How Wicked Connects to The Wizard of Oz
As a cinephile with a penchant for delving into the rich tapestry of cinematic history, I have to say that the Oz saga is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The transformation of L. Frank Baum’s initial tale into the multifaceted narrative we see today is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of these iconic characters.
It’s hard to imagine that L. Frank Baum realized the immense impact his 1900 publication of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz would have on popular culture. Over the past 125 years, this tale has transformed from a cherished book series into a timeless cinematic classic, a retold villain’s origin story, a smash hit Broadway musical, and now, an eagerly awaited two-part movie adaptation.
Stepping into the cinema for the premiere of director Jon M. Chu’s initial installment of the “Wicked” film series, I can’t help but marvel at the way these legendary characters, first imagined by Baum over a century ago, have been reimagined and brought to life on screen. Although “Wicked” offers a fresh perspective on the earliest Ozian story, its ties to the original source material are still crucial to its allure.
The movie “Wicked,” inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and a Broadway musical, narrates the tale of an unusual bond between Elphaba (portrayed by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who eventually became known as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of Oz. The story unfolds in Munchkinland where Glinda arrives from the sky in a bubble, confirming the death of the Wicked Witch. However, before Glinda leaves, someone queries her: “Did you used to be friends with her?
The narrative then travels back in time, focusing on the duo’s days at Shiz University, a period preceding Dorothy Gale’s arrival in Oz from Kansas. The entire first Wicked movie, derived from Act I of the musical, unfolds within this timeframe, with the song “Defying Gravity” marking the point where Elphaba and Glinda’s paths diverge at the Emerald Palace. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that there are no references to The Wizard of Oz; on the contrary, there are numerous nods, such as the Wizard (portrayed by Jeff Goldblum) being exposed as a fraud with no real magical powers and plans for constructing the Yellow Brick Road. Additionally, Elphaba inadvertently sets the stage for her future troop of flying monkeys.
In Act II of the upcoming Broadway musical “Wicked Part Two”, set to hit theaters next November, we see a closer connection with the timeline of “The Wizard of Oz”. The appearance of Dorothy Gale eventually leads to the demise of Elphaba. However, be prepared for some surprises as you might find that your assumptions about the involvement of Dorothy and her companions (Scarecrow, Lion, and Tin Man) in Elphaba’s downfall may need to be reconsidered if you are not familiar with the musical’s storyline.
In explaining why tales of Oz and its characters remain captivating for generations, Chu attributes this longevity to the notion that “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” had a certain prescience about it.
[The 1939 film] was penned during a period of America undergoing change,” he said, speaking to NBC News. “At that time, they had emerged from the Great Depression and were on the brink of war. So it’s an exploration of what the American Dream transforms into when the journey ends and what new opportunities might arise.
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2024-11-22 17:06