The film is a joyous celebration of the musical and shows how musicals should be shown on the big screen.
To take a popular musical and transform it into a film is no easy feat but Jon M. Chu has made it look effortless with his adaptation of Wicked, which after much hype, marketing and anticipation the first part of which is now in cinemas.
Loosely based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked offers a different perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Taking us through Elphaba (to be known as the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda’s growing friendship when they first meet at Shiz University and how Elphaba begins to understand her powers when tutored by Madam Morrible.it is a story with many different layers to it. But things aren’t what they seem, with themes such as prejudice, compassion, friendship and power all dealt with deftly. By the end of the first part of the film, it sets the audience and characters nicely for the next part (due out at the same time next year).
Much could be said about the running time of the film (which equates to the same length as the musical) as being self-indulgent, but it also gives the characters and story to breath a little bit more – particularly when the musical numbers are so extensive. Yet what Chu’s film also does so well is ensure that it still remains faithful to the source material with additional details and at no point does it feel superficial. This is a musical film that is filled with heart and soul.
Visually it is a treat – Shiz is gorgeously realised as is Munchkin Land thanks to the production design team led by Nathan Crowley, and yes of course there is a lot of CGI involved but that has a magical quality here all of its own – which combined with cinematographer Alice Brooks’s work whisks audiences effectively to the Land of Oz and Emerald City beautifully. Praise should also be given to Christopher Scott’s vibrant choreography for number such as ‘Dancing Through Life’ and ‘One Short Day’ which are sure to make anybody smile. There are also plenty of easter egg moments for fans of the musical to enjoy as well.
The themes that emerge through every scene, adding a dark contrast to joyfulness of the musical numbers perfectly. Through the screenplay we get a real sense of just how relevant this film is in terms of the real world that we are living in today.
But what of the performances? Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is a powerful component in terms of making Elphaba feel real and relatable in order to capture the character’s inner strength and ability to follow her own path – and she does this exceedingly well. Her reactions both verbally and body language wise works beautifully well to show just how deep she has and how much care she has put into her performance. There is a particular moment in the scene in the dance where she and Ariana Grande’s giddy Galinda connects and it is poignant to witness. Her performance is filled with these memorable moments, while her vocals add a richness and depth to the lyrics that make you feel as though you are hearing each song for the first time.
Erivo is well matched with Grande’s Galinda who gets the level of perkiness and self-absorbedness just right without being irritating. Her character’s transformation as she begins to understand Elphaba is nicely judged, while her vocals are pitch perfect (‘Popular’ is a stand out sequence). Jonathan Bailey is charming as the somewhat shallow Prince Fiyero, gradually being allowed to showcase other aspects to his character that make you fall in love with him! Michelle Yeoh is wonderfully regal as Madame Morrible and Marissa Bode as Nessarose doesn’t fail to charm.
Perhaps there are one or two scenes that could be tightened up, but this is a minor quibble in a film that takes making musical films to extraordinary new heights.
By Emma Clarendon
Wicked is out in cinemas now.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐