Films › Todd Holland

The Wizard (1989)

Film

DirectorTodd Holland

Meta takes4

Figures

Locations

The cross-country journey to Video Armageddon → The Cinematic Chimera

Form & technique

The film's overall aesthetic and cultural references (arcades, music, fashion) → Restorative Nostalgia

Tropes

Jimmy's selective mutism and video game prowess
The reveal of Super Mario Bros. 3 at Video Armageddon → The Commodity Fetish
Lucas Barton's use of the Power Glove
The film's integration of diegetic video game sounds → Narrative Prosthesis
The backstory of Jimmy's twin sister, Jennifer, and the family's grief

Films most connected to The Wizard

A Christmas Story (1983) — via The Commodity Fetish, Restorative Nostalgia
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) — via Narrative Prosthesis, The Commodity Fetish
Reality Bites (1994) — via The Commodity Fetish, The Cinematic Chimera
Parasite (2019) — via The Commodity Fetish, The Cinematic Chimera
The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005) — via The Commodity Fetish, The Cinematic Chimera
Home Alone (1990) — via The Commodity Fetish, The Cinematic Chimera
The Godfather (1972) — via The Commodity Fetish, The Cinematic Chimera
Three Colors: White (1994) — via The Commodity Fetish, The Cinematic Chimera