All of your questions about the ‘Wicked’ movie, answered

As a long-time fan of musical theatre, I must say that my anticipation for the release of the “Wicked” movies has reached unprecedented heights. Having grown up listening to the original cast recording and seeing numerous stage productions, I can confidently say that this cinematic adaptation is a dream come true for me.

This article contains spoilers for the movie “Wicked.”

“To be continued.”

Evil” concludes on a cliffhanger, making fans endure a whole year for the conclusion. Given its anticipated opening weekend domestic gross of $120 million, it’s quite a significant amount of waiting we have to do.

Until that time, there’s a lot to explore regarding Universal’s bold take on the hit stage production “The Wizard of Oz,” including its more risk-taking narrative elements. This could pique the interest of devoted fans as well as casual viewers. Regardless of whether you left the cinema with tears or questions, The Times is ready to provide some insights into the movie “Wicked.

Why is ‘Wicked’ split into two movies?

In contrast to typical fantasy movies or science fiction productions, this particular film adaptation of a stage musical (specifically “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel) has never been attempted before. As it carries over a century’s legacy from literature, screen, and stage, and bears the weight of high expectations that come with this rich heritage, Katie Walsh noted in her review.

After numerous deliberations among director Jon M. Chu, composer Stephen Schwartz, and book writer Winnie Holzman about possibly omitting certain songs or storylines, Chu expressed to The Times that it was evident this narrative couldn’t be confined to a single film. If they attempted such a compression, the story would need significant alterations, a transformation he wasn’t keen on pursuing.

During the break between acts at the stage performance, Holzman commented, “These are two separate movies that maintain their own integrity.” Producer Marc Platt also noted that each act, and consequently, each film, presents a unique perspective on the witches portrayed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as: ‘The heart of ‘Wicked’ lies in exploring human experiences – challenging our initial views, altering our perspectives, and discovering new truths.’ In the first film, Elphaba embarks on a transformative journey, learning to use her voice to challenge authority. The second movie is all about Glinda’s personal evolution as she learns to view the world from a different angle.

The movie’s running time is as long as the stage show but only tells half the story. What changes were made from stage to screen?

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’ve observed that recent musical adaptations often rework subplots or compose new songs (occasionally leading to ill-advised omissions). However, longtime fans of “Wicked” will appreciate that the movie doesn’t forcefully alter any part of the narrative. Instead, it sensitively expands upon the stage production, which premiered on Broadway in 2003.

In the initial stages of script-writing, around thirty different variations of the scene where Elphaba and Glinda first encounter each other in their shared dorm room were crafted before settling on the one that eventually became “What Is This Feeling?” However, due to time constraints, we couldn’t explore all possibilities.

The same applies when the two closest companions encounter the Marvelous Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). “He has ample opportunity to tactfully charm them and draw them into his realm,” explained Holzman, “and it’s fascinating to watch how captivated these girls become by him.

As a film enthusiast, I appreciate the decision to delve deeper into Elphaba’s childhood in the movie adaptation. In the stage production, her initial portrayal as a shunned and scorned child, even by her own father, was unfortunately left untold. However, this heartfelt narrative could be beautifully brought to life on the silver screen, where it would not be overshadowed by the quick, one-minute appearance of a green-painted Elphaba during the stage play. This change allows for a more comprehensive exploration of her character and backstory, making it an exciting prospect for fans of Wicked.

The film presents some subtly developed characters – a stronger-willed Nessarose (Marissa Bode) and a nurturing Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), who serves as the mother Elphaba never had, according to Platt. Additionally, it includes numerous fresh jokes, many of which were ad-libbed by the actors. Moreover, an expanded “One Short Day” segment offers insights into the Wizard’s magical prowess, featuring appearances from original stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, as well as creators Schwartz and Holzman.

Schwartz stated, “It seemed as though we gave the story and characters room to unfold naturally,” since he penned a song that didn’t ultimately fit. According to Platt, this careful decision-making is due to Chu: “Quite often, Jon prevented us from altering things or veering off course. His deep affection for the material, strong sense of purpose, and commitment to legacy shielded us from our own impulses.

What did that silent ‘Dancing Through Life’ section mean?

At the Ozdust Ballroom, one extended sequence is known as “Dancing Through Life.” When Elphaba enters, she’s wearing the pointed black hat that Glinda manipulated her into donning, and faces the same ridicule from her peers at Shiz University. Despite this, Elphaba starts to dance, performing each move with confidence and without embarrassment, even if it means she remains as solitary as before.

In the play, these dance routines were intended for humor, but as Chu recounted, “Cynthia asserted, ‘I’m not a jest,'” during their initial conversations with Erivo. “On stage, the audience shares the viewpoint of all Ozians, but through the power of cinema, we can reverse this in the movie to present it from Elphaba’s point of view. This realization was crucial for me.

On-screen, the moment carries a strong emotional impact, as Elphaba’s sobs are muffled by the background laughter and the camera zooms to focus on her tears. Having been touched by the hat prank and wishing to make amends to Elphaba for her intervention with Madame Morrible, Glinda steps onto the dance floor, mirroring Elphaba’s actions while shedding her own tears. This silent act of contrition signifies the start of their friendship.

Alice Brooks, the cinematographer, commented that we’re in a grand musical production, and Jon daringly mutes all sounds in this particular scene. She explained that these quiet, motionless instances are crucial to the film, as they allow two female characters to communicate without words.

2003 saw Chu experiencing a profound impact as he watched the stage show before its Broadway debut in San Francisco. It’s not an exaggeration to say that it left an indelible mark on his heart. “I can still recall the sensation of being in that theater, feeling like it was tailor-made for me,” he shared. “The lyrics resonate with something much more profound than just recognizable words to a song. While making this movie, I aimed to evoke in others the same emotions I felt in that seat.

What happened during that ‘Defying Gravity’ scene?

Throughout the movie, all elements lead to Elphaba performing her iconic song that concludes the first act with the character, now known as the “Wicked Witch,” taking flight for the first time. Chu, expressing his affection for the number, admitted it didn’t completely resolve all the plot points but hoped for its success. However, during the planning process, they discovered that Elphaba hadn’t truly earned this flying scene yet.

Consequently, “Defying Gravity” is broken down into various scenes on screen. Following a thrilling, aerial pursuit where monkeys pursue Glinda and Elphaba, they arrive at a juncture: Glinda seeks to comply with Madame Morrible and the esteemed Wizard, who may wish to employ potent spells to marginalize the chattering creatures of Oz, despite their questionable intentions. Meanwhile, Elphaba prefers to escape rather than associate with these deceitful authorities.

Elphaba invites her dearest companion to join her, but Glinda chooses not to, opting instead to give her a dark cloak for warmth. Despite parting ways, there’s no trace of resentment between them: “May it bring you joy, I truly hope you understand and never come to regret it,” they express to one another. “I wish you happiness in the end, I wish you happiness, my friend.

Holding a magical broom, Elphaba leaps out the window with the intention of flying, yet ends up plummeting straight down instead. According to Chu, “She assumes she’s prepared, but she’s mistaken. She doesn’t understand her motivation. Is this simply due to anger? Or is it a desire for revenge?

In the reflection of Emerald City castle, Elphaba notices her younger counterpart, Karis Musongole. For a quarter of a century, Jon has been connected to this theme of understanding one’s younger self, a connection that Brooks passionately emphasizes. He yearns to discover what advice his younger self would offer him.

In their mutual fall, the young Elphaba extends a hand towards the older witch, who responds in kind. This silent scene symbolizes the realization that one is connecting with a person they’ve always been, and uncovering the power and strength they’ve sought within themselves all along, as described by Brooks.

Chu commented that she snatches a broom, ascends into the air while singing ‘It’s me’, because she understands it’s a means of self-healing and survival. Notably, Elphaba makes this statement not only to Glinda and the Ozians who are pursuing her, as is traditionally performed on stage, but also to Madame Morrible and the Wizard, who conspired to deceive her.

So what does the ending mean for the second ‘Wicked’ movie?

The sequel, titled “Part 2,” is set for release on November 21, 2025. A gap of a year between films seems appropriate – much like the second act in a stage production, this next movie may start with a leap forward in time. Reflecting on how “Part 1” concluded, we see Fiyero showing worry over Elphaba being labeled as ‘evil’ by the authorities and taking immediate action, or Madame Morrible finally giving Glinda a warm embrace, who had been trying to please the professor but was often overshadowed by Elphaba’s potential.

You can always expect “Wicked” to face up to everything related to Dorothy, including her small pet as well.

Chu, who was filming both parts of “Wicked” simultaneously last year, is now focusing on completing the edit for “Part 2”. He explained that he previously edited both parts together so he could finish the first one to better understand it. After setting it aside for a while, he has recently resumed working on it again.

By this time next year, it’s expected that fans will be able to revisit both parts of the movie, one after the other, in the cinemas. Chu, who organized his own “Wicked” marathon, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I have done it, and it was fantastic! I can’t wait for everyone else to experience it.

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2024-11-23 01:32