The Emerald City‘s Hue: Why “Wicked” fans Are Disappointed - And What Could Have Been
The anticipation for “Wicked: For Good” was immense, fueled by the beloved Broadway musical.Though, the film’s visual presentation has sparked a surprisingly consistent complaint among fans - and it’s a valid one. While the performances are strong and the expansion into a two-part story makes sense, the movie’s aesthetic falls short of the vibrant, magical world many envisioned.
Let’s dive into why this disconnect exists and what contributes to the overall feeling of something being…off.
A Muted Palette in a World of Wonder
Many viewers describe the film’s color scheme as flat, muted, and even drab. This is a meaningful departure from the bold, saturated hues of the stage production and the fantastical imagery associated with Oz.Digital filmmaking and extensive visual effects (VFX) are frequently enough cited as culprits.
Here’s why:
* Digital’s Tendency Towards Neutrality: Modern digital cameras often capture a more neutral image, requiring significant color grading in post-production.
* VFX Can Flatten Depth: Over-reliance on VFX can sometimes result in a loss of texture and dimensionality, contributing to a less visually rich experience.
* A Shift From Practicality: The stage show benefited from the inherent vibrancy of live performance, costumes, and practical set design – elements that are harder to replicate convincingly with digital tools.
You might find yourself wondering why a story brimming with magic feels…underwhelming to look at. It’s a legitimate concern, and it impacts the overall immersion.
The Length Problem: A Tale Overly Told
Beyond the visuals, another major point of contention is the film’s runtime.The Broadway show,a tightly-paced and emotionally resonant experience,clocks in at just over an hour. “Wicked: For Good” more than doubles that length.
This extended runtime feels needless for several reasons:
* Pacing Issues: The added scenes and musical numbers don’t always enhance the narrative, leading to a sluggish pace.
* Unnecessary Additions: New songs, while penned by the original composer and lyricist, Stephen Schwartz, feel superfluous and disrupt the flow.
* Missed Opportunity for conciseness: A more streamlined approach could have resulted in a more impactful and engaging film.
Consider this: a movie’s success isn’t tied to its length.In fact, a tighter, more focused narrative often resonates more powerfully with audiences.
Enjoyable Despite Its Flaws? Absolutely.
Despite these criticisms, “Wicked: For Good” isn’t without merit. Ariana Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo deliver captivating performances, and the iconic ballad “For Good” still manages to evoke genuine emotion. the decision to split the story into two films ultimately feels like a wise one.
However, the visual shortcomings and excessive runtime are significant drawbacks. They prevent the film from reaching its full potential and leave many fans feeling disappointed.
ultimately, “Wicked: For Good” serves as a reminder that even with talented performers and a beloved source material, a film’s success hinges on a cohesive and compelling vision – one that extends beyond just the story itself, and encompasses the way that story looks and feels. It’s a gorgeous story, but it deserves a more beautiful presentation.
“Wicked: for Good” is currently playing in theaters.
