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Student’s Name

Essay 2: Film Review

English 1121

Bodelson

Why I Believe Matilda (1996) is a Timeless Masterpiece

Matilda (1996) is a captivating film that blends fantasy, comedy, and drama to tell the

empowering story of a young girl who overcomes adversity through intelligence, resilience, and

a touch of magic. Directed by Danny DeVito, the film is an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved

novel, bringing to life the journey of Matilda Wormwood, a gifted child who faces neglect from

her self-absorbed parents and cruelty from the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

Through determination, kindness, and the discovery of her telekinetic abilities, Matilda finds a

way to change her life and those around her. I chose to review this film because of the high moral

values, engaging storyline, and universal appeal. Not only is Matilda an entertaining children’s

film; it’s an inspiring tale about asserting one’s self, learning, and doing what’s right in the face

of injustice. I have always thought that the influence of the film was significant because it

appeals to all ages and offers wise lessons in a funny and whimsical package.

The visual elements play a significant part in creating the atmosphere and in the

development of the narrative. The cinematography employs bright and warm colors to reflect the

optimistic and dreamlike view and contrast with darker and muted colors in scenes with Miss

Trunchbull to mirror her autocratic personality. The visual contrasts bring to the forefront the

stark contrasts between the two worlds of Matilda and her enemies. I took note of the way in

which the film's cinematographer, Stefan Czapsky, used creative camera shots to advance the
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plot. One notable example is the exaggerated low-angle shots of Miss Trunchbull, making her

appear larger-than-life and more menacing. Conversely, high-angle shots of Matilda accentuate

her small size, reinforcing her initial vulnerability. The special effects, particularly in scenes

where Matilda controls objects with her mind, are well-executed, adding to the film’s whimsical

charm without overshadowing the story’s emotional depth. Film critic Roger Ebert praised the

cinematography, stating that Matild “doesn’t condescend to children, it doesn’t sentimentalize,

and as a result, it feels heartfelt and sincere” (Ebert, 1996). I completely agree with this

assessment, as the film’s visual style enhances its magical elements while ensuring its darker

themes remain engaging rather than overwhelming. The cinematography effectively captures a

child’s perspective, making the film resonate with both younger and older audiences.

One of the reasons I find Matilda so memorable is the strength of its cast, who bring

depth and energy to their roles. Mara Wilson’s portrayal of Matilda is particularly noteworthy.

She convincingly embodies intelligence, curiosity, and quiet determination, making her character

easy to sympathize with and root for. Even at a young age, Wilson delivers a performance that

mixes innocence and strength and makes the process of Matilda real and motivational. Danny

DeVito and Rhea Perlman star in the roles of Matilda’s selfish and ignorant parents, Mr. and Mrs.

Wormwood, with over-the-top humor highlighting their selfishness and lack of awareness. Their

acting provides comedic relief while supporting the film’s message about the ability of

intelligence and compassion to overcome cruelty and ignorance.

The best performance to me, however, is Pam Ferris' Miss Trunchbull. Her interpretation

of the frightful headmistress is both terrifying and ludicrously over-the-top and ranks among the

most iconic villainesses in children's film. Ferris goes all in on the role with abandon, utilizing

body language and facial expressions and deep voice to build a character who is alternately
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intimidating and ridiculous. Embeth Davidtz in the role of Miss Honey offers a gentle and

empathetic contrast to Trunchbull’s brutality. Her acting as the kind teacher to Matilda adds

warmth to the film and makes her a key person in the process of Matilda’s self-discovery and

happiness. The actors' performances in the film have received high acclaim from the critics. Ty

Burr from Entertainment Weekly wrote that "the scariest film villainess since Margaret Hamilton

put green makeup on The Wizard of Oz." I couldn't concur with him more. The actors' chemistry

makes the film all the more emotional and gives the characters a life and makes them so vivid

and unforgettable.

One of the best aspects about Matilda is its in-depth exploration of themes such as

intellect, resolve, justice, and the power of kindness. At its core, the film honors learning and

intellectualism and reminds us that Matilda’s love of books is her greatest asset. I adore the

manner in which the film delivers a strong message regarding the worth of knowledge in the

struggle against adversity and one that transcends the ages. The movie also explores the issues of

abuse and neglect and shows how Miss Trunchbull and Matilda’s parents attempt to suppress her

talent. Rather than showing her to be a helpless victim, however, the movie emphasizes her

ability to take charge and direct her own life. The message of empowerment in the film is

particularly effective in encouraging children to speak up and have belief in themselves.

One of the most significant themes that spoke to me was the contrast between kindness

and cruelty. While Miss Trunchbull rules with cruelty, Miss Honey and Matilda teach us that

kindness and justice will be far stronger forces. We see that in the decision that Matilda makes to

use her powers not to benefit herself, but to protect those who have no means to protect

themselves. Joe Leydon from Variety wrote that “DeVito does Dahl in Matilda, a wickedly

twisted fairy tale that artfully balances broad farce and sly wit with a healthy dose of sight gags
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bolstered by special effects.” The fusion between fantasy and comedy makes the film so much

more than just a children’s film. The inclusion of comedic elements in conjunction with its

deeper meaning makes the film entertaining and thought-provoking in its presentation. The

quirky appeal of the film ensures that not only children but anyone will be drawn to its

timelessness.

Danny DeVito's direction gives Matilda a definite tone that blends whimsicality with

darker undertones in accordance with the characteristic storytelling style of Roald Dahl. The

pacing of the film is well-managed, ensuring that the audience remains engaged throughout

Matilda’s journey. I particularly liked the narration, provided by DeVito himself, as it adds a

storybook quality to the film, making it feel like a modern fairy tale. The film also makes some

changes from the novel, but I believe these adaptations serve to enhance the story for a cinematic

audience. For example, the increased presence of Matilda’s telekinetic powers makes the climax

more dramatic, reinforcing her transformation from a powerless child to a confident young girl

who takes control of her fate. One of the film’s strongest storytelling techniques is its balance of

lighthearted moments with serious themes. While the fantasy and comedic elements ensure the

film remains entertaining, the depth in emotion ensures that the film remains significant. The

strong direction, well-paced narrative, and interesting characters all come together to produce a

standout film that captures the spirit of Dahl’s work with its own cinematic touch.

Since its original release, Matilda has been a favorite among children and adults.

Although a mid-level box office performer in its original run, the film gained a dedicated fan

base and became a benchmark in family entertainment. The film is relevant in terms of its

positive message and intellectual themes that are still relevant and so grow in regard with age.

The life of Matilda has been further developed through music and theatre as of a Broadway
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musical production currently in ways. The musical has made the character popular with the

audience that has not read the book, and served as an illustration of the uniqueness of the book.

Matilda is so favorable on the critical front that it is also one of the handful of feel-good movies

that managed to get across the important points entertainingly. The film's comedy and heart are

enjoyed by critics, as measured by review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, and the movie

stays true to the book.

To this day, Matilda remains a timeless and inspirational film that charms audiences with

its combination of fantasy, comedy and a sentimental tale. With fine acting, inventive

cinematography, and thought-provoking themes, the film communicates an invaluable lesson

about the value of learning, perseverance, and fighting injustice. Danny DeVito’s direction keeps

the film entertaining and engaging with its charm and depth and makes the film a timeless

favorite. For anyone looking for a fun and engaging film with a moral lesson to be learned,

Matilda is a must-watch. Its lessons in kindness, intellect, and courage remain just as relevant in

the contemporary age as they were in the film's original release time and place, guaranteeing its

place among the best films in its category.

Works Cited

Burr, Ty. "Matilda Review: Read EW's Original 1996 Take." Entertainment Weekly, 9 Aug. 1996,

https://ew.com/article/1996/08/09/matilda-3/#:~:text=Matilda%20Wormwood%20(Mara

%20Wilson)%20loves,wants%20to%20go%20to%20school.

Ebert, Roger. "Matilda." RogerEbert.com, 2 Aug. 1996, www.rogerebert.com/reviews/matilda-

1996.

Leydon, Joe. "Matilda." Variety, 5 Aug. 1996, https://variety.com/1996/film/reviews/matilda-2-

1200446502/.