Why Bruno’s transformation is the scariest

I’m huge fan of this film and its child friendly yet horror movie nature. I’ve given this scene much consideration since it’s the only full transformation you see in the film of an intended victim (not the Grand High Witch, for instance). What makes this scene so frightening isn’t really the special effects but the psychological terror. There are elements of ignorance, deception, humiliation, and sadism.

I know Bruno is intended to be a character you shouldn’t sympathize for because he’s a gluttonous snob but he’s still a child. Bruno is deceived from the get-go. He knocks on the conference room door and is greeted by the maid witch who lures him in with kindness. He’s clearly confused as why he’s in a room full of women all glaring at him and holding their noses.

As he approaches the stage the Grand High Witch introduces him and parades him on stage. She mocks him for being prompt with no explanation for why that’s funny. It’s even worse because he laughs along as if he gets the joke. Then the continuous disregard for his concern as she counts down to his transformation is cruel.

I watched this scene recently and when the GHW makes a kissing face and smiles at the magic that’s ensuing, Bruno actually continues to laugh through his transformation indicating that he still doesn’t get it! It’s very scary!! You find out once Luke is a mouse that Bruno finally realizes what has happened to him. When I watched this scene when I was younger the special effects freaked me out but now I think it’s more the insidious nature of the scene and the adult vs. child feeling I sense. Just a thought…I welcome discussion if you agree or disagree…