The 2024 film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, brings fresh energy to the Wizard of Oz universe. By delving into the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, the film not only reimagines familiar narratives but also engages with contemporary socio-political issues, making it a resonant piece for modern audiences. Furthermore, as a film adaptation of both Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995) and the 2003 Broadway musical, the film adaptation must balance faithfulness to these existing versions while introducing new elements to the beloved tale.
Reimagining the Wizard of Oz Universe
Unlike the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, which centers on Dorothy’s journey through the fantastical land of Oz, Wicked shifts the focus to Elphaba aka the Wicked Witch of the West, exploring her transformation from a misunderstood young woman into the infamous antagonist. This narrative inversion challenges the traditional dichotomy of good versus evil presented in earlier adaptations. While The Wizard of Oz portrays the Wicked Witch as a one-dimensional figure of malevelence, Wicked provides depth and context to her character, highlighting the societal prejudices and personal struggles that contribute to her vilification.
The film also contrasts with other Oz stories by emphasizing the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, offering a nuanced exploration of their unique relationship. This adds layers to the story, showcasing how differing perspectives and societal expectations can influence personal bonds. In comparison, previous adaptations, such as the 1939 film and Return to Oz (1985), often sideline these characters’ backstories, focusing instead on Dorothy’s adventures and the more whimsical aspects of Oz.
Addressing Contemporary Socio-Political Issues
Wicked resonates with modern audiences by weaving in themes that reflect current socio-political challenges. Elphaba’s green skin serves as an allegory for racial and social discrimination, mirroring the experiences of marginalized communities in today’s society. The prejudices she faces in Oz parallel real-world issues of racism and colourism, prompting viewers to reflect on the arbitrary bases of societal exclusion.
Wicked also delves into the manipulation of truth and the spread of propaganda. The Wizard, portrayed as a charismatic yet deceitful leader, uses misinformation to maintain control over Oz’s inhabitants (something subtly apparent in the original Wizard of Oz movie). This narrative element draws parallels to contemporary discussions about media influence and the erosion of trust in institutions. By showcasing how the Wizard fabricates threats to consolidate power, Wicked critiques authoritarian tactics and underscores the importance of critical thinking and media literacy. Sounds familiar, right?
The Role of Music in Wicked
The songs in Wicked serve as powerful vehicles for character development, emotional depth, and thematic exploration. One of the most iconic numbers, “Defying Gravity,” is more than just a show-stopping anthem; it represents Elphaba’s transformation from an outcast to a self-empowered figure. The song’s soaring melody and lyrics about breaking free from constraints mirror real-world struggles against oppression and societal expectations. In a modern context, it resonates with movements advocating for personal freedom, self-acceptance, and resistance against corrupt authority.
Another standout song, “Popular,” performed by Glinda, offers a sharp contrast to Elphaba’s journey. While on the surface, the song is a lighthearted, comedic take on social status, it subtly critiques society’s obsession with appearances and conformity. Glinda’s belief that popularity equates to success reflects modern debates around the pressures of maintaining an idealized public image. As the story progresses, Glinda’s realization that true worth goes beyond superficial charm adds depth to her character and highlights the dangers of prioritizing image over integrity.
Through its music, Wicked not only enhances its narrative but also offers a reflective lens on contemporary issues, making its songs as thematically rich as they are memorable.
Comparing Wicked to the Novel and Stage Musical
The 2024 Wicked film adaptation finds itself in a unique position, needing to balance faithfulness to both Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and the Broadway musical. Each iteration of Wicked offers a distinct take on the story, with the film having to carefully navigate the differences between the two in order to satisfy fans of both while introducing the tale to a new audience.
Maguire’s novel, and subsequent sequels, are dark and politically charged reimaginings of the Oz universe. Unlike the more straightforward good-versus-evil narrative of L. Frank Baum’s original Oz books, ‘Wicked’ the novel presents a morally complex world where power structures, propaganda, and social discrimination drive the story. The novel delves deeply into Elphaba’s life, exploring her childhood, her complicated family relationships, and her gradual radicalization in response to the Wizard’s oppressive rule. The book also portrays Oz as a deeply flawed society rife with class struggles, political corruption, and philosophical debates about fate and free will. However, due to its intricate, adult-oriented storytelling, the novel’s plot and tone are significantly different from the musical and the film.
The Broadway adaptation streamlined the novel’s intricate themes, focusing more on the emotional arc of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship while removing some of the book’s darker elements. The musical is also far more optimistic, offering a redemptive arc for its characters and a more hopeful resolution. Songs like “Defying Gravity” reinforce this emphasis on personal empowerment, which contrasts with the novel’s more tragic tone.
The film adaptation of Wicked has the challenge of balancing these two versions, incorporating the Broadway musical’s beloved songs while also bringing in the depth and complexity of Maguire’s original novel. Given that the film is being released in two parts, there is more room to explore elements that were omitted from the stage production, such as the political conflicts within Oz and the deeper philosophical questions about destiny and morality. By using the visual medium of cinema, Wicked has the opportunity to expand upon both the novel’s rich world-building and the musical’s grand theatricality, creating a version of the story that feels both intimate and epic in scope.
Conclusion
The 2024 adaptation of Wicked enriches the Wizard of Oz narrative by providing depth to previously marginalized characters and intertwining their stories with pressing social and political themes. By reimagining a classic story like Oz, the film invites audiences to reflect on issues of discrimination and propaganda, making it a poignant and relevant addition to the Wizard of Oz universe.
Check out our chat about Wicked on the More Movies podcast…
That concludes our article about Wicked.
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