Uncover the Whimsy and Wisdom of Wicked
Wicked: The Tale of Friendship and Outcasts
In the aftermath of the Witch of the West's melting at the hands of Dorothy, Glinda (Ariana Grande) finds herself reflecting on her friendship with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) before she was branded as "Wicked." Elphaba, with her green complexion, was always an outcast. Even at Shiz University, Glinda played the role of the mean girl. But it was Glinda who took the first step to reconsider and befriend Elphaba. This aspect of the story highlights the power of friendship and the potential for change within individuals.
The Wicked movie doesn't shy away from the artifice of theater on a grand scale. The sets may not look like a "realistic" recreation of Oz, but they combine the joys of both theater and cinema. A film set can be massive, allowing the camera to pan in every direction. Some scenes use video screens as backgrounds, but these are carefully integrated to enhance the overall experience rather than detract from it.
The Magic of Practical Constructions
One of the most impressive aspects of the movie is the rotating wall of library shelves. The dancers move with grace and precision on this set piece, defying gravity in a way that is both awe-inspiring and captivating. It showcases the creativity and technical prowess of the filmmakers in bringing the Oz universe to life.
The language of the play maintains the film's sense of whimsy. Peppering the dialogue with made-up words like "gratitution" and "braverism" adds to the charm of the story. These words may be unique to the Oz world, but they still make sense to native English speakers, enhancing the immersive experience for the audience.
Grande's Singing and Glinda's Character
Ariana Grande proves to be a talented singer, handling Stephen Schwartz's songs with ease across a wide octaval range. She also masters the delicate balance required to make Glinda both adorable and relatable. Glinda may be a privileged narcissist at times, but Grande's performance makes her endearing. Her vamps and poses for attention during the song "Popular" add a touch of humor to the character, making her more of a parody than a true mean girl.
However, Glinda undergoes a transformation when she witnesses the cruelty towards Elphaba. She becomes empathetic and realizes the importance of standing up for her friend. This growth in her character shows the depth and complexity of the story.
Elphaba's Sympathy and Struggle
Elphaba is undoubtedly sympathetic as an outcast who has done nothing wrong. Her song "The Wizard and I" sets the tone early on, establishing her as a character with great potential. Erivo's powerful vocals in this song and in the show's highlight "Defying Gravity" are truly remarkable.
The movie, like the stage show, explores the challenges of being an individual in a society that often pressures people to conform. Elphaba has to fly away to escape the pressures of society, authority, and even her best friend. This theme of individuality and the struggle to be true to oneself is a central message of Wicked.
Metaphors and Deeper Themes
At Shiz, some of the teachers are animals, which leads to a subplot where Elphaba questions the rules against animals teaching. This is a powerful metaphor for speaking up against propaganda. The entire premise of Wicked is that it was propaganda that turned an innocent magic student into "the wicked witch." Elphaba also looks up to her sorcery teacher, Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), and the Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum), learning important lessons about the use of power.
The movie's length of 2 hours and 40 minutes may seem long, but the embellishment rarely lags. The first half is almost as long as the entire Broadway show, but it keeps the audience engaged throughout. Part Two is set to release next year, leaving viewers eager for more.
Only the third act climax leaves viewers waiting for "Defying Gravity." While the hot air balloon set piece may not compete with other blockbusters, the music of Wicked is its secret weapon. Erivo's performance in "Defying Gravity" is a highlight of the movie, delivering a powerful message of courage and self-belief.
Wicked is truly a musical like no other, exploring cinematic corners beyond the stage. It is a testament to the creativity and talent of the filmmakers and performers, bringing the world of Oz to life in a way that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.