Why Wicked Will Make the Holidays Even More Magical at the Movies

Originally there was a book. In 1900, he signed L. Frank Baum and who created one of the greatest films in the history of cinema: The Wizard of Oz. An important story that we find traces of in many stories (and the work of David Lynch, as shown in a fascinating documentary) and which Gregory Maguire explored in his own way in 1996.

Under his pen is no longer Dorothy the heroine, but Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, whose origins and her friendship (initially) with Glinda, in this prequel to The Wizard of Oz, are said to turn fate into a good witch. the south. A real publishing success, which later became a phenomenon on the stage, thanks to the musical comedy adaptation created by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holtzman.

It became known for its themes (demonization of others, abuse of animals, etc.). “popular” or “Defying Gravity” (which inspired me “released, delivered” According to many pundits), Wicked opened on Broadway in October 2003, then in London in 2006, and continues to perform in both cities to date with more than 65 million audiences.

A phenomenon, real, that does not fail to attract the attention of the cinema. In 2012, after the success of Les Misérables, the project was launched. But we will have to wait twelve years, between changes of directors and the Covid pandemic, for it to see the light of day, in the form of a diptych. Thanks to Jon M. Chu (Where We Come, Sexy Dance 3D) behind the camera and Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba.

Released Nov. 22 in the United States, the musical’s original country, the feature film has already grossed more than $360 million worldwide and just arrived in France, just like Wonka last year, all to be the perfect family. Musical and colorful performance of the last holidays of the year.

Because it’s magically musical (and vice versa)

In a world that includes a wizard (albeit a fake one), witches, and a Shiz University reminiscent of Hogwarts, the result would be disturbing if it wasn’t. Fortunately, Wicked is quick to defend against the spell. Virtuous and aerial from the first shot that offers a glimpse of the Land of Oz. As the intention of the film, which from beginning to end will rely as much as possible on tangible sets and lush costumes, to make the audience, like Dorothy L. In Frank Baum’s novel, to have the feeling of being thrown into it. A colorful world, the dark version of which is sometimes presented to us.

“We wanted the film to be stunning”Its director Jon M. Chu tells us. “If we wanted the audience to believe in the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba and what was at stake in the story, Oz always had to have this vague dreamlike feel, and we wanted him to be physical. That doesn’t mean there aren’t special effects, because we We have a lot, but even the people in charge of ILM and Framestore were telling us to create it.

Oz has always had this hazy dream look, and we wanted him to have a physical presence

“And it’s not Nathan CrowleyOur production designer, who opposed them. Same with Shiz water: we could have created it using special effects, but we built it with giant watercraft. It was really fun to create that kind of world and give people a new perspective on Oz.”

Furthermore, we imagine that it is vital in the context of a musical, where the situation in space is at the center of the staging and the direction of the actors: “absolutely”Confirmed by Jon M. Chu. “When it comes to dance and even simple movement, you have to understand the space. It’s not about dancing in a rehearsal room and then reproducing everything somewhere. The best numbers are the ones that actually use the space.”

“When you look at it Gene Kelly or Fred AstaireThey use what’s around them, even if it’s a chair. And that’s something you can’t design in advance: it’s just there and they use it. It is a dance with space itself. “ “That’s a real plus”Michelle Yeo, Ms. Morrible’s translator, confirms. “When we walked on set, it was breathtaking.”

“You see the dance sequence Jonathan BaileyWith the song “Dancing Through Life” and spinning scenery? When I got to the set and saw him, I told him that’s what I wanted to do and begged him to let me (laughs) It’s all about timing in a comedy musical, and it’s incredibly nice to do it in a real setting without people saying, “Do you see the green screen? There’s a giant mask.”

Here’s the good news: When the cast says that filming Wicked was magical, you won’t have a hard time believing them when you see the results.

Because it’s (very) funny

In the United States we are talking “the musical”. In France it is often translated as “the musical”which is not always accurate. Because we don’t laugh much at Annette, Les Misérables, Let the show start!, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg or West Side Story (the original and its remake). But that’s entirely appropriate in the case of Wicked , which features plenty of comedic scenes and features eleven songs from the Stephen Schwartz and Vinnie Holtzman show.

As for the musical score, everyone is having a good time, from the director to his cast (even the Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum, or Peter Dinklage, who plays the goat-looking cheesy professor). And if Jonathan Bale, the duo of pests played by Bowen Young and Bronwyn James, or even Cynthia Erivo, will take away a few of us (smiles), it is Ariana Grande who will present herself as a real comic tornado.

Those who follow his various appearances on Saturday Night Live probably won’t be surprised. For others, the pop star’s absolutely perfect comedic timing will be a real revelation. Let Glinda practice her inimitable hair (“throw away” in English), whether she’s twirling on a chair (in the background) while trying to look good or finishing certain sentences with a high note, Ariana Grande is one of the film’s strongest points.

His comedic contribution perfectly balances the seriousness brought by Cynthia Erivo, who also knows how to do it in the fun scenes of their rivalry, and it’s also on this level that we think of Wonka before Wicked. Like Paul King’s film (another musical and colorful prequel to the children’s literature classic, which brought out this aspect in Timothée Chalamet, accustomed to more tormented roles), John M. Chu’s film amazes with its comedic precision. And he finds the balance, so that the film is as nuanced as its characters, and each tone works.

Because it’s exciting

The colors certainly could have been a little brighter (not to the point where we reach the technical color of the 1939 film), and John M. Chu overcame this recurring flaw of many modern feature films by wanting to make Oz look realistic. as much as possible. But there’s still something haunting about Wicked, and that mostly comes from its songs, which are also the subject of debate about whether or not they should be played loudly in theaters.

However, this proves the effect they have on their viewers. From the opening sequence, which leads to the end of the story, showing the population rejoicing at the announced death of the Wicked Witch of the West (“No one mourns the wicked”) with an enthusiasm that turns disturbing when they set fire to an effigy of Elphaba. much lighter “dance with life” With its hypnotic swirling decor and iconic “popular”Ariana Grande’s Real One Woman Show extends this power of fascination that film exerts on us.

Even when Elphaba and Glinda sing of their hatred (“What is this feeling?”), something exciting emerges from the whole, the climax (of the film and this effect) is clearly reached by a strong and airy. “Defying Gravity”. Who walks the talk as the upcoming Wicked Witch of the West grabs a broom to fly away, while the song talks about letting go and accepting who you are. Much of the success and success of the show comes from there, from its messages and the way they are delivered, and its adaptation is on that level.

Because there is substance

Just as its colors and the splendor of the emerald city of Oz hide the darkness and nuances and that the party can be disturbing, Wicked is not just pure form and occupies one of the strengths of the musical. won over two decades: its essence. which is still relevant today. “When you look at what Winnie Holtzman and Steven Schwartz write, it’s eerily prescient.John M. Chu tells us. “It’s a timeless story about a leader facing control. It’s one that’s made for every generation: at some point, each of them has to stand up to decide who they are.”

“No one is truly good or bad in Oz, a twist brought by Gregory Maguire. adds Jeff Goldblum, drawing a parallel with the western The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, which plays with the gap between legend and reality. “You find something different from a different angle, and that surprised the audience even before the music seduced them.”

We’ve got these pop and fun songs, but it’s got the heart in between

“JI quickly realized why Wicked appealed to all these age groups, women but also men.– adds Michelle Yeo, who discovered the musical only recently, after the project was offered to her. “The story told and the nuance developed is something we relate to very well: being mistreated, misunderstood, ostracized because you look different, because you sound different, because your color is different. When you watch Wicked, you realize that it’s still relevant to the issues we face. And Time made it possible to do that with a cast that contained diversity and inclusivity.

“Gregory Maguire brings to Wicked some big, interesting political and cultural questions about demonizing others, taking power and corrupting it.”Finally adds Jeff Goldblum. “On animal cruelty, which from the last century to the present is still a vital and urgent issue that requires asking moral questions.”

Or, to use John M. Chu’s words on our microphone: “It’s something that stays with you, and it’s great that we have these fun, pop songs, but there’s heart in the middle.” And this heart has everything to get you pumped and make your Christmas holidays even more magical in cinemas, waiting for the second installment in November 2025.

Comments collected by Maximilien Pierret in London on 19 November 2024