Obsessions by Jen Howell

This month we’re viewing films through the lens of obsession, and I could think of no apter film for the theme than a movie about a woman obsessed with love, whose lovers become obsessed with her, which I became obsessed with in the fall of 2020, made by a female auteur with an obsessive passion for every detail. This film is “The Love Witch” from 2016.

First, the narrative obsession. Elaine Parks, the titular “love witch”, is obsessed with romantic love. When she’s not brewing up love potions, she’s putting on immaculate make-up and clothing and flashing her magnetic eyes at her next target. Her lovers, in turn, become obsessed with her, even to the point of death. Depending on your point of view “The Love Witch” is a dark comedy, a twisted horror story, a feminist commentary, or a celebration of female visual pleasure and fantasy. That last part is helped by a gorgeous, colorful, retro aesthetic, shot on film by cinematographer M. David Mullen.

Next, the auteur’s vision. Anna Biller is not only the writer, director, and editor of her film; she’s also the production designer, costume designer, composer, and more! She even made many of the costume and decorative items for the film by hand, including hooking a rug Elaine lies down on in a prominent scene. Biller’s feminist philosophy also infuses the film with meaning, and if you enjoy the film you’ll probably also enjoy her blog at https://www.lifeofastar.com/. Biller also researched witchcraft, attending rituals and classes, reading, and practicing solo witchcraft in service of respecting the craft. All the love and care dedicated to this film creates a beautiful, unique, feminine and feminist vision.

Finally, my obsession. I’d loved this movie for several months when Halloween 2020 came along. Though the pandemic prevented attending traditional Halloween parties, I wanted to dress up and walk around outside, and I decided to do so as Elaine Parks. I bought a long black wig, a red dress, a red purse, and the closest thing I could find to Elaine’s necklace and rings. I put on fake eyelashes and fake red nails for the first (and only) time in my life, painted my eyelids bright blue and my mouth coral. Then I took out the Rider-Waite tarot deck I’d newly purchased to look for the Three of Swords card Elaine often pulls in the movie. Much to my surprise the very first card to pop out from the newly opened deck was the Three of Swords, with its depiction of a bright red heart pierced by three swords. It felt like a good omen.

That night I decided to begin practicing witchcraft, and though I had suffered from depression on and off since adolescence, after that night dressing as The Love Witch and deciding to practice magic, I experienced almost 6 months without any depression at all. I’ve since fallen off from my magical practice and donated most of my Love Witch cosplay. But rewatching the movie today, I again felt drawn to the small witch altar and tarot cards that sit ready in my spare room. You may not be a believer, but I can’t help but think that Anna Biller cast some kind of a spell with her film, and if you’re receptive, you just might fall under it too! 

For more of my thoughts about and research on “The Love Witch” you can also check out Every Rom Com episode 49 at the following link, or wherever you get your podcasts! https://www.everyromcom.com/podcast-1/episode/4eaefe86/every-rom-com-49-the-love-witch