Castle Vanian Halloween Special: Wicked Witches: Season of the Witch (2011)

For a movie with Nicholas Cage in it, Season of theWitch is exceptional. Why do you think that is?

I know we bash him a lot but don’t forget, Nicholas Cage is one of those actors that works quite well if you know how to use him. Luckily, whoever made this movie did. It helps that he’s got a great couple of actors around him doing a lot of the heavy lifting. It’s certainly one of the best movies Nicholas Cage has done.

Technically, this is a movie about demons, rather than witches, but you don’t find that out until the very end. Do you think it still deserves a spot on a list of witch movies?

That’s what makes it all the more interesting for me, the psych out. All the way through, you think it’s about a witch. It starts with them hanging witches so you’re already focused on that aspect. All the way through, they’re telling you The Girl (Claire Foy) is a witch – and it’s all so this demon can get a ride to the book. It’s very clever.

A lot of money has gone into this one. What are your thoughts on the quality?

It wasn’t a small production. Just the set and the clothes… it was a lot of money’s worth! Lighting, sounds, sets, costumes, camera work – it’s all top notch. There had to be thousands of people involved in Season of the Witch and all it paid off. It’s a slick movie.

Can I get a quick synopsis?

Well, Season of the Witch is basically a movie about two crusaders, two deserters, who get tasked with taking a witch to a monastery where she’ll be put on trial for starting a plague. Except, of course, nothing is ever what it seems.

There aren’t a lot of super jumpy moments in Season of the Witch. Were there any scenes in particular you liked?

Don’t let the fact that there aren’t a lot of stings fool you. This movie builds tension quite nicely. You know there’s something going on there, something not right, because The Girl is, quite strong but it’s clever because it never gives the game away. You only ever get little glimpses. Just hints and maybes…

And the smirk…

Right. She smirks, letting you in on the joke, and Cage is totally oblivious, blinded by his guilt.

The movie is set in another time and the dialogue reflects that. Even so, it’s very natural and easy to follow. They didn’t make it too accurate. What are your thoughts on the dialogue?

Because it doesn’t go with the thees and thous, it doesn’t suffer from that stuffiness that drags you down. If you’re going to do the period piece and go that route, that’s fine, but then don’t go for the demons and supernatural. Pick one.

A movie like this doesn’t need to be over-the-top in that way. Most viewers don’t need that perfect historical accuracy to enjoy it.

The CGI is very good, especially with the demons. What do you think of the graphics? Were there any you thought were particularly effective?

It’s all in the money, isn’t it? Movies that were made several years after this one have graphics that are much worse. Really, it’s all about the production company behind it. The graphics were good, even if we’re used to better now.

There were a few scenes with the demon at the very end, maybe, that bordered on ropey, but for the most part, it was very good. Even those weren’t that it was bad – honestly, it’s just that you’ve seen better now.

Ron Perlman and Nicholas Cage – that’s a helluva combination. I want to ask you about the rest of the cast but, first, tell me what you think about their rapport. Do they work well together?

They do, but a lot of that is just how good Ron Perlman is.

Ron Perlman has always stood out, in whatever he does. The way he looks, the way he is, he naturally stands out. He’s a damned fine actor, but he also steals the show without trying. Like Steve McQueen, he’s effortless. You don’t often seen Ron Perlman as the lead because he’s so much better as a supporting actor. The reason for that is that he makes the people around him seem better, just by being there.

They do work pretty well together. Like I said, if you get someone who knows how to use Nicholas Cage, he’s a decent actor – but anyone with Ron Perlman and they’re a better actor.

Okay, back to the other actors…

It’s a good cast, overall. Stephen Graham, from Line of Duty, is really versatile and does well in this movie. He’s good at disappearing into a role. You know you’ve got a good film when someone like Christopher Lee has a such a tiny part. If you can attract someone that big for a cameo, you know you’re doing something right.

Or you know the right people…

That too.

Season of the Witch is kind of horror lite, a bit like the Underworld movies. Not particularly scary. Was that a disappointment?

No, not at all. It’s well paced. There’s never a dull moment. The action and dialogue are good. Even though it isn’t scary, it’s atmospheric. I love the bit where the wolves are chasing them and the wolves’ faces change, becoming more demonic. That’s a great bit.

Was the end satisfying?

There wasn’t really anywhere else for it to go with Felson and Behmen, was there? They were deserters so they couldn’t go back. They saved The Girl, but they couldn’t really be saved. You expected Felson to die because he’s the supporting actor and that’s just Filmology 101, but you don’t expect Behmen to die too so that’s a nice touch.

But, they do save The Girl, and Kay (Robert Sheehan) leaves with the book. It’s mostly a happy ending.

Wanna wrap this one up?

Season of the Witch beat so many films to get into our top 5 witch films. Maybe a lot of people would argue that it doesn’t belong there because it’s technically a demon film, but it does entertain so screw them.