Recently, one of the major topics in Broadway and pop culture has been the movie recreation of Broadway popular show “Wicked,” a spin-off from the book Wicked by Gregory Maguire. This book was written after the release of The Wizard of Oz, for the story of the so-called antagonist, “The Wicked Witch of the West.” The popularity of these stories and overall press on social media allowed this movie to gain Worldwide attention from Broadway lovers, musical theatre lovers, Wicked lovers, and even people who had never heard of the musical Wicked. Regardless of how well people know Wicked, everyone was aware of the release of this movie. Musical lovers showed apprehensiveness towards this movie, between doubt that a movie can replicate the raw emotion seen in theatre and choices with casting not being the ideal people they pictured. Despite all these things, direction Jon M. Chu proved the doubts wrong with a beautifully accurate and unique representation of Wicked the musical.
Chu, along with Ariana Grande (Glinda/Galinda), Cinthia Erivo (Elphaba), and other members of the Wicked cast, managed to maintain the raw, emotional, musical feel that people thrive for when attending Broadway plays. In this movie, the entire cast sang every piece of music live to place themselves in the moments and into the authentic Broadway way of acting, completely live. This aspect of this movie made the experience altogether more amazing because although these changes may not be completely noticeable to the naked eye, the depth of the emotion and moments that can only be captured by singing live allowed for the importance of this to shine through. The cast did their stunts entirely (even when singing these pieces), which allowed the actors and the audience to be much further immersed in the movie and the passion and intensity of these moments. Although much of the Broadway actor-to-audience is not present without being in the same theater, actors being so obviously connected to their characters, as well as scenes and segments in time throughout the movie, allow the audience to feel the depth of each of these characters and their truly raw talent and abilities.
This movie took on the weight of trying to replicate properly a world-known Broadway show that captured the hearts of so many. Fans and watchers alike showed fear when the cast of the Wicked movie was released. Although these actresses and actors are not the original Broadway cast, each stayed true to the story and beauty while also allowing themselves to portray these characters and the depth of the story of the so-called “Wicked Witch of the West.” Ariana Grande has been well-known as a pop artist for years, and, before that, the actress of Cat Valentine in the popular show Victorious became cast for the role of the “good witch” Glinda or Galinda. Fans of the Broadway show did not believe that Grande had the vocal talent to play such an important role in a musical, which is far from her regular area of expertise. While watching this film, however, viewers will quickly realize that this is not the case; Ariana, a Wicked fan herself, tapped into the character of Glinda and used her whole opera vocal ability throughout the entire movie. Ariana Grande’s talent and passion for this musical are truly highlighted in her character, and for me, as a viewer, it is apparent that there is no better person to be chosen for this role. Cinthia Erivo, the lead character, Elphaba, has played in various Broadway shows and played on TV for the first time in Chewing Gum. These characters’ incredible vocal power, connection, and on-stage chemistry allowed for this movie to truly bring the power of these characters to life and the question of what can be defined as good and wicked., and the truth behind the idea of being different.
Finally, Jon Chu decided to avoid CGI throughout this movie whenever possible. Talking animals, flying, growing capes, and other magical factors require the use of CGI; however, the sets, all the way down to the 9 million poppies that they planted to recreate Munchkinland, along with the water surrounding the school that the characters attend and become roommates, and eventually friends in, are fully created by the team working on Wicked. The doubts regarding the nature of an in-person set and a live musical quickly fade when you begin to watch the movie, the magic, and the actors fully immersed in the story’s setting and the characters. Cintia opted to get four hours’ worth of green makeup painted onto her face every time they filmed, despite the easier CGI route to feel more connected to the character of Elphaba. This film brought so much life to the story of Elphaba, which is apparent in every scene and setting.
Wicked is a beautiful, emotional film full of talent and raw emotion. Although many people had doubts regarding this film, the cast, the directors, the sets, and the entirety of the film were amazingly put together. The film managed to keep the emotional connection of a Broadway movie while adding the actresses’ authenticity and a modern interpretation without straying too far from the beloved play and story.
