movie disrespectful, and worries about the message it sends. "I have never been an advocate for movies produced about murderous witches who cast harmful spells," she says. "This idea further perpetuates the stereotype that all witches are wicked and only cast curses or kill the people they dislike."

"I sometimes hesitate before telling someone I'm a witch with fear that they will disregard or think of me a hateful, ghoulish person who boils frogs in their free time," she adds.

But not everyone in the occult community takes issue with Hocus Pocus, recognizing its campy appeal. Sarah, a tarot reader and witch, describes the film as "perfect." Growing up in Massachusetts, she and her friends would drive to Salem during Halloween. "I always felt a very personal connection to the story," she affirms. "Even if it's not an 'accurate' depiction of witchcraft, I think there's a sense of magic about the film that I drew (and still draw) power from."

"I remember wanting to put myself in a world like that—where magic was real, black cats could talk, and Halloween was really the one night of the year that the dead could come back," she continues. "Many years later, my life doesn't look 100 percent like that. But as a young witch, you need goals to reach for."

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"This is one of our cornerstones in practice as Cabot witches and in many other traditions as well," Penny said. "In a time where inclusivity and acceptance in our culture is at the forefront, to [blatantly] depict us as harmful is disappointing at best."

Throughout the film, she delivers show-stopping musical numbers that further showcase her range as an actress. From the energetic "I Put a Spell on You" to the chillingly beautiful rendition of "Come Little Children," Midler's vocal prowess adds another layer of depth to her character, making Winifred Sanderson even more memorable. Overall, Bette Midler's portrayal of a witch in "Hocus Pocus" is a testament to her versatility as an actress. Through her perfect blend of comedy, darkness, and musicality, she brings the character of Winifred Sanderson to life in a way that continues to enchant audiences to this day..

Reviews for "Bette Midler's Witchy Comedy: A Perfect Blend of Humor and Horror"

1. Emily - 2 stars

I was quite disappointed with Bette Midler's portrayal of a witch in this movie. The character felt forced and her performance lacked the charm and charisma that I was expecting. I felt like she was trying too hard to be funny and it just didn't work for me. The whole witch concept seemed overdone and cliché, and I was hoping for something more unique and refreshing. Overall, I found the portrayal of the witch to be uninspiring and unimpressive.

2. Jonathan - 3 stars

While I appreciate Bette Midler's talent as an actress, I wasn't necessarily impressed with her portrayal of a witch in this film. The character felt too exaggerated and over-the-top, almost like a caricature. It lacked depth and complexity, making it difficult for me to connect with her on any meaningful level. I understand that this was meant to be a comedy, but I expected more nuance and subtlety in her performance. Overall, I think Midler's portrayal of a witch was underwhelming and left much to be desired.

3. Sarah - 2.5 stars

I had high hopes for Bette Midler's portrayal of a witch in this movie, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. Her performance felt forced and unnatural, and I found it difficult to believe in the character she was portraying. The humor seemed forced and predictable, and I couldn't help but feel like I've seen this kind of portrayal of a witch before. Personally, I think Midler's talents were wasted in this role, and I would have loved to see her in a more challenging and unique character. Overall, I was disappointed with her portrayal of a witch in this film.

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