Wicked: Part 1 is a grand spectacle. This extended musical – of which this 160-minute epic is only the first of two parts – looks magnificent on the big screen. Its colourful and captivating exterior underpins a dark side.
It appears no expense has been spared to breathe life anew into the beloved stage musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2003. The musical was, in turn, an adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, based around the untold story of the witches of Oz. It all leads back of course to L. Frank Baum’s enduring classic, The Wizard of Oz, first published in 1900. Baum’s story became the much-loved movie The Wizard of Oz (1939).
The timeframe for this film pre-dates the events of The Wizard of Oz. Wicked: Part 1 focuses on the unlikely friendship between two diametrically opposed women, with conflicting ideals. One is shunned, and the other adored.
It’s also an origin story of how Elphaba (Cynthis Erivo) became the Wicked Witch of the West. She was born green and ostracised by her parents, who favoured her younger sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode). Elphaba accompanies Nessarose to Shiz university, where Elphaba’s yet-to-be-honed magical powers are immediately recognised by Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). She is the headmistress, who doubles as the Dean of Sorcery. Madame Morrible pulls a swifty on the fawning but popular student Galinda (Ariana Grande). Against her wishes, the self-absorbed Galinda is forced to room with Elphaba.
She and Elphaba clash … badly, before their relationship undergoes a metamorphosis. Elphaba is unhappy with forced changes at the university that see the demonising of clever, speaking animals who teach there. Madame Morrible begins personally training Elphaba. After witnessing her development, the Dean of Sorcery secures her a meeting with the kingdom’s ruler, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). Only his reception is hardly what Elphaba was expecting. She exposes him … and all hell breaks loose.
Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) helms this movie adaptation, which deals with the abuse of power, bullying and girl-power.
Cynthis Erivo is particularly appealing as the spurned, intelligent Elphaba. She has a dignity about her, piecing her way through the challenges Elphaba faces. Ariana Grande brings a Mean Girls streak to her buoyant representation of Galinda/Glinda. She revels in the vacuousness of her persona, and is gifted a series of choice one-liners. As Madame Morrible, Michelle Yeoh cuts a potent and controlling figure. Jonathan Bailey makes for a dashing and playful Prince Fiyero. A significant touchstone is Peter Dinklage’s vocalisation of the professorial goat Dr Dillamond. His interactions with Elphaba are among the film’s many highlights. The ageless Jeff Goldblum readily assumes the mantle of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, intent on faking it to make it.
While in movie musicals it’s not uncommon to do a double-take when the characters suddenly break into song, Wicked: Part 1 comes into its own as it develops. Its zenith is the megahit, the oh so compelling Defying Gravity, which fittingly sees out Part 1.
The first half of Wicked is superbly choreographed and orchestrated. I very much look forward to Part 2, for which I – like you – will have to wait 12 months.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- The Wizard of Oz (Regent) – theatre review
- Crazy Rich Asians – movie review
- In the Heights – movie review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
