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Director Jon M. Chu has brought his signature vision to the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked. While the film is a visual departure from the iconic technicolor The Wizard of Oz (1939), Chu’s deliberate color grading choices aim to immerse audiences in a tangible and authentic Oz.
In an interview with The Globe and Mail, Chu addressed critiques of the film’s seemingly muted palette. “There’s color all over it,” Chu clarified, “but we wanted to immerse people into Oz, to make it a real place.” This choice reflects his intent to ground the narrative emotionally, ensuring the relationships and stakes between characters resonate deeply.
Moving Beyond Technicolor
The Wicked adaptation features a pink-and-green hue that some fans found desaturated compared to the vivid technicolor of the 1939 classic. Chu emphasized that replicating the original look was never the goal. Instead, his vision focuses on an Oz shaped by its environment, where the natural sun illuminates vast landscapes and worn terrain. “I want to feel the dirt. I want to feel the wear and tear of it,” Chu explained. “It’s not plastic.”
Chu also highlighted how Oz has often been depicted as a dream-like world, from matte paintings to digital landscapes. His approach, however, treats Oz as a lived-in space with evolving contrasts. This shift is reflective of the protagonist Elphaba’s transformative journey.
A Box Office Spellbinder
Despite mixed reactions to the visual choices, Wicked has captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a box office juggernaut. The film, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, boasts the largest global opening for a non-sequel film this year. Its $205 million opening weekend broke several records, including the biggest debut for a Broadway adaptation.
The narrative, adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel, dives into the backstory of Elphaba and Glinda, exploring themes of friendship, power, and identity. With notable performances by Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, the movie promises an emotionally layered experience.
Capturing the Heart of Oz
Chu’s decision to prioritize an earthy, dynamic Oz reinforces his philosophy: storytelling is as much about the environment as it is the characters. “The [color] contrast goes up over time,” he noted, emphasizing how Elphaba’s presence alters the world around her.
As Wicked continues its theatrical run, it’s clear that Chu’s vision—though unconventional—has redefined Oz for a new generation. With its record-breaking success and immersive storytelling, Wicked proves that even a less saturated Oz can shine brightly on the big screen.
Source: Deadline
Photo Credit: Universal Pictures/MGM
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