An unlikely friendship forms between outcast Elphaba and popular Glinda, when their very different paths cross at Shiz university in ‘The Land of Oz’.
From the visionary director Jon M. Chu, who previously directed many vibrant films including ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, comes ‘Wicked’. Part one of a two film mega-deal that finally brings the masterful musical and multiple Tony winning experience of the Broadway stage play to the cinema screen. The film was split in two in order to expand on the relationship between our two main characters, and to avoid cutting critical plot points.
Loosely based on the 1995 novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’, by Gregory Maguire and of course ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ by Lyman Frank Baum (Written in 1900 with the theatrical release in 1939). Comes the much anticipated film, which is set to become maybe only one of three cinematic releases to sail past the $1 billion mark at worldwide box office this year.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (whose name is derived from the initials of Baum’s full name eL.Fa.Ba). Elphaba is much maligned and misunderstood from birth, due her green skin and now lives in the shadow of her favoured disabled sister Nessarose, played by Marissa Bode, and their overly protective father Frexbar Thropp, played by Andy Nyman. Also starring Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland, we have our two main vocal powerhouses who are most definitely front and centre throughout this colourful tale of good and bad. Ariana actually auditioned five times against Reneé Rapp and Amanda Seyfried plus others to land the role that she absolutely fits perfectly, using her marvellous comedic timing as well as her stunning soprano vocal ability.
The high production value adds to a storyline that races through the film’s 160-minute runtime. It was filmed at the new Sky Studios in Elstree UK, at a level which has earned the film being described as one of the biggest productions in the last decade. The filmmakers also planted 9 million different coloured rows of tulips in the fields of the opening scene in varying stages to bloom at the same time. Add to that some superb costume design (which must surely be up for the big award in the spring), with nods to the original from 85 years ago, including a brief glimpse of the famous red shoes, the hurricane swirls in Elphaba’s dress and also Glinda’s heels.
With such a production, the excellent music and lyrics written by Stephen Schwartz, were critical to the overall feel of the film. So rather than being added later, academy award-winning production sound mixer Simon Hayes had playback of the actors’ vocals on set during filming. This created a more realistic and ultimately deeper feel, which perfectly lifts rather than takes away from the overall experience. Also, with the vocally tricky opening number ‘No One Mourns The Wicked’, Ariana requested the air conditioning be switched off whilst she was filming on another set to keep her vocals warm for the stunning operatic number the following day.
Also starring Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, whose performance alongside our stars has been praised for his seamless fit into the role of the charming prince, requiring dancing on books whilst singing. With the opening day of recording in the library, parkour dancers were used in the ‘tornado wheel’ which through rotation momentarily creates the name ‘Oz’ using the amazing circular walls and ladders. And of course we require the antagonists in the form of Madame Morrible, played by award winning Michelle Yeoh and our Wizard of Oz played by Jeff Goldblum, who was made for this whilst also going against type of the original wizard with his towering 6’4” figure.
The 1939 ‘The Wizard of Oz’ film has been enjoyed by many over the years, the opening sepia soaked scenes of which exploding into the dazzling Technicolor film we know and love. But Wicked being a prequel, is the story of our two main characters being tragically divided. They quickly begin as good friends with Glinda taking Elphaba under her wing to help her become popular, only to have their lives separated through those who scheme from above. Elphaba and Galinda enrol in the university of Shiz in very different ways to ultimately win over the approval of Madame Morrible, yet their end goal is to seek approval from the almighty yet unknown mysterious Wizard of Oz. Wicked has so much depth to its storyline, script, sets and costume, more than one viewing may be required to get the most from this stunning spectacle. It should be seen on the largest (ideally IMAX screen) with the best sound to match the movement and sonic musical highs. There are easter eggs everywhere and do pay attention to the shadows for what is to come next year.
Wicked may be ultimately enjoyed more by the those who have seen the West End and or Broadway production, with a score that is almost note perfect to the award winning soundtrack. Knowledge of at least the biggest tracks such as ‘No One Mourns The Wicked’ and ‘Popular’ and of course ‘Defying Gravity’ is a must before taking the dive into this wickedly kaleidoscopic world.
Author: Piers, Maidstone Store
