When Dorothy put on those ruby slippers and followed the yellow brick road her journey not only led her to the ‘Wizard of Oz’, it resulted in a screen classic of legendary proportions.
The story of Dorothy’s quest to find her way home from the mythical land of Oz has captivated children and adults alike for many decades. Given its enduring popularity, any subsequent film about this archetypal fairy tale – especially if it reflects the whimsical fantasy and lavish production values of the original – is bound to be entertaining at the very least.
This latest offering is a prequel which goes way back before Dorothy was even part of the story. Instead, it focuses on the origins of Elphaba Thropp – the future ‘Wicked Witch of the West’. Not only is she born green but she has hard-to-control supernatural powers when angry or upset. As a young woman, she finds her way into a school where all sorts of magical stuff is on the curriculum (a la Harry Potter’s Hogwarts). Here she meets Galinda the future Good Witch of the North.
In this initial encounter, their roles of are slightly reversed: Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) is a social outcast from the start of her life. As a result she strives to be accepted by being unobtrusive and compliant. Conversely, Galinda Upland (Ariana Grande) the future Good Witch is something of a ‘goody-two-shoes’ who comes across as a bit of a spoilt brat.
Wicked, 2024. Directed by Jon M. Chu.
These two leads are not the only ones to diverge from the characters of the original film. We know from the 1939 version that the Wizard is a fraud – his image is literally all ‘smoke and mirrors’. However, in this version the deception goes a little beyond a scary but superficial image. Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard seems to be plotting something on a much grander scale. Although he appears harmless in his dapper attire, he clearly has a hidden agenda.
Wicked is a feel-good film full of musical numbers, dazzling special effects, impressive sets and sumptuous costumes. It is clear no expense has been spared in this is a big budget movie. In addition, the leads do their own live singing even while being strapped to harnesses to emulate flying through the air.
Despite being over two and half hours long, some significant issues remain unresolved. While Elphaba has reason to distrust the wizard and is disappointed in him this does not transform her into anything like the malevolent ‘Wicked Witch’. Similarly, there is merely the hint of a romantic triangle between Elphaba, Glinda and a handsome prince. Moreover, we still don’t know exactly what the Wizard and his co-conspirators are really up to.
At the conclusion of this film we are reminded why there are these loose ends. The closing title reminds us that it is merely the end of Part I. Part II has been filmed and is due to be released later next year. So watch this space for future revelations.
Eighty-five years after he appeared in his first blockbuster feature, ‘We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz’… yet again and again.
To be continued.