What exactly is, A Wrinkle in Time…this question can only be answered by Madeleine L’Engle’s cosmic yet mystical novel that turns the reader’s world upside down and invites us into her magical imagination.
The well-deserved hype of the upcoming film adaptation, A Wrinkle in Time, appears in theatres across the country this March. The well-known and adored 1962 novel originally written by L’Engle has become a part of todays mainstream curriculum in both elementary and middle schools across the globe. However, the book itself has received a great deal of criticism in the past for its spiritual progressiveness and suggestions regarding Christianity and its practices. The book creates a universal feeling that connects individuals together in a new way. L’Engle also touches upon the concept of conformity through protagonist Meg Murry who is undoubtedly insecure and ashamed of her uniqueness. Meg is a high-school aged girl who goes on a cosmic journey alongside her brother and friend, Charles Wallace and Calvin O’Keefe, in order to find her physicist father and save him from the evil darkness of a far off planet.
In 2003, Disney produced L’Engle’s novel into a film made for television. The film failed to bring justice to the novel due to many factors, the first being lack of funds. The film also lacked the cosmic magic and aura that the book naturally created through vivid imagery and description. Lastly and by far the most important was the lack of effectiveness of the controversial topics of Christianity and conformity found within our society.
Fifteen years later Disney decided to recreate the magic that was once lost. In order to mirror the changing times and evolution of our society, director Ava DuVernay sought out both color and individuality for her film. Actresses Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling together, create a powerhouse of raging magical strength that sends a strong message to young girls and boys who will be sitting in a theatre, popcorn and candy in hand, ready to watch this movie.
In the film, Oprah plays the role of Mrs. Witch, Reese plays Mrs. Whatsit, and Mindy will be seen playing Mrs. Who. Storm Reid, who only diversifies the cast even more so, will be playing Meg Murry. This positive change is most definitely a deliberate choice made by DuVernay who challenges the norms of the Hollywood screen. This movie in itself is stepping out of the limitations of conformity in present time which is a most satisfying quality. Their influence and racial originality show that uniqueness outweighs conformity in every aspect of life.
There are high hopes for the March release. The whimsicality and magic of the story will be brought to life for everyone to see and enjoy.
Author, Anna Symons
