Written by Isabel Grace. Header illustration courtesy of Ray Li.
“Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” became a worldwide phenomenon from the moment their release dates were announced. Jon Chu created a masterpiece that original fans would love as much as the stage production. The main facet of this film that makes it so popular is the music.
When I first read the announcement that the “Wicked” movie would be split into two parts, I was both excited that none of the songs would be cut and also curious to see how they would add to the story to create two full-length feature films. Many do not understand this decision. In fact, many just assume they “strung out” the plot to make two movies to make more money. This cannot be further from the truth. If the movie had not been in two parts, we would not have gotten to hear all of the original songs, and even two new ones! “Wicked: For Good” is a musical masterclass. This is not to say the first film isn’t either; however, these movies have two completely different tones and personalities. The first film is happier, as shown in the music. The keys are brighter, the lyrics are hopeful, and there is more dancing because none of the characters feel the overbearing weight of their ultimately fascist reality.
The songs of the second film are darker, more emotional, and match the overall tone of this film, as the first film’s music did the same. In the second film, there is more power behind both Glinda’s and Elphaba’s songs; however, different kinds of power. Elphaba is fighting for everything she believes in, for a better world, and she is fighting alone. You can hear in her voice how exasperated she is with the foolishness of the people of Oz. And yet, as she sings in “No Place Like Home,” she cannot seem to leave this place, and she refuses to give up. Glinda wears a mask; her songs are a part of it. She is pretending that she was never best friends with Elphaba, and even worse, she doesn’t correct anyone or stand up for her friend. Fiyero even calls her out on it during “Thank Goodness.” By the time she sings The “Girl in the Bubble,” the mask has already started breaking.
For me personally, “No Place Like Home” felt like it was written for today. It resonated heavily with me in a way that art sometimes imitates life. Moreover, it gave me that feeling without taking me out of the world of Oz or making it feel outwardly political. “The Girl in the Bubble” becomes a turning point in Glinda’s development. In the stage play, the shift happens quickly; Jon Chu allowed Ariana Grande to take this complex character and embrace and showcase her growth throughout this film. I saw this film in theaters twice, and not once did I remember that neither of these songs was in the original stage production. These songs are so well-integrated into this story that you forget they are brand new.
I was shocked to see that “Wicked: For Good” did not make it into any of the categories at the Oscars last year. Personally, I am even more upset now at them losing in certain categories to “Emilia Perez.” I firmly believe that “Wicked: For Good” was a phenomenal film with an incredible score and soundtrack. It is a shame that they will not have any Oscars to their name.
