Hi! I watched Wicked a couple weeks ago and was simply blown away. I knew it was going to be good, but my god, this was a masterpiece. While I've never seen the Broadway show, as an ardent lover of musicals, I have known the background of this story for quite sometime. Everyone was perfectly cast in this and truly brought their character to life. So without further ado, here is Wicked (Part One).
For those unaware, Wicked is an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz meant to explore good vs. evil, nature vs. nurture. Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them? Besides Madame Morrible and The Wizard, there's no true fully good or bad character. We are all capable of both. Our circumstances and beliefs merely push us in one direction or another. It is also a political story about fascism where a con man dupes the citizens of a nation to ostracize a marginalized group and blame them for society's problems. It explores our complacency in the face of oppression and what true liberation requires.
As for the songs, their corresponding visuals were lovely and just breathtaking. "Defying Gravity", "Popular", and "What Is This Feeling?" were my favorites.
While the musical numbers were stunning, I'd like to focus my review on the leading ladies: Glinda and Elphaba.
Glinda was honestly a perfect depiction of many white women. Despite being very privileged and beloved by all, only Elphaba sees the real her. However, she doesn't get on that broom for personal ambition (notoriety, acclaim, etc) and fear of ostracization. Glinda isn't evil. Just cowardly. In the first film, that is. In Part Two, I'm sure we'll see her grow a bit of a backbone and strive to earn and truly become "Glinda the Good".
This relates as to why I don't fully ship "Gelphie" (Glinda and Elphaba). While both characters are vulnerable with each other, Glinda is still cowardly and clings to the privilege her life provides. She must completely reject the things that bring a (false) sense of comfort for the couple to truly work out. However, their friendship is still incredibly important and meaningful even though they went their separate ways. Honestly, my only critique is that we didn't get enough development between Elphaba and Glinda's relationship. I have seen some deleted scenes that would've really added more depth to their frienship and characters. Hopefully, we get a special director's cut one of these days.
Elphaba stole the show for me. Even though she's the main main character, most of the focus has remained on Glinda, and my sister in green deserves some love.
Cynthia Erivo is not just a vocal powerhouse, but a masterclass of an actress. Her portrayal of Elphaba represents the experience of introverted, often awkward Black women at PWIs. She is incredibly gifted with her natural inclination for magic, but because of the constant scorn from her "father" and peers, she doesn't see her gifts in a positive light at first.
When Elphie arrived at the Ozdust, my heart broke. Right before she walks in, you can see her hyping herself up and trying to relax and enjoy the night. It hurt knowing that she's under the impression that Glinda did a kind thing for her and her sister, and the audience truly knowing that that's not the case at all.
When Glinda starts dancing with her and she starts to cry, I teared up. Especially when Glinda cupped her face and said, "It's okay". Cynthia played this role with strong-will, spunk, and courage, but also with vulnerability. The world beats down on Black women so much that we build up walls to protect our hearts. This doesn't mean that we feel or care how others perceive us. We just hide it well.
Furthermore, "I'm Not That Girl" is extremely relatable. Liking the white, athletic, popular golden boy but knowing he'll choose a white girl. Stomping out any romantic feelings to avoid any future heartache.
But the crème de la crème of this film for me was none other than "Defying Gravity".
When Elphaba was falling and saw her child self in the reflection of the building, I bawled. Her decision to fly free and solo isn't just for the animals of Oz, but to reclaim her power. Since birth, she has been scorned and boxed inside other's expectations. Elphaba is now taking back her magic and asserting her power and value to a society that deemed her worthless. She is refusing to bring herself down for anyone anymore, no matter who they are.
Overall, Wicked was a truly fantastic film. It made me laugh, cry, and think deeply in the best way possible. I cannot wait for what Wicked: For Good has in store. It reminds us that everyone deserves a chance to fly.
XOXO, Michaela
Comments
Post a Comment