29 November 2024 I 18:10 I Odeon Cinemas, Lincoln
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I hadn't initially planned to run to cinemas upon the release of Wicked: Part 1, however the audience reception left me no other choice. Truthfully, I didn't connect with the London production in the way I expected. However, Jon M. Chu works his directorial magic to revise the most enchanting, daring movie that invites theatricality in through its cinematography, opposed to distancing itself. I have seen many reviews for this film, though I wanted to write from a place of passion and admiration for the movie-musical where professional critics often lack. Believe the hype, it really is the greatest film to hit cinemas this decade!
I will hold my hands up and admit I had been skeptical of the two-part structure, where it has to be seen to be believed. Nonetheless, it was an incredibly smart decision on behalf of the creative team, expanding the Witches of Oz's motivations with an insightful perspective. Thus by accelerating characters, many questions in regards to the stage musical are answered. The history behind the tortured animals, the complex love triangle; every plot narrative has deeper emotional levels to allow empathy in, to care for the characters in greater effect.
In the West End, I personally found Wicked to feel static, though Christopher Scott's choreography leaps through the screen, both incredibly dynamic and addictive. Earworms are common, but when his What Is This Feeling sequence lives inside your head... I can't tell you how many times I have rewatched it! Movement has such a purpose and drive, with THE most talented, energetic ensembles to ever grace the camera. The musical numbers are nothing short of a spectacle, with almost every minute of the film raising waves of goosebumps (not an exaggeration!).
I found myself crying at numerous points during the film. Not out of sadness, rather of admiration and pride. The atmosphere generated is indescribable, overwhelmed by sheer brilliance, where this emotional reaction is a response to Chu's direction being practically flawless in every way. He understands each minute notion and how to execute it, Elphaba's degreenified vision in The Wizard And I to name one of many impeccably designed moments that enhance the surreality. Running at 2 hours and 41 minutes, I did not once check my watch, in fact it feels like half the time!
Heading the adaptation as Elphaba Thropp, Cynthia Erivo deserves all of her flowers, and then some! It can feel strange that a Wicked movie hasn't already been made, although audiences have finally been graced with the perfect casting. Erivo handles the vocal rollercoaster with such maturity, and I will be prepared to listen to the soundtrack for the entire year before Part 2! Most importantly, Elphaba is an outsider, and she expertly communicates this isolation through her body language and expression.
Beside her, Ariana Grande-Butera is a delightful surprise as Glinda. Upon first impression, it is hard to differentiate her popstar credentials to immerse yourself into her role. Regardless, in a matter of minutes, she has you in the palm of her hand. Delivering a masterclass in comedic timing, the evolution of her characterisation is remarkable. Subtleties of petulance, naivety and self-consciousness, Grande-Butera allows the story to thrive by studying and embodying everything about Glinda, or Ga-linda.
Jonathan Bailey is simply as wonderful as always, an effortless charm and charisma that Fiyero calls for. Whenever he is on the screen, you can't help but be drawn in by his magnetic aura, his energy always at at admirable level. And I am grateful to find a new respect for Madame Morrible, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh, who feels a forgotten role on the stage. A matriarch brimming with dishonesty, Yeoh shares exactly the right amount of the spotlight to antagonise and raise an essence of hostility. Her development marks a major presence, defining the climactic Defying Gravity with greater purpose.
Wicked really shines in its extravagant visuals, evident through Nathan Crowley's architectural design. In a land of magic, the production team built the majority of the sets in a real-life immersion, forbidding CGI as the primary visual. Live singing was also heavily encouraged throughout the process, where these artistic choices present such an authenticity to the world that can be believed.
With a screenplay from Dana Fox and Winnie Holzman, I have journeyed from passively enjoying Stephen Schwartz's Wicked to adoring the musical with every bone in my body. I'm just so happy I could... melt!! As a precursor to the events of The Wizard Of Oz, Wicked: Part 1 successfully carries the legacy of L. Frank Baum's writing. With just under a year to go, Part 2 will be heavily anticipated, so bring it on!!
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