Filmstill The Love Witch

Blauer Salon
Winter term 2024
The Love Witch
Cinema of Colors
movie poster

The Love Witch

The Love Witch | Comedy, Horror, Romance | USA | 2016 | Director: Anna Biller | 121 min | 35mm | Original Version | with Samantha Robinson, Gian Keys, Laura Waddell
movie poster

THE LOVE WITCH, according to Anna Biller, is the story of a "femme fatale from a female perspective," plunging into a magically dark world of desire and sexuality. In this timeless setting, the elegant witch Elaine searches for true love, leading to tragic consequences as her obsession with romance and her supernatural powers results in unpredictable outcomes. Filmed in 35 mm and developed in Technicolor, the nostalgic style evokes 1960s horror. The opulent color schemes and music reminiscent of Morricone create a retro aesthetic that blends CAMP, goth, and dark humor. Biller examines Hollywood's portrayal of women, navigating between exploitation cinema and everyday pornography, while offering a satirical homage to the witchcraft genre.

In order to create a nostalgic glamour and magic-infused atmosphere, THE LOVE WITCH relies on a color scheme of purple and lavender hues, which permeate the makeup, costumes, and overall set design. Purple, often associated with spirituality and mysticism, along with red and pink tones, symbolizes passion and seduction, merging two central aspects of the heroine’s character.

In the supporting program, we will be showing a 35mm trailer reel of films that have obviously influenced the retro look of THE LOVE WITH.