Wicked

Announced as the event film of these Christmas holidays, the adaptation of the famous musical Wicked keeps its promises. Wicked is a dazzling musical comedy, full of humor, a true ode to tolerance.

The Wizard of Oz is a classic of English children's literature, published in 1900. Dorothy, a little girl, and Toto her dog, are taken away with their house by a tornado in the wonderful land of Oz. Their house falls on the Wicked Witch of the East and kills her. The kind Witch of the North advises them to go see the powerful Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City, so that he can help them return home. Several film adaptations have been based on this book. The most famous is that of Victor Fleming in 1939 with Judy Garland in the role of Dorothy. In 1995, writer Gregory Maguire imagined the childhood of the evil witch with an emerald green complexion, Wicked. In 2003, the book was adapted into a musical, which triumphed on Broadway. Today, the adaptation of the musical comedy directed by Jon M. Chu arrives on the big screen. The 2h45 show includes two acts. The adaptation consists of two films, scheduled one year apart. Review guaranteed without spoilers.

Jon M. Chu, director of musical films like Where We Come From, has produced a dazzling adaptation of the first part of this musical. Under the guise of a candy pink comedy, full of humor, this coming-of-age story gradually reveals more complex female characters than expected. It addresses themes such as respect for difference, love and friendship, moral values, totalitarianism. It ends with a brave piece with the song Defying Gravity, a true ode to freedom. This adaptation shows that this musical is still as powerful in its messages.

The director benefited from resources to give birth to this universe ($145 million). It shows. Sets, costumes, makeup, hairstyles are flamboyant, just like Victor Fleming's adaptation. If there are digital sets, the spectacular physical sets allow for catchy choreographies. The staging reveals Jon M Chu's talent for filming the musical numbers.

The success of this adaptation is due to its tandem of singer-actresses, each in their own register. Cynthia Erivo sensitively plays the so-called wicked witch, and gives vocal power to her character. Ariana Grande with her crystalline voice, reveals a comic talent in her character of the unbearable Galinda. Their duets work wonderfully. They are well surrounded by Michelle Yeoh, as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the wizard Wizard of Oz. In homage to the musical, actresses Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who created the roles on Broadway, reform a tandem for a song.

Too bad we have to wait a year to see the rest.

Wicked
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Written by Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Based on Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Produced by Marc Platt, David Stone
Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Cinematography : Alice Brooks
Edited by Myron Kerstein
Music by John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
Production companies : Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions,
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates : November 3, 2024 (Sidney, State Theater), November 22, 2024 (United States), December 4, 2024 (France)
Running time : 160 minutes

Seen on November 22, 2024 at Publicis Cinémas, Paris

Sabine's Mark:

After two decades of anticipation, Jon M. Chu's Wicked brings the phenomenal Broadway musical to the big screen, translating its fantastical world and emotionally charged story into a cinematic extravaganza. Based on the original creation by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, itself adapted from Gregory Maguire's 1995 revisionist novel, Wicked reframes the Wizard of Oz myth through the prism of its witches, Elphaba and Glinda. This first installment, which covers the musical's first act, offers a richly detailed exploration of friendship, prejudice and the origins of wickedness. With sumptuous aesthetics, outstanding performances and a balance of humor and emotion, Wicked: Part I is a dazzling feat of adaptation that justifies its ambitious scope.

At the heart of the film is Cynthia Erivo, whose portrayal of Elphaba, the green-skinned outcast destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, is simply transcendent. Erivo's performance is a perfect model of emotional complexity, capturing the quiet heartbreak of a character marginalized and misunderstood from birth. Through subtle facial expressions and a deeply empathetic voice, Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba as both vulnerable and fiercely resilient, an outsider whose yearning for acceptance and justice drives her evolution. Her interpretations of songs such as The Wizard and I and Defying Gravity are electrifying; the latter is a highlight that combines vocal power and cinematic grandeur to breathtaking effect. As the emotional anchor of the film, Cynthia Erivo's performance ensures that the audience is deeply invested in Elphaba's journey.

Opposite Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande brings effervescent charm to the role of Glinda, the privileged witchcraft student who starts out as Elphaba's sworn enemy before becoming her closest confidante. Ariana Grande's performance as Glinda is both comic and complex, capturing the superficiality of the character while hinting at the insecurities and depths behind it. Her performance as Popular is a highlight, mixing comic timing with physical exuberance as she attempts to give Elphaba a makeover. But Ariana Grande also shines in quieter moments, particularly in the evolution of her relationship with Elphaba, which is the emotional heart of the film. Together, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande paint a nuanced portrait of female friendship that underscores themes of mutual understanding and personal fulfillment.

The supporting cast is equally convincing. Jonathan Bailey, as the dashing but conflicted Fiyero, exudes charisma and infuses his scenes with levity, particularly in the boisterous Dancing Through Life number, which is reimagined as a dazzling library sequence. Michelle Yeoh is imposing as Madame Morrible, imbuing the character with both grandeur and menace. Jeff Goldblum, as the Wizard of Oz, brings his trademark blend of whimsy and intrigue to a role that subtly critiques the seductive appeal of authoritarian power. Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Elphaba's paraplegic sister, and Ethan Slater as Boq, the earnest munchkin, deliver emotional performances that enrich the film's complex tapestry of relationships.

Visually, Wicked is a triumph of production design and cinematic artistry. Nathan Crowley's sets, from the gothic corridors of Shiz University to the glittering Emerald City, are immersive and meticulously crafted, offering a fresh yet faithful vision of Oz. Paul Tazewell's costumes, particularly Glinda's whimsical pink dresses and Elphaba's evolving wardrobe, enhance the visual narrative, while the use of practical effects and CGI strikes a delicate balance between spectacle and intimacy. Alice Brooks' cinematography amplifies the film's magical atmosphere, using aerial shots and dynamic close-ups that draw viewers into the emotional and physical landscapes of Oz. However, some sequences, particularly those that rely heavily on CGI, lack the tactile magic of their practical counterparts, and sometimes fall into visual excess.

Musically, the film remains faithful to Stephen Schwartz's iconic score, with live voice recordings lending authenticity and immediacy to the performances. The orchestrations, reimagined for the screen, are lush and cinematic, amplifying the emotional impact of songs like I'm Not That Girl and For Good. Jon M. Chu's direction ensures that each musical number is both visually inventive and narratively coherent, whether it's the kinetic energy of What Is This Feeling? or the intimate emotion of I'm Not That Girl. These sequences not only celebrate the theatricality of the original, but also exploit the unique possibilities of cinema to create moments of striking visual and emotional resonance.

Yet for all its successes, Wicked is not without its flaws. The decision to divide the story into two films results in an uneven pace, with some scenes seeming too long to justify the film's substantial running time of two hours and forty minutes. While the addition of context and world-building deepens the story, it also risks diluting the tight narrative momentum that defined the theatrical production. The subplot concerning the oppression of talking animals, a powerful allegory of societal marginalization, is introduced but remains underexplored, hinting at a thematic depth that could be better exploited in the sequel.

From a structural point of view, the film ends with the grandiose spectacle of Defying Gravity, which leaves viewers on a positive note but also with a feeling of unfinished business. This cliffhanger, while effective in setting the stage for the second installment, may frustrate viewers unfamiliar with the musical, who may find the lack of resolution unsatisfying. The fact that the story needs to be completed by a sequel raises the question of whether the film can really be considered a coherent narrative.

Despite these difficulties, Wicked is an impressive achievement that captures the spirit and spectacle of its source material while expanding its emotional and visual horizons. Jon M. Chu demonstrates a deep understanding of the material, delivering a film that honors its theatrical origins while embracing the cinematic medium. With its compelling performances, stunning visuals and pertinent themes, Wicked sets the stage for a conclusion that promises to be just as exciting. It's a testament to the enduring power of this story, and a reminder that, as Elphaba says, even those considered wicked can rise above expectations.

Wicked
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Written by Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Based on Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman, Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Produced by Marc Platt, David Stone
Starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Cinematography : Alice Brooks
Edited by Myron Kerstein
Music by John Powell, Stephen Schwartz
Production companies : Universal Pictures, Marc Platt Productions,
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates : November 3, 2024 (Sidney, State Theater), November 22, 2024 (United States), December 4, 2024 (France)
Running time : 160 minutes

Seen November 22, 2024 at UGC Le Majestic Meaux , Room 4 seat E11

Mulder's Mark: