I have always wanted to see the stage version of Wicked, but unfortunately, that has yet to come to fruition. However, the 2024 film Wicked gave me an opportunity to experience the world of Oz. That being said, I am not sure why I went into the movie thinking it was going to be similar to either the movie, The Wizard of Oz (1939), or the book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995) by Gregory Maguire. So, what was different? Let’s explore and find out!
Gregory Maguire’s Wicked offers a reimagined backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. It explores the political, social, and personal struggles that shape her character. Maguire’s book provides a deeper, more complex view of Oz, where the lines between good and evil are blurred. The Wicked film adaptation focuses on themes of friendship, identity, and moral ambiguity, offering a fresh perspective on characters like Elphaba and Glinda.
Plot and Themes
At its core, Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. The book dives deep into political intrigue, social injustice, and complex moral questions. Elphaba’s journey is one of rebellion, loneliness, and a deep search for meaning in a corrupt world. Maguire’s novel is dark, thought-provoking, and rich with allegories about power, corruption, and identity.
In contrast, adaptations like the film and musical focus more on the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, with more of an emphasis on humor, catchy songs, and moments of light-heartedness. The adaptations emphasize a more approachable version of the story. Many of the darker elements, like the complex politics and heavier themes of the book, are simplified or toned down for broader appeal.
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Characterization
In the book, Elphaba is a multifaceted, deeply flawed character who has to navigate difficult moral terrain. She is a tragic antiheroine rather than a clear-cut “villain.” The film version, influenced by the musical, leans more on her sympathetic traits, making her more heroic and less ambiguous, which appeals to larger cinema audiences.
Glinda, on the other hand, is portrayed as more superficial and self-centered in the book, while the musical and movie adaptations highlight her growth into a more caring, thoughtful figure. The contrast between Elphaba and Glinda remains central in both versions. However, the book’s portrayal of their friendship and rivalry is far more nuanced, while the adaptations emphasize the drama of their personalities and evolving relationship.
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Tone and World-building
Maguire’s Oz is a complex, political world filled with corruption, inequality, and oppression. This gritty, morally gray society, dealing with revolutions and power struggles, is far from the whimsical, childlike fantasy of L. Frank Baum’s original world. The Wicked movie, while likely faithful to the overall atmosphere of the musical, has a brighter, more cinematic look that distances itself from the novel’s deeper, more political layers in favor of sweeping visual spectacle.
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Conclusion
While the Wicked movie undoubtedly offers a dazzling spectacle, it is essential to recognize the significant shifts from the original book. Fans of Gregory Maguire’s version will find that the film adaptation, much like the musical, leans into examinations of friendship and personal growth, while toning down the darker political and existential themes present in the book. Whether the movie completely captures the complexity of the book’s story is uncertain, but it certainly provides a fresh and accessible take on the iconic characters.
What do you think? What is your favorite way to visit Oz? Which book versus movie would you like us to review next? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
Author: Pamela Crum, Teacher Coordinator at A Grade Ahead.
