As a movie buff with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, I must say that “Wicked” is a cinematic gem that truly stands out. Having seen everything from black and white classics to the latest CGI spectacles, it’s rare to find a movie that manages to blend the timeless charm of musicals with the modern flair of big-budget productions.
Wicked is in cinemas from Friday. Add it to your watchlist.
In the captivating new film, “Wicked,” based on the hit stage musical, Elphaba states, “I don’t stir up trouble. I am one.
A tale based on the 1939 film masterpiece, “The Wizard of Oz,” titled “Wicked,” recounts the transformation of the green-skinned character Elphaba into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, who instilled fear in Dorothy, a Kansas native portrayed by Judy Garland.
Composed by Stephen Schwartz, this work presents the definitive account of a super-villain’s origins. However, as the movie reveals, things are seldom so straightforward, despite one’s constant role in creating turmoil.
In this rendition, Cynthia Erivo, a British-born actress who earned a Tony for her role in The Color Purple, portrays Elphaba. From the outset, she embodies more of a green hue, an inherent trait. Feeling isolated, Elphaba decides to pursue sorcery at Shiz University, a fantastical land known for its yellow brick road and the radiant Emerald City.
In that location, she encounters Ariana Grande-Butera, a character known as Galinda, who dons a rosy dress and aspires to be a witch. She is deeply engrossed in herself (and legend has it that she will eventually transform into the Good Witch of the North).
Although Galinda appears to be well-liked, it’s Elphaba who receives individual attention from the school principal, Madame Morrible (played by Michelle Yeoh), in the form of private tutoring sessions.
Moreover, a romantic figure named Fiyero, played by Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton, captures the hearts of both Galinda and Elphaba in this tale.
Simmering subtly beneath the surface is the idea that not everything is as it appears in Oz, a realm where a group of clever animals are mysteriously finding themselves targeted.
At Shiz University, there’s Professor Dillamond, who just so happens to be a goat. Known for his role in “Game of Thrones,” Peter Dinklage lends his voice to this character. As the human characters strive for dominance over their animal counterparts, Dillamond emerges as a powerful symbol of resistance.
Primarily, the narrative focuses more on grand musical performances such as The Wizard and I and Defying Gravity, rather than overt political themes.
In the movie, Erivo patiently waits for her character Elphaba’s transformation into the old woman with a black hat; she generously allows Grande to outshine every scene as Galinda, a girl who adores dramatically collapsing on a bed in feigned distress. It’s a hilarious portrayal, one of the year’s most entertaining.
Under the guidance of Jon M Chu, renowned for his work on the Brooklyn-based musical “In the Heights” (2021), the highly anticipated movie adaptation of “Wicked” is set to release in two parts, with the second part slated for November 2025. Given that the first film spans a lengthy 160 minutes, some viewers might find this split release approach quite extensive.
Even though it’s quite extensive, I simply can’t help but be captivated by the vivid portrayal of the universe initially conceived by L. Frank Baum, the mastermind behind the 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” It’s an immersive journey that draws me in every time.
Central to all this is the work of Nathan Crowley, a renowned production designer known for his contributions to Christopher Nolan’s movies like the Dark Knight trilogy and Dunkirk.
As a film enthusiast, I’m simply blown away by the grandeur of the sets in this movie! From the sprawling Shiz University to the majestic Emerald City, with its imposing golden-hued Wizard figure, it’s hard not to be amazed. And let’s not forget the iconic emerald steam train that meanders through Oz – timeless design at its best!
As a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “Wicked” seamlessly blends classic and contemporary filmmaking techniques, offering an unparalleled cinematic experience. To top it off, the legendary Jeff Goldblum graces the screen as none other than the Wizard of Oz, delivering a performance that perfectly encapsulates the charisma of a con-artist illusionist, truly bringing the character to life.
Wrapping up in a way that seems to echo the classic Superman film featuring Christopher Reeve, on a powerful and inspiring note, this captivating musical is sure to have you anxiously awaiting the arrival of Part 2.
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2024-11-20 21:34