Despite how much I love musicals, it is not common for me to connect in a deep way with their songs and lyrics; I usually enjoy them on a very superficial level, for pure entertainment, and with honorable exceptions it is not usual for there to be songs that stay with me beyond watching the film. If we add to this the fact that I am a complete neophyte in the mythology of The Wizard of Ozall this meant that at first Wicked did not arouse much sympathy in me.
That’s why I didn’t mind watching the trailer, which I don’t usually do, before facing her; However, already in those (perhaps too) expository seconds, I sensed in this adaptation a spectacularity and an epic that I did not expect to find. But Wicked is much more than lights and artifice.
Wicked’s original work focused entirely on himhe relationship between its two antagonistic protagonists, Elphaba and Glinda; It is a fun dynamic full of possibilities, and one that many subsequent products have used, such as in the Netflix Wednesday series.
In the adaptation at hand, although both the marketing and the story also focus on the interesting and deep friendship between these two aspiring witches, there is a background concept that stands out Above all: Wicked is a moving ode to equality and inclusionboth what starts from oneself and what we receive from others.
Thanks to its brilliant performances, a script that makes it easy for us to connect with its characters and an impressive technical staging, Wicked is crowned as one of the best movies of the year, and a magnificent musical that embodies and extols the greatest virtues of the genre.
Adapting a classic
It is important to note that this version of Wicked has another movie plannedand it is something that inevitably affects the rhythm of the extensive film at hand (approximately 160 minutes of musical); In the introduction, we may be surprised by that “Part 1” subtitle that accompanies the label. And it is that The first few minutes of the movie can be a bit confusing. for those new to the world of Oz. With some signs that expose their universe in broad strokes, and without leaving much time to digest that information, Wicked begins its footage with the consequences after the journey of Dorothy and company, revealing to us the supposed destiny of the Wicked Witch of the West.
In fact, the film is told from the point of view of Glinda, the Good Witch (Ariana Grande), who watches in dismay as the town celebrates the death of her once-friend; After seeing how the inhabitants of Oz celebrate the death of Elphaba in a way that is as sinister as it is joyful, he begins to tell how they both met at Shiz University.
Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) is the governor’s daughter, and her entire life has been rejected and judged for having green skin; Furthermore, he is one of the few people in Oz to possess true magic. In Shiz, Principal Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) will teach him how to use his powers so he can meet the great Wizard of Oz, and thus his wish will come true. For its part, Glinda is the most popular girlunleashing passions wherever it goes; Her biggest dream is to be a sorceress, but she has as much arrogance as she lacks talent. When she is forced to share a room with Elphaba, it will emerge a relationship based on hate and rivalrybut on which a beautiful friendship will eventually be built.
Wicked’s tone is most curioussince it could pass for a perfect fusion between the setting of Harry Potter, the dynamics of Mean Girls and the show of Wonka; However, from the beginning there is a certain discomfort and darkness in the background to all the color and overwhelming beauty of the settings it gives us.
The first song of all celebrates the death of the witch from its chorus, almost in a bloodthirsty way. There is racist behavior against animals (who in Oz, speak and can have the same professions as us), and a fight to take away their rights and blame them for the evils of man. The manipulation of the past, as well as the questioning of its usefulness, is also a constant in Oz. And, of course, the discrimination suffered by Elphaba for her skin color, and her sister Nessa for requiring a wheelchair; Nessa’s case is particularly interesting, as it shows in a very visual way that fine line between inclusion and ableismsomething unusual in this type of tapes. You even have space to discuss how a friendship relationship can evolve!
It is a very ambitious film when it comes to covering, under its halo of fantasy and its fun songs, this entire spectrum of themes. He does it in a natural and coherent wayeven with unusual delicacy at times. The first real connection scene between Elphaba and Glinda is probably one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve seen in years, working the cycle of discrimination in an extremely moving way, without words, just with their bodies.
Wicked could be a perfect fusion between the Harry Potter setting, the dynamics of Mean Girls and the Wonka show.
It is a speech that connects very well with adults, but that many children could also see themselves reflected in itand it is wonderful to see how a film of this style works on these kinds of problems at this level; Of course, I don’t think it is a film especially recommended for children, neither because of its length nor because of that underlying darkness, which sometimes even surprises with its crudeness, especially in the final stretch.
If we stop at the pure spectacle of Wicked, we can only praise it, because the kingdom of Oz that we visit is visually fascinating, and really curious at the plot level. Thanks to its mix of Victorian clothing with a contemporary touch, the eccentricism expected of a school of witchcraft, and very colorful technology as the basis of its society, Wicked is also aa wonderful fantasy trip. Of course, beyond its fabulous costume work, it is a festival of (very good) CGI, although it is worth it for the images it gives us.
On the other hand, many of you will already know the songs that appear in the film; It is a relief to see that, even with the large number of musical numbers it presents, the worst are not bad at all, but just tremendously entertaining; the best, for their part, are simply masterful. Not only is the music fantastic, but the choreography and scenery of each number perfectly accompany the themes. They all have memorable and notable elements, and I am sure that many of them will take a huge leap in popularity, and will accompany us for many months outside of the film itself.
Of course, a musical without its artists is nothing, and the two protagonist witches give us a performance to remember; Ariana Grande’s role is very notable, both in terms of dialogue and songs, but Cynthia Erivo deserves to enter the Oscar race with her role as Elphaba. Emotional and powerful, the actress delivers a performance to remember. Equally surprising is the work of the secondaryespecially Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, and Jonathan Bailey, responsible for one of the best numbers in the film, as well as some of its funniest moments.
Although its narrative aspirations and attractive presentation may make it seem suitable for all audiences (and desirable for children in the treatment of its themes), its tone and duration mean that adults are the ones who will enjoy and connect with it the most.
Wicked It is not satisfied with being a perfect musicalwith being everything that can be asked for (and a little more) from a film of the genre, but also aspires to become a generational symbol in the fight against discrimination. John M. Chu signs a new classic of musicals with an adaptation worthy of his career, where Ballooning newcomers and longtime Munchkins alike are invited.
How does the decision to split the “Wicked” story into two films impact the pacing and character development, and was this a necessary choice creatively?
Here are some open-ended discussion questions based on the provided text, divided into thematic sections:
**I. Adapting a Classic and Storytelling**
* The article mentions that this adaptation is “Part 1” of a two-part film. How might splitting the story impact the narrative flow and character development? Do you think this was a necessary decision?
* The review notes that the film blends various genres, such as fantasy, teen drama, and musical. How effective is this mix? Does it enhance or detract from the story?
* The film tackles weighty themes like racism, ableism, and manipulation. How sensitive and nuanced is the film’s handling of these issues within a fantasy setting?
**II. Character and Performance**
* The article praises both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s performances. What makes their portrayals of Glinda and Elphaba compelling and unique?
* How does the friendship between Glinda and Elphaba evolve throughout the film? What are the complexities and challenges of their bond?
**III. Themes of Inclusion and Discrimination**
* The review highlights the film’s exploration of discrimination against both humans and animals in Oz. How effectively does the film present these injustices? Are these themes relevant to contemporary audiences?
* What messages does the film convey about friendship, acceptance, and overcoming prejudice? Are these messages hopeful or pessimistic?
**IV. Musical Elements**
* The article describes the film’s musical numbers as “masterful.” What aspects of the music and choreography stand out to you?
* How do the musical numbers enhance the storytelling? Do they effectively convey the characters’ emotions and the film’s themes?
**V. Overall Impact**
* The reviewer suggests that “Wicked” could become a ”generational symbol” in the fight against discrimination. Do you agree? Why or why not?
* Would you recommend this film to a wide audience, or are there specific age groups who would benefit most from its messages?
* Ultimately, what makes “Wicked” a potentially significant film?
These questions are designed to spark thoughtful discussion about the film’s themes, characters, and cultural impact.
