Dr. Facilier From the Princess and the Frog Answers: How Spells Are Made

Yet another day, I drift off again thinking about the movie that I have fallen in love with - Disney’s the Princess and the Frog. I imagine Dr. Facilier, the sinister, French Quarter lurking Shadowman, as he is affectionately called in the movie, sitting on the Inside the Actors Studio stage. Just as I drift in, James Lipton asks in his usual, stoic manner: "In the Princess and the Frog movie, you turned the carefree, self-confident Prince Naveen into a frog and his passive, confidence lacking assistant Lawrence into a prince. We understand that there was a lesson to be learned in this case, but can you tell us how are spells made?" I could then see the charismatic, always looking for the next sucker, Dr. Facilier shift his jacket (yes his purple vest is still too short) and reply in his deep, transfixing tone, “The appearance of magic involves the use of words (such as spells or charms), images (like the tarot), symbolic numbers, etc. that possess power to those it’s being relayed to. These ceremonial actions are accessed by a voodoo artist, witch doctor, magician or other partner in crime like myself.” He then smoothly shifts his neck to the side, looks at the ladies in the front row and smiles casting a deep spell they have no idea their receiving. He goes on to say, “These spells or charms draw power from the supernatural “go-betweens,” if you will, to achieve magic. For instance, in my song from the movie “Friends on the Other Side,” I say… “I can read your future; I can change it 'round some to; I look deep into your heart and soul; make your wildest dreams come true; I got voodoo, I got hoodoo, I got things I ain't even tried, and I've got friends on the other side…” The audience then repeats, “He’s got friends on the other side” like they were zombies. “My spells all have a magical objective in mind, to set free paranormal power or in yawls case, set my friends free on the other side! You’ll get what you wanted, but you’ll lose what you had.” He then lets out this loud, mystical “Moo-wha-ha-ha-ha” laugh that seems to silence the room. The audience looks creeped out, but unexplainably intrigued at the same time. James Lipton looks the same. He’s seen folks crazier than Dr. Facilier, so he’s pretty much un-phased – just looking through his cards for the next question. Is this all a wee bit scary? You bet. Especially considering this is just my imagination, once again, running away with me. I then float back to reality. “Mommy, can I have some juice” says my 3 year old. It was nice while it lasted. I guess I liked the Princess and the Frog movie a tad much. Have you seen it? It’s a must see especially with little girls (surprisingly teens too). I and my family loved the movie and no doubt you and yours will too. Just try not to get too caught up like me – we don’t need to conjure any more “friends on the other side.”