A Mesmerizing Tale Unfolds in 'Wicked: Part I'
Wicked: Part I’ is an enthralling fable of a friendship, which takes place in the fairy-tale country of Oz. It follows the lives of two young women, Elphaba played by Cynthia Erivo, a girl with green skin and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a conventional blonde young girl at Shiz University. Their chemistry is exploited when placed against the backdrop of Oz and its society, as well as their presence in the story with the representative of the enigmatic figure of the Wizard of Oz, Jeff Goldblum. This origin story is not merely just a fantasy one, but it is first layered and realistic because it gives an elaborate and well woven narrative that reveals the reason behind such characters’ paths in the future.
Writing about ‘Wicked’, one can easily identify several moral issues including friendship, betrayal, embracing one’s worth and difficult rules and prejudices of the society within the framework of the show which is based on the fiction of Oz. It blurs social morality and forces the audience to think differently from how they would about the ‘evil’ people in society. Thus, the combination of playful elements and shots with philosophical accents provides an efficient thematic concept that seems innovative and contemplative simultaneously.
Cynthia Erivo gives one of the standout performances of the movie playing the part of Elphaba, her transformation from a submissive creature into a more confident one is moving. Ariana Grande gives perhaps the most iconic performance of a the traditional role of the good witch Glinda. The two subsidiary characters of Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey add immensely to the density of the flick. The reader can relate to each character and that contributes much to the complexity and vividness in the story.
Jon M. Chu is the director of this movie, and ‘Wicked’ is a great example of how one can stay true to source material, as well as breathe new life into it. Different from other cinematic adaptations, Chu has maintained the grandeur feel of Oz while focusing on character moments that makes the viewer a part of this colorful and lively reimagining of this story.
The musically component so essential to ‘Wicked’ is a beautiful feature about it. The music, original from the Broadway production, is lovely and moving as is the film’s story. Every number is performed as if the narrator is animated by the story saying something as simple as: ‘NINE.’
‘Wicked’ has undeniably copied the essence of the books through the masterful cinematography used in the movie. The sharpness of the colors and the clear lines ensures that the fairy tale like world of Oz appears real. Every shot is carefully made and looks to be more of a visual coups that enhance the magical aspects of the story.
In terms of design, ‘Wicked’ is in ulož with creating an utterly unique spin of the familiar Oz story. According to the level of detail applied to sets, they are extravagant and exhibit aspects of both fun and fear of Oz, and thus improve the flow of the tale.
In ‘Wicked’ getting special effects right is a key strength kept in balance with story without dominating it. This is well done by using CGI to depict magic and mythical creatures in the movie and realism makes the audience submerse more into the movie environment.
In ‘Wicked’ the editing is applied and the rhythm of the film is well controlled, and successfully managed in terms of shifting and conveying between different tones in the movie including the light funny songs and dramatic or serious scenes.
There is also a constant tension in the narrative throughout the movie which adds to viewers interest. ‘Wicked’ stands as a predominantly fictional show, nevertheless the integration of the action with emotion adds up to its solidity and the intense experience of the viewer.
An upbeat chatter in ‘Wicked’ consists of humor and knowledge, as does the show’s characters. It enhances the story; it does not interfere with the motives and conflicts of the film by naturals fitting in the overall plot line and grounds character interactions.
While Wicked: On a generally positive note, let me add that there is no question that ‘Part I’ shines in many ways, but the overall transfer between stage and screen can look rather choppy at times. A couple of musical numbers are visually pompous but lack both narration and orchestration connections. Although, it conveys its theme appropriately for a broadway show.
Wicked: Of the two, ‘Part I’ is a true spectacle, a film that enchants, both, the emotions and the fancy. It is impressive – it brings that nostalgia of Oz’s stories, or simply presents a nice, engrossing fantasy for people who didn’t know about Oz stories. But the fact that it is a film about a mock up town of miracles refuses to make viewers complacent, yet it will make you see the magic in the world..
