An analysis of an article written by Erik Kain published in Forbes on November 25th of 2024.
In this article, Kain expresses his own personally formed opinion on one of the most talked about movie of this year; Wicked. The title of the article speaks for itself, referring to the musical phenomenon as a “spectacular cinematic triumph”.
The article is framed in the form of a review, but first it touches briefly on the backstory of the entire Wicked multiverse and all the musicals, books, and films that came before the most recent one. Kain writes on how Wicked first hit broadway in June of 2003, 8 years after Gregory Maguire’s Wicked novel which itself is based on L Frank Baum’s; The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, originally coming to life in Hollywood in the year 1939.
Kain’s review focuses on the spotlight being shone on Elphaba’s backstory, brought to life by the talented Cynthia Erivo. He comments that the new focus on Elphaba’s own personal story is able to come to life more profoundly through the lack of a stage, rather more action set-pieces, suggesting that “Elphaba is no longer bound to impressive stage-flight tricks; now she soars above the towering green spires of the Emerald City”. He also describes the importance of Elphaba’s role in showing the history of Oz through a new musical segment in the movie which introduces a prophecy that allows her to reemphasise her role in the storyline.
Kain’s review is important in showing how much more is possible in telling a more exciting and powerful story of this magical story through new music, and multiple on screen adaptations that help to make it all possible, and maybe even better, off stage. https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2024/11/25/wicked-review-a-spectacular-cinematic-triumph/