“Wicked” Review: Unraveling the Myth Behind the Classic
Amidst the cinematic buzz, “Wicked” emerges as a monumental phenomenon, drawing inspiration from the renowned Broadway musical that’s already making waves, hinting at potential Oscar glory. However, what truly piques our interest is the misconception that everyone seems to have about this exceptional film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – “Wicked” is not a prequel to the movie “The Wizard of Oz,” nor is it a sequel.
The Story So Far
Diving into the narrative of “Wicked,” it’s understandable why many have assumed a connection that even Universal hasn’t actively promoted. After all, there are characters that later appear in “The Wizard of Oz,” placing it in the same universe – or almost, as two key details unmistakably debunk this notion.
The Green Discord
As we reminisce, MGM brought “The Wizard of Oz” to life in 1939, making the film still protected by copyright in the US, unlike the original novel penned by L. Frank Baum in 1900. The crux lies in the fact that the Fleming-directed movie introduced several alterations from the book, sparking the heart of the matter.
It’s evident that these modifications are still safeguarded by copyright, as seen in the case of the underrated “Oz the Great and Powerful,” facing dilemmas like not using the same shade of green for Mila Kunis’ character as Margaret Hamilton did in 1939. Similarly, the film set even had a copyright expert to ensure sufficient differentiation.
The issue lies in the inability to copyright the color green – given the plethora of green witches in pop culture – creating a grey area to grasp. However, keen observation reveals the discrepancy, as the character didn’t have green skin in Baum’s book, laying the foundation for the predicament faced by Cynthia Erivo in “Wicked.”
The Shimmering Shoes
Another pivotal aspect in “Wicked” centers around the shoes, specifically the ruby slippers Judy Garland donned in “The Wizard of Oz.” Once again, this alteration from Baum’s silver shoes to Garland’s ruby ones was a visual choice made by the studio for enhanced technicolor aesthetics.
This decision remains copyrighted, yet not a hindrance to usage. For instance, Disney paid the necessary fees for using them in “Return to Oz,” starring Fairuza Balk in 1985. Conversely, Universal opted for silver shoes in “Wicked,” aligning with the original literary work.
In essence, “Wicked” finds its roots in Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book, offering an alternate and revisionist perspective of Baum’s universe. While undoubtedly inspired by the source material, there’s no officially recognized connection. Amidst several changes, these two stand out prominently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while “Wicked” stands as a remarkable film – eagerly awaiting the arrival of “Wicked 2” – its link to the 1939 classic is not direct by any means, despite the simplicity of reaching that conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired the creation of “Wicked”?
“Wicked” draws inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s book, offering an alternate take on L. Frank Baum’s universe.
2. Are the characters in “Wicked” connected to those in “The Wizard of Oz”?
While some characters overlap, “Wicked” is not a direct prequel or sequel to the 1939 classic.
3. Why are the shoes different in “Wicked” compared to “The Wizard of Oz”?
The choice of silver shoes in “Wicked” aligns with Baum’s original description, diverging from the ruby slippers in the film adaptation.
4. How does “Wicked” handle copyright issues related to “The Wizard of Oz”?
Despite similarities, “Wicked” navigates copyright concerns by making distinct choices, such as using silver shoes instead of ruby slippers.
5. Is “Wicked” considered a faithful adaptation of the source material?
“Wicked” offers a fresh and revisionist perspective on Baum’s universe, deviating from a direct adaptation.
6. What sets “Wicked” apart from traditional adaptations?
“Wicked” stands out for its unique storytelling approach, offering a fresh take on familiar characters and themes.
7. How does Cynthia Erivo’s performance in “Wicked” compare to past portrayals?
Cynthia Erivo brings a new dimension to her character, offering a nuanced and captivating performance in “Wicked.”
8. What challenges did the production face in creating “Wicked”?
The production of “Wicked” navigated various challenges, including copyright issues and visual discrepancies from the 1939 film.
9. Will there be a sequel to “Wicked” in the future?
“Wicked” has garnered anticipation for a potential sequel, with fans eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story.
10. How does “Wicked” contribute to the legacy of “The Wizard of Oz”?
While distinct, “Wicked” adds a new layer to the lore of “The Wizard of Oz,” offering a fresh perspective on familiar characters and narratives.
Tags: Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, Gregory Maguire, L. Frank Baum, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Musical, Film Adaptation.