Podcast Summary: "‘Wicked’ Is a Sensation. But Is It Good? Plus: The Top Five 21st Century Musicals"

Released on November 25, 2024, "The Big Picture" hosted by Sean Fennessy from The Ringer delves deep into the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the beloved musical "Wicked." Featuring guest Juliet Littman, a prominent Ringer colleague and Wicked superfan, the episode explores the film's strengths, weaknesses, and its place among the top musicals of the 21st century.

1. Introduction to the "Wicked" Movie Adaptation

[02:05] Sean Fennessy:
Sean introduces the episode by highlighting the significant buzz around the "Wicked" movie. Directed by John M. Chu and featuring a star-studded cast, the film has already made over $110 million in the U.S. box office.

[02:56] Juliet Littman:
Juliet expresses her deep connection to "Wicked," mentioning her extensive background with the musical, including seeing it on Broadway and her emotional experience during the performances.

2. Critical Analysis of the "Wicked" Movie

a. Performances

[04:35] Juliet Littman:
Juliet praises the film's fidelity to the musical and highlights Ariana Grande's performance as Glinda, describing her as "absolutely fabulous" and "captivating." She contrasts this with Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba, offering a more nuanced view.

[23:06] Sean Fennessy:
Sean commends the vocal performances, noting that 90% of the vocals were captured live on set—a rare feat in musical films. He specifically mentions Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's standout performances.

[24:34] Juliet Littman:
Juliet discusses how Grande's comedic prowess shines through, enhancing Glinda's character, while Erivo's restrained portrayal adds depth to Elphaba, though it may come across as more subdued compared to Idina Menzel's original performance on stage.

b. Direction and Visuals

[11:50] Juliet Littman:
Juliet admires John M. Chu's ability to balance fan service with his directorial vision, ensuring that the film appeals both to longtime fans and new audiences.

[17:27] Juliet Littman:
She critiques the film's colorization choices, finding the desaturated tones jarring compared to the vibrant palette of "The Wizard of Oz." However, she acknowledges moments where the visuals "pop," particularly in scenes like Munchkinland.

[19:46] Juliet Littman:
Juliet appreciates the inventive choreography and sound design, drawing parallels to "Newsies." She highlights how the film successfully integrates large-scale dance numbers, making them both visually and audibly engaging.

c. Adaptation Faithfulness and Narrative Structure

[05:15] Sean Fennessy:
Sean admits his personal disconnect with the source material, having never seen the musical or read Gregory Maguire's novel, yet he recognizes the film's success among fans.

[07:03] Juliet Littman:
They discuss how "Wicked" serves as a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," exploring Elphaba's origins and her relationship with Glinda. Juliet emphasizes the film's role in expanding the lore surrounding the iconic characters.

[28:31] Sean Fennessy:
Sean questions the narrative choices, such as portraying Oz as a "real place," which he feels distances it from the magical essence of "The Wizard of Oz." Juliet agrees, noting the film's attempt to anchor the fantastical elements in a more tangible reality.

[33:07] Juliet Littman:
She delves into the film's allegorical elements, comparing the animal subplot to Orwell's "Animal Farm" and discussing its commentary on fascism and discrimination. However, both hosts find this interpretation somewhat underdeveloped within the movie's execution.

3. Audience Reception and Cultural Impact

[41:03] Juliet Littman:
Juliet attributes the film's massive hit status to the deep-seated attachment fans have cultivated over 21 years. She also points out Ariana Grande's immense popularity and the film's strong connection to queer culture as key factors in its widespread appeal.

[42:28] Sean Fennessy:
Sean agrees, highlighting the strategic marketing that embraces the film as a musical and the effective engagement with diverse audiences, including the queer community, which has been vocal in supporting both the film and the musical.

4. Top Five 21st Century Musicals

Following the in-depth discussion on "Wicked," Sean and Juliet transition to their curated list of the top five musicals of the 21st century, blending both stage and film adaptations.

5.1. Mamma Mia!

[68:27] Juliet Littman:
Placed at number five, "Mamma Mia!" is celebrated for its infectious ABBA soundtrack and joyful performances by Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, and Meryl Streep. Despite its flaws, Juliet appreciates its fun and enduring appeal.

5.2. Sing Street

[70:10] Sean Fennessy:
"Sing Street" ranks fourth for its energetic portrayal of a teenage band in 1980s Ireland. Directed by John Carney, the film is lauded for its vibrant music and heartfelt narrative, showcasing Lucy Boynton's memorable performance.

5.3. Encanto

[72:03] Juliet Littman:
At number three, "Encanto" is praised for its rich musicality and strong emotional core. Juliet highlights Lin-Manuel Miranda's contribution to the soundtrack and the film's fresh take on traditional Disney narratives, making it a standout in recent musicals.

5.4. Hairspray (2007)

[77:00] Juliet Littman:
"Hairspray" secures the second spot, admired for its stellar cast including Nikki Blonsky, James Marsden, and Queen Latifah. Directed by Adam Shankman, the film is celebrated for its vibrant choreography, strong performances, and heartfelt messages about racial integration and self-acceptance.

5.5. Star is Born (2018)

[82:14] Juliet Littman:
Topping the list at number one, "Star is Born" is lauded for its powerful performances by Adele and Bradley Cooper. The film's emotional depth, combined with its original music, earns it the highest recognition. Juliet emphasizes the movie's ability to resonate deeply with audiences through its authentic portrayal of burgeoning talent and personal struggles.

5. Conclusion

[89:11] Sean Fennessy:
Sean wraps up the discussion by acknowledging the diverse perspectives shared and the unanimous praise for the musicals listed. He highlights the importance of faithful adaptations and the unique challenges they present, commending Juliet for her insightful contributions.

[87:40] Juliet Littman:
Juliet directs listeners to her other podcasts within The Ringer network, encouraging them to explore further discussions on related topics.

Notable Quotes:

• Juliet Littman [03:27]:
  "I have been thinking a lot about how normal people think about Wicked if you're not deep into musical theater."

• Sean Fennessy [07:03]:
  "I hold a very special place in my heart for the Wizard of Oz, and not knowing any of the source material really well is causing me issues with the movie."

• Juliet Littman [17:27]:
  "It's like having color explosions that kind of work against the heavy themes present in the movie."

• Sean Fennessy [22:30]:
  "I'm amazed that Chu managed to capture live vocals on set. It's impressive."

• Juliet Littman [43:34]:
  "The queer culture thing is a big part of it too, definitely."

• Sean Fennessy [56:42]:
  "This movie, it's like keeping the legacy alive while trying to push the boundaries of the genre."

• Todd McShay [116:10]:
  "Making a film that is exciting and stuff and is scary and funny and underneath that is mountains of ideas of cultural touch points."

Final Thoughts: The episode offers a comprehensive critique of the "Wicked" movie adaptation, balancing admiration for its performances and musical fidelity with constructive criticism on its visual and narrative choices. The Top Five list further enriches the discussion, providing listeners with a curated selection of standout musicals that have defined the 21st century. For fans of musicals and film adaptations, this episode serves as both an insightful analysis and a celebration of the genre's enduring impact.