‘How Do You Not Make It Look Like Face Paint?’ Wicked’s Director Told Us How They Got Elphaba’s Look Just The Right Shade Of Green, And It Was A Process

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As a dedicated cinephile with a keen eye for detail, I must say that the intricate craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail behind the scenes of “Wicked” truly left me spellbound. The transformation of Cynthia Erivo into the iconic Elphaba is nothing short of magical, and it’s fascinating to delve into the depths of the work that went into making her green skin look not just convincing, but utterly believable.

Wicked” is currently a blockbuster success worldwide and appears to be a formidable candidate during the upcoming awards season. For instance, it’s been nominated for Golden Globes, and there’s a high chance it will compete for several Oscars. As for the Academy Awards, the movie looks set to contend in the makeup category, particularly given the extensive effort put into making Cynthia Erivo appear green.

In a recent conversation with TopMob’s Reelblend podcast, director Jon M. Chu discussed the intricate process of creating Elphaba’s green appearance in “Wicked,” portrayed by Cynthia Erivo. It wasn’t as straightforward as applying makeup to her face, as they aimed to avoid giving the impression of face paint. According to Chu…

How can you make the snakeskin pattern not appear as face paint? Essentially, we want to avoid any costume-like appearance. If it seems she’s wearing a mask in close-ups, then how can we truly empathize with her emotions?

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I understand the importance of creating authentic characters on screen. For instance, in the captivating tale of “Wicked”, Elphaba’s greenness needed to convey not just an artificial transformation, but rather the essence of her being green. This was crucial to make her character feel genuine and relatable, as she is the very heart of this intriguing story.

However, creating the makeup was not just about finding a realistic appearance; it also needed to appear real under various conditions. In this regard, “Wicked” stands out with its exceptional production design. With all the vibrant colors and warm illumination, the green had to be a shade that wouldn’t fade in the wrong lighting, unless they intentionally wanted it to. Chu elaborated…

In what lighting conditions does green appear least prominent or disappear altogether? Interestingly, in a warm pink light, green tends to fade. When should we utilize this kind of lighting and how can it be beneficial or should we perhaps opt for different lighting altogether?

In Chu’s description, the green fades under warm pink light, which seems like a contrast considering Ariana Grande’s character Glinda is associated with pink. So, when it comes to featuring Elphaba in pink lighting, adjustments to the light or makeup may be necessary to prevent the green from appearing too faint.

Cynthia Erivo dedicated numerous hours to perfecting her makeup for the role in ‘Wicked’. It seems her effort was worth it, as the film has been well-received and fans can hardly wait for the upcoming ‘Wicked’ sequel next year.

Check out Chu’s full comments below.

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It appears that “Wicked” is shaping up to be a strong contender in multiple categories at the Oscars, particularly for its makeup and production design. Interestingly, the film has a contingency plan if both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande receive acting nominations. This upcoming awards season could prove quite fruitful for “Wicked”, with the festivities kicking off in just a few weeks’ time. The reason behind this potential success is the meticulous effort put into every aspect of the film’s creation.

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2024-12-28 05:07