What is the Movie Wicked About? The Wicked Movie Explained
Heard of the movie Wicked and want to know what it’s about? In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about one of the most popular movies of 2024.
From its roots as a hit Broadway musical to its big-screen debut, Wicked tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the box office smash hit.
The Story of Wicked
Wicked shares the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West, providing a fresh look at the tale from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Central to the story is Elphaba, a young woman born with green skin, leading to social rejection. Despite these challenges, her life takes a significant turn when she attends Shiz University.
At Shiz University, Elphaba forms a profound friendship with Glinda, a popular girl who later becomes Glinda the Good. Their friendship grows as they face the complexities of their lives and the political landscape of Oz. This unlikely friendship is central to the story, showing how two people from very different paths can form a deep bond.
When Elphaba and Glinda meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, they initially believe he can solve many of their problems, but soon discover his true nature as a deceptive figure. This encounter deeply affects their relationship as their friendship reaches a critical crossroads. This pivotal moment sets Elphaba on a path that leads her to become the Wicked Witch of the West.
Wicked is more than just an untold story. It’s about self-discovery, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. The movie brings these themes to life with stunning visuals and powerful performances, making it a must-see for both fans of the Broadway musical and newcomers.
Characters in Wicked
At the heart of Wicked is Elphaba, born with green skin and facing rejection. Her story is one of resilience and self-acceptance as she deals with being different in a world that values conformity. Her transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West is both tragic and empowering.
Glinda, initially portrayed as superficial, undergoes significant development. Ariana Grande’s portrayal brings charm and depth to the role. Her wardrobe, prominently featuring pink, reflects her initial superficiality, but as the story progresses, she evolves into Glinda the Good, embodying kindness and wisdom.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is portrayed as a carnival con artist hiding his true nature behind a facade of power. His interactions with Elphaba and Glinda reveal the corrupt nature of his rule and serve as a catalyst for Elphaba’s transformation.
Fiyero, a charming Winkie prince, starts as a carefree student but undergoes significant development influenced by his relationships with Elphaba and Glinda. His character arc adds a romantic element to the story and highlights themes of loyalty and personal growth.
Performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are noteworthy. Grande’s enthusiasm for playing Glinda reflects her personal connection to the role. Cynthia Erivo brings powerful emotional depth to Elphaba. Their portrayals add a new dimension to these beloved characters, making the Wicked movie a standout adaptation.
Themes and Messages
Wicked is known for its portrayal of female empowerment, particularly through the bond between Elphaba and Glinda. Their friendship, formed at Shiz University, is a testament to the strength and resilience of women supporting each other.
As their friendship reaches a critical crossroads after their encounter with the Wonderful Wizard, it highlights the diverging paths their lives take as they confront personal ambitions and challenges.
The musical is often seen as a metaphor for queer identities, especially through Elphaba’s experiences of societal rejection due to her green skin. Her journey of self-acceptance and defiance against societal norms resonates with many who feel marginalized.
Elphaba’s relationship with Fiyero further complicates her identity, highlighting the consequences of her choices. Discovering she is the biological daughter of the Wizard adds another layer to her character. These personal struggles add emotional depth to her story.
The film adaptation of Wicked enhances these themes through its musical numbers and cinematic techniques. Songs like ‘Popular’ and ‘Defying Gravity’ take on new significance, showcasing the characters’ deeper narratives and emotional journeys.
This adaptation stays true to the original Broadway musical while expanding on its themes, making them even more relevant and impactful.
Musical Numbers
The musical numbers in Wicked are not just songs; they are integral to the storytelling. ‘Defying Gravity’ stands out as a powerful declaration of self-acceptance and the importance of believing in oneself. This anthem encapsulates Elphaba’s journey and her decision to embrace her true power.
The evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is beautifully illustrated through their musical interactions. Songs like ‘Popular’ highlight Glinda’s initial superficiality and her eventual growth, while ‘For Good’ serves as a reflection on their profound friendship.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo chose to perform their songs live on set, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their performances. Erivo’s dedication, including performing her own stunts while singing, required her to adapt her breathing technique, showcasing her sheer bravura.
Overall, the musical numbers in Wicked deliver powerful messages. Whether it’s the defiant spirit of ‘Defying Gravity’ or the heartfelt connection in ‘For Good,’ these songs contribute significantly to the narrative and leave a lasting impression. The film adaptation pays homage to the original Broadway cast, ensuring continuity and respect for the original performances.
Bringing the Story to Life
Bringing the story of Wicked to life on the big screen was a monumental task that required a talented cast and crew. Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, the film’s production was a blend of meticulous planning and creative execution.
Chu, known for his visionary approach, collaborated remotely with editor Myron Kerstein to ensure the film’s post-production was seamless.
The visual effects, a crucial element in creating the magical world of Oz, were masterfully handled by Industrial Light & Magic and Framestore. With Pablo Helman serving as the production visual effects supervisor, the film’s visuals were brought to life with stunning detail and realism.
The musical aspect of Wicked is equally impressive. The soundtrack albums for both Wicked and Wicked: For Good were released by Republic Records/Verve Label Group. John Powell composed the incidental underscore for the film, while Jeff Atmajian updated the late William David Brohn’s original orchestrations for the songs.
The recording sessions took place at the renowned AIR Studios in London, with Stephen Oremus conducting the song cues and Powell conducting the incidental score cues alongside Gavin Greenaway, all performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
This collaborative effort resulted in a film that not only stays true to the spirit of the original Broadway musical but also enhances it with cinematic techniques and a rich, immersive score.
The dedication and talent of everyone involved in the production of Wicked have created a film that is both a visual and auditory feast, bringing the beloved story to life in a new and exciting way.
Behind the Scenes
The magic of Wicked extends beyond the screen, with a wealth of behind-the-scenes efforts bringing the land of Oz to life. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film uses cinematic techniques to enhance the emotional power of the musical numbers, offering a more intimate experience.
The dedication of the cast and crew, from extensive makeup processes to practical set designs, plays a crucial role in creating this immersive world.
Cast Transformations
The transformation of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande into their roles is extraordinary. For Cynthia Erivo, becoming Elphaba required a meticulous daily routine involving up to four hours of makeup. This process included airbrushing her entire body green and contouring with darker shades.
Ariana Grande’s transformation into Glinda was equally impressive. Known for her musical theatre roots, Grande’s portrayal involved not just a change in appearance but also a deep connection to the character’s emotional journey.
Both actors received widespread acclaim for their performances, with critics praising their ability to bring these beloved characters to life with depth and nuance. Their transformations are a testament to their talent and dedication, making the Wicked movie a standout in musical adaptations.
Set Design and Visuals
The set design and visuals of Wicked play a crucial role in immersing the audience in the world of Oz. Instead of relying heavily on CGI, the production team opted for practical sets, creating an environment that feels tangible and real.
One of the most striking aspects of the set design is the creation of Munchkinland, which involved growing nine million tulips to authentically represent the landscape. This attention to detail adds a layer of richness to the film, making the vibrant world of Oz come alive.
The overall contribution of set design and visuals significantly enhances the viewer’s experience. From the lush fields of Munchkinland to the grandiose halls of the Wizard’s palace, each set piece is crafted with care, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
Box Office and Reception of the Film Adaptation
Wicked’s box office performance has been impressive. During its opening weekend, the film grossed approximately $164.2 million, making it the highest-grossing debut for a Broadway adaptation.
Domestically, Wicked earned $114 million in its opening weekend, while international earnings exceeded $50 million. These figures highlight the global fascination with the story and its characters, bolstered by the presence of global superstar Ariana Grande.
Wicked’s opening weekend ranks as the fourth largest for a musical film in history. This historical context underscores the film’s significance in musical adaptations. Its success is a clear indication of the enduring popularity of Wicked.
Critically, the film has received widespread acclaim, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 90% from critics and 97% from audiences. These high ratings reflect the film’s quality and its ability to meet, if not exceed, the high expectations of fans.
Overall
Wicked has made a seamless transition from the stage to the screen, bringing its rich narrative and beloved characters to a wider audience. The story of Elphaba and Glinda, their friendship, and their encounters with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz are presented with a fresh perspective that stays true to the heart of the original Broadway musical.
The musical numbers, performed live by the talented cast, add depth and emotion to the story. Songs like ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘For Good’ highlight the characters’ journeys and the importance of choosing one’s own path.
Wicked’s legacy continues to grow, with the film achieving significant box office success and receiving critical acclaim. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the story and its themes. As Wicked extends its reach through special tours and continued audience engagement, its impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
FAQs
Who are the main characters in Wicked?
The main characters in Wicked are Elphaba, Glinda, the Wizard of Oz, and Fiyero. Each of them has a unique story that adds depth to the narrative.
What themes does Wicked cover?
Wicked touches on self-acceptance, empowerment, and the complexity of identity, while also addressing friendship and the good versus evil conflict.
What are some key musical numbers in Wicked?
Key songs include ‘Defying Gravity,’ ‘Popular,’ and ‘For Good,’ capturing the essence of the characters’ stories and relationships.
How was the set design for Wicked created?
The set design for Wicked used practical sets instead of much CGI, bringing to life detailed landscapes like the nine million tulips in Munchkinland. This focus on realism enhances the magical world of Oz.
