I was stunned by how movingly cinematic ‘Wicked’ is. I shouldn’t be, and here’s why

The recent film adaptation of ‘Wicked’ has taken audiences by storm, broadening the conception of what a cinematic experience can entail. I found myself entranced by its entrancing blend of visual and auditory spectacle, only to realize that I really shouldn’t have been surprised at all. The evolution of the medium, the inherent appeal of musicals, and the potent narrative of ‘Wicked’ itself explain why the film is so profoundly moving.

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Evolution of Cinematic Language

The evolution of cinema has always been about embracing new storytelling mediums. From the advent of sound in the ‘The Jazz Singer’ back in 1927 to the computer-generated imagery revolution brought on by ‘Jurassic Park’ in 1993, filmmakers constantly push the envelope to deepen audience immersion and engagement. Film adaptations of musicals like ‘Les Miserables’ have previously demonstrated cinema’s capacity to render stage productions in powerful new ways. Nevertheless, ‘Wicked’s’ innovative use of sound and visuals left me gasping.

The Charm of Musicals

On another note, the innate allure of musicals should not be underestimated. These productions combine compelling narratives with memorable musical scores to offer and immersive and emotional experience. The inherent drama of the songs, paired with the opportunity to visually adorn their performances within a cinematic context, can result in an overwhelming emotional journey for the viewer. We’ve seen it before in films like ‘Moulin Rouge’, but for ‘Wicked’, the bar has once again been raised.

Powerful Narrative of ‘Wicked’

The potency of ‘Wicked’s’ narrative certainly contributes to its resounding impact. This brilliant reinterpretation of the classic ‘Wizard of Oz’ characters and settings, combined with its engrossing exploration of friendship, power, and morality, pulls audiences in firmly. The story is endlessly compelling, treating us to an ambitious and unexpected tale rendered in a visually stunning setting.

Unforeseen Impact

So why was I so astonished by the cinematic success of ‘Wicked’? Perhaps it’s because the film adaptation captured efficiently the essence of the stage play while bringing it to an entirely new dimension. The movie is a testament to how musicals’ transition to film, when done right, can create something truly enthralling, instead of just being a reproduction of the stage show. Yet, it’s not just musicals but rather the entire field of cinematic storytelling that continues to evolve, engaging audiences in increasingly creative ways.

So, my surprise at ‘Wicked’s’ profound impact was, in retrospect, unfair. Given the capabilities of modern cinema, the enchanting power of musicals, and the engrossing storyline of ‘Wicked’, it was always destined to leave viewers breathless. It’s a reminder to embrace, and expect, the innovative and extraordinary from the world of cinema. Here’s to the continued evolution and audacity of the motion picture.