As a theatre enthusiast who’s seen my fair share of musical adaptations, I must say that ‘Wicked’ truly stands out from the crowd. Having grown up with the classic tale of Oz, it was a breath of fresh air to delve into the untold story of Elphaba.
Spoiler Alert: Spoilers follow for Wicked
Quick Links
- ‘Wicked’ Deconstructs the Land of Oz
- What Does It Mean to Be Wicked?
- ‘Wicked’ Defies Gravity — And Our Expectations
Following nearly two decades of delays, the Broadway musical “Wicked” finally graced the silver screen, and it was definitely worth the patience – it’s been an impressive success with both critics and audiences, even setting the third-highest opening weekend of 2024. What’s more delightful is that the film surpassed expectations; it’s among the top movie musicals of the past decade, overflowing with sheer enthusiasm in its creation and never appearing anything less than a passion project by the creative team.
The musical “Wicked” has garnered much discussion for its unexpected political resonance, particularly following one of the most disputed presidential elections in recent and distant times. With themes revolving around authoritarianism and suppression of outsiders, it seems more pertinent than ever before. However, perhaps the most astute aspect where “Wicked” truly excels is by challenging the very foundations of the world of Oz itself. Since many are familiar with “The Wizard of Oz,” a classic film that combines childhood development and fantasy perfectly, it’s no wonder why it holds such appeal. Nevertheless, “Wicked” encourages us to reconsider our connection to this influential work.
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‘Wicked’ Deconstructs the Land of Oz
At first glance, “The Wizard of Oz” appears to be a straightforward tale of good versus evil, evident in its various adaptations. The story follows Dorothy Gale, an outsider hailing from Kansas, who finds herself in the magical realm of Oz. Here, Glinda, a kindly figure, tasks her with seeking out the Wizard, believed to possess the power to send her back home. Throughout their journey, they are accompanied by the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion as they confront the malevolent Wicked Witch of the West.
Beneath the surface of the tale lies a deeper layer of mystery and deception, as the Wizard is unmasked as an ordinary man and charlatan who even falters in his basic duty of returning Dorothy home. What sets Wicked apart is its exploration of the story’s darker undertones, which it expands upon masterfully.
Initially, the character portrayed by Jeff Goldblum isn’t just a fake in this story; instead, he is the antagonist who uses his powers to foster discord across Oz. As he puts it, “The most effective way to unite people is to provide them with a common adversary.” Consequently, he and his associates gradually take away the rights of Oz’s talking animals, eventually making them forget how to communicate. Even more sinisterly, he attempts to persuade Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) to join him because she possesses magic abilities he lacks. However, when Elphaba uncovers his schemes, he promptly labels her as an enemy of the state.
Initially, the land of Oz appeared kind and benevolent, but it has since shown a different face. Even Glinda (Ariana Grande), who was thought to be the “Good Witch,” appears more complex than we initially believed. She begins the story as a shallow character, fixated on her status and appearance, and while she shows some empathy towards Elphaba’s discrimination, her privileged background hinders her understanding of its systemic nature. In the climactic scenes, when Elphaba swears to bring down the Wizard, Glinda hesitantly agrees to work for him, acknowledging that any good deeds she wishes to perform under his rule will primarily serve those in power, regardless of their corruption.
What Does It Mean to Be Wicked?
Interestingly enough, the most revolutionary aspect of “Wicked” lies within its portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West. Initially, her role as an antagonist in “The Wizard of Oz,” primarily intended for children, serves its purpose well, providing a formidable foe against which the forces of good could prevail. However, given that “Wicked” presents Oz and the Wizard in a much grimmer light, the story challenges our perception of what constitutes wickedness, and how or why someone might be branded as a villain.
The story’s most poignant moments are found here, where Elphaba’s tragedy gleams most vividly. Born with green skin, she has always been an outcast, and her demeanor reveals the profound impact this has on her. Upon arriving at Shiz University, Glinda recoils in horror at her appearance, but Elphaba masks her hurt and feigns indifference. However, her true feelings are evident. It’s not unexpected that her first deep friendship forms with Doctor Dillamond (played by Peter Dinklage), a wise goat professor who understands what it means to be treated as an outsider.
Before Elphaba’s deception by the Wizard is revealed, there’s a poignant undertone to her longing for acceptance (and unfortunately, some fans are struggling to grasp the message of inclusivity). Since her youth, her self-worth has been contingent on others’ opinions, and she harbors the belief that collaborating with the Wizard will magically erase prejudice. This optimism intensifies when Madame Morrible (portrayed by Michelle Yeoh) offers to refine Elphaba’s magic abilities, and even more so when the Wizard extends an invitation for her to join him in the Emerald City, expressing a desire to work together.
The movie’s sorrowful message becomes clear when she learns they plan to exploit her foreignness to preserve their corrupt practices. As soon as she voices doubt, the Wizard and Morrible discard her, labeling her a “wicked witch.” This reveals that their power lets them manipulate public opinion, turning the people of Oz against those who are different. Hence, the film underscores the idea that “wickedness” is subjective and frequently used to suppress anyone who challenges the existing order.
‘Wicked’ Defies Gravity — And Our Expectations
Given that it’s widely recognized where the story of The Wizard of Oz leads, the climactic number “Defying Gravity” in Wicked might be expected to evoke a sense of devastation. Indeed, it does so to some extent, as it signifies Elphaba’s inevitable fate in a fight we know she can’t win. However, the sequence carries an unexpected air of triumph; Elphaba no longer seeks validation from others, instead embracing self-confidence and determining to write her own destiny.
The climax of ‘Wicked’ powerfully underscores its most revolutionary aspect – that the central character in ‘The Wizard of Oz’, a tale we believed we knew inside and out, might have been the one whose viewpoint we hadn’t explored until this adaptation. Currently, ‘Wicked’ is running in cinemas near you.
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2024-12-01 02:04