Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande shine in all colors in this magnificent musical film adaptation.
Green is the heath, green is the Hulk (and the She Hulk), green is many a thumb – and green is too Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who will one day achieve notoriety as the “Wicked Witch of the West” in the land of Oz, although that is not at all justified. Author Gregory Maguire first explained how it could come to this in his novel from 1995, later composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz picked up the material for it legendary Broadway musical and now “Crazy Rich” and “In the Heights” director Jon M. Chu presents his interpretation of the successful play in two films – one part for each act.
Scene from “Wicked – Part 1”
False happy ending and correct flashback
Everything begins with a well-known, but deceptive, happy ending: Dorothy and her companions have defeated the evil witch and rejoicing breaks out across the country. Glinda (Ariana Grande), the good witch of the north, then floats from heaven in a bubble to join in the general joy of the population. But questions are also asked and this creates the opportunity for a long look back at the time when Elphaba and Glinda were still friends.
At first, a Harry Potter atmosphere arises when the two arrive at their future school, the University of Glizz – by boat and not by train – and feel at home there. After some teething problems, the involuntary roommates even develop friendly feelings towards each other, but this harmony is soon doomed to failure.
Scene from “Wicked – Part 1”
The songs and their proper staging
Since this film is the first musical act, songs like “No One Mourns the Wicked”, “The Wizard and I”, “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” are on the program. We can't just focus on rousing vocal performances but also at the same time great choreographies and clever storytelling expect: When Elphaba fantasizes about her future encounter with the revered magician, she goes on a sightseeing tour of the university grounds while singing and ends in an open cornfield with a pose that is a direct allusion to the famous opening scene of “The Sound of Music” with Julie Andrews is. The first conflict with her roommate is also carried out intensively with singing and turns into a funny bitch battle.
Scene from “Wicked – Part 1”
Absolutely the right cast
As Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo carries the stigma of being different with dignity and, despite her strength, also shows her vulnerable side. Ariana Grande appears as an enormous ego monster, but whose polished surface shows increasingly large cracks. Of course, a daring one is also allowed Prince Charming (Jonathan Bailey), who initially has a crush on Glinda, but then begins to change his mind. Peter Dinklage was cast in another role, but you won't notice him in the German version because he plays the animal university professor Dr. Dillamond only lent his voice; while Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible is definitely very present and represents a rather ambivalent figure.
Scene from “Wicked – Part 1”
A fake magician really good
Of all people, the man we've all been waiting for takes his time to appear, but as soon as Jeff Goldblum enters the scene as a tricky con artist after more than two hours of filming, he immediately captivates us with his devious charm (and when he's behind a curtain as When the silhouette juggles with the moon, memories of Chaplin's “great dictator” are immediately awakened). The so-called magician shows how to manipulate the masses by putting them in fear and always presenting a convenient scapegoat. In order to expand his power even further, he offers Elphaba offers a tempting deal, but she doesn't think about selling her soul, while Glinda has fewer scruples.
Scene from “Wicked – Part 1”
A really great semi-final
The big semi-finale is particularly effective and takes place against a dark, stormy sky that is shot through by green lightning. Elphaba takes to the skies with her new witch broom and flowing cape and can also support this flight with high tones before she sails away into an uncertain future. Further developments have been waiting for a whole year – but at least we now understand why it is said that hope is green.
This first part is framed by original voices from “The Wizard of Oz” and thus follows on from an overwhelming tradition. Completely right: The film musical genre, which has often been declared dead, has experienced a great resurrection here at the latest and offers rousing songs as well as opulent images. The magic of Oz may be wrong, but it always hits the right notes.
5 out of 5 witch broom at top speed