Universal's WICKED Films - News & Discussion Thread- Page 89

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 7:30am

TotallyEffed said: "The Idina/Kristin cameo is humiliating and cheapens the film. It never should have made it into the final cut."

I heard people in my cinema literally gasp and squeal with glee when they appeared. All around the audience you could see everyone lean into whoever they were with to share their excitement. Yes, it was overly camp, and a tad shameless but it was amazing to give them such a moment and the audience obviously ate up every single second.

[bwayobsessed]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 7:48am

TotallyEffed said: "The Idina/Kristin cameo is humiliating and cheapens the film. It never should have made it into the final cut."

I like the idea of it but not the execution

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 7:56am

Saw this again last night for the second time and it was an even better experience, likely because I knew what to expect with some of the elongated numbers. "Dancing Through Life" and "Defying Gravity" particularly stood out as highlights this time when I thought they were the parts of the film that stalled the most on first viewing. Knowing I was going to be sitting through a 21-minute sequence in DTL made it better this time around. And yes, I clocked it. 

As a Broadway fan, I give the film a solid 10/10 for its musical execution and adaptation, but the film snob in me has some notes on the cinematography aspects and why I don’t think it will win Best Picture. I also have some other Oscar predictions based on its strengths and weaknesses and based on what I've seen from other films.

Color Grading

The color grading has been something of a topic, and I can’t help but wonder if the more subdued, grayish tones in the early scenes were intentional. Perhaps Jon Chu and Alice Brooks were going for a Wizard of Oz-style gray-to-Technicolor transformation, with the post-Shiz scenes in the Emerald City becoming much more saturated and visually glorious. If that was their intent, it doesn’t land as distinctly as it should. The transition feels underwhelming, and the gray tones fall flat rather than building the desired contrast. I will also say that The Ozdust scene colors are really fantastic.

Lens Flares

Alice Brooks seems to have taken a single page from Linus Sandgren’s playbook with her heavy use of lens flares—but she went overboard. On a second viewing, it became glaringly obvious that some of the flares were added in post-production, appearing and disappearing inconsistently. This choice draws attention for all the wrong reasons and becomes a bit of a distraction cinematically. 

Lighting

The lighting is a recurring issue, with key moments suffering from poor execution. For example, in "The Wizard and I," Elphaba's scene in the gazebo feels awkwardly and poorly lit as if the chimes themselves were supposed to light her? Similarly, "I'm Not That Girl" and the forest scenes with Fiyero have noticeable lighting problems. Even some of the backlighting choices feel oddly placed throughout.

It’s frustrating to imagine what could have been achieved with someone like Linus Sandgren handling the cinematography. It literally wins Best Picture with better cinematography.

Oscars Outlook

While the cinematography and lighting leave much to be desired, there are several strengths the film has going for it when it comes to contending for Oscars. 

Likely to Locks:

• Best Costume Design: A lock. The costumes are stunning and capture the essence of both the Broadway production and the fantastical world of Oz. While Dune: Part Two is likely it's biggest competition, I think Paul Tazewell gets his first Oscar here.
• Best Makeup and Hairstyling: A strong contender, but certainly not a lock.

Possible Wins:

• Best Production Design: This could go to Wicked or Dune: Part Two if the Academy feels Wicked was too CGI-ified when they had gorgeous practical sets. 
• Best Score: An intriguing possibility. Despite being a musical, the underscoring adds to the story and could compete strongly in this category.
• Best Sound Design: It has a shot, though Dune: Part Two is more likely.

Likely Nominations:

• Best Visual Effects: It will get nominated, though I don't think it will win.
• Best Supporting Actress: Ariana delivered a show-stealing performance that surpassed expectations. While I could see a scenario where she and Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez) could split the vote and give it to someone else entirely, or Zoe could win it, I’m rooting for Ariana.

Not Likely:

• Best Cinematography: The issues with lighting, lens flares, and color grading will keep it out of contention.
• Adapted Screenplay: The screenplay is serviceable but not exceptional enough to break into this category.
• Film Editing: The editing is good but not great when held up to other possible contenders like Dune: Part Two and Conclave. Then again, Bohemian Rhapsody won Best Film Editing, so I suppose anything is possible.

Speaking of Possible:

• Best Actress: I hope Cynthia secures a nomination, but this is a stacked category with great lead performances this year, so I won't be shocked if she isn't nominated here.
• Best Director: Jon Chu deserves recognition for tackling such an ambitious project, from staging intricate ensemble numbers to managing the direction of all the montages ("What is this Feeling?). However, the film’s fan-service elements and uneven technical execution might hurt his chances. I could see a scenario where he's nominated for the second film if critical and box office success follows suit with the first part.

In total, I count seven likely nominations, with two more possible. While Wicked boasts standout elements, it won’t claim Best Picture due to its technical shortcomings, especially in cinematography That said, its music, performances, and design elements make it a strong contender in the creative categories.

Of course, I could be totally wrong and this could be another Bohemian Rhapsody situation. I predict it will be more of a Barbie situation.

Updated On: 11/23/24 at 07:56 AM

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 8:16am

Cynthia has no place in the nominations this year, Grande has a better shot for making Galinda a fully fleshed out character.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 8:44am

theatretenor2 said: "Oscars Outlook

Not Likely:

• Adapted Screenplay: The screenplay is serviceable but not exceptional enough to break into this category."

As I mentioned earlier, the writers branch of the Academy has had a long love/hate relationship with musicals. Even Tony Kusher, one of the best scriptwriters of any medium working today, couldn't overcome that hurdle despite all the acclaim he received for his reworking of West Side Story.

"Speaking of Possible:

• Best Director: Jon Chu deserves recognition for tackling such an ambitious project, from staging intricate ensemble numbers to managing the direction of all the montages ("What is this Feeling?). However, the film’s fan-service elements and uneven technical execution might hurt his chances. I could see a scenario where he's nominated for the second film if critical and box office success follows suit with the first part.

I predict it will be more of a Barbie situation."

As I also mentioned earlier, the directors branch can be pretty snobby. Many felt Greta Gerwig, who previously helmed two Best Picture nominees for Lady Bird (which earned her a directing bid) and Little Women, was snubbed by them for Barbie because of that. Jon M. Chu just doesn't even have the clout she had at this point last year.

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 8:51am

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "theatretenor2 said: "Oscars Outlook

Not Likely:

• Adapted Screenplay: The screenplay is serviceable but not exceptional enough to break into this category."

As I mentioned earlier, the writers branch of the Academy has had a long love/hate relationship with musicals. Even Tony Kusher, one of the best scriptwriters of any medium working today, couldn't overcome that hurdle despite all the acclaim he received for his reworking of West Side Story.

"Speaking of Possible:

• Best Director: Jon Chu deserves recognition for tackling such an ambitious project, from staging intricate ensemble numbers to managing the direction of all the montages ("What is this Feeling?). However, the film’s fan-service elements and uneven technical execution might hurt his chances. I could see a scenario where he's nominated for the second film if critical and box office success follows suit with the first part.

I predict it will be more of a Barbie situation."

As I also mentioned earlier, the directors branch can be pretty snobby. Many felt Greta Gerwig, who previously helmed two Best Picture nominees for Lady Bird (which earned her a directing bid) and Little Women, was snubbed by them for Barbie because of that. Jon M. Chu just doesn't even have the clout she had at this point last year."

Good point. Especially the latter. Gerwig had already been nominated twice for Ladybird and Little Women, which made the Barbie snub more clear. If Chu isn't nominated, it's not a snub. Yes, I still think this was a massive and hugely ambitious undertaking and he did a great job with it, but you can't overlook the technical aspects and some of the dragging. That's what I think is going to hurt him most.

[veronicamae]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 2:00pm

theatretenor2 said: "Lighting

The lighting is a recurring issue, with key moments suffering from poor execution. For example, in "The Wizard and I," Elphaba's scene in the gazebo feels awkwardly and poorlylit as if the chimes themselves were supposed to light her?"

Maybe this doesn't change your opinion, but the stained glass chimes were there to degreenify her by canceling out her green with red lenses...so yes, the chimes were lighting her.

[Theatre Fan3]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 2:44pm

So I read the article about John Powell posting that WICKED: THE SCORE would be released on December 6th but it gave no information on what platforms it would be released on ... streaming, physical media, etc.  Has anybody run across any more specific information on this?  December 6th isn't that far off.

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 3:45pm

veronicamae said: "theatretenor2 said: "Lighting

The lighting is a recurring issue, with key moments suffering from poor execution. For example, in "The Wizard and I," Elphaba's scene in the gazebo feels awkwardly and poorlylit as if the chimes themselves were supposed to light her?"

Maybe this doesn't change your opinion, but the stained glass chimes were there to degreenify her by canceling out her green with red lenses...so yes, the chimes were lighting her."

It was still very dark and some light not have changed the reflections of glass. These are all just small nitpicks and why I don't think it will win some awards it had potential for. It's a great movie.

 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 3:49pm

I'm not a film buff or expert and rarely see movies in theaters these days, but I thought this was absolutely fantastic. I have no criticism - great cast, beautiful cinematography, and thoroughly entertaining. It did not feel overly long or over-padded which I was worried about going in. I loved it, and can't wait to go back.

[willep]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 4:53pm

I would be SHOCKED if this got a Best Afapted Screenplay nom. As someone who hasn’t see. The stage version, it was a long slow first act that I have to wait a year to pay off. I wished for more development of the friendship between the two of them. I thought Ariana was fantastic, but the character is so self-interested and unlikeable that when they were very suddenly best friends, I couldn’t buy that Glinda’s feelings were genuine. I hated that she lit the Elphaba pyre in the opening, because that just said to me that she really never cared for Elphaba.

And whose idea was it to chop up Defying Gravity so much? I had to ask a friend if the stage show was like that because, damn, just let us hear the song we all want to hear!

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 5:35pm

DG was thrilling on screen. Everyone is just used to that horrid cherry picker. Let’s do something different for once 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 5:40pm

"I haven't seen the stage show. The song was too chopped up."

"You just didn't like it because it wasn't like the stage show."

...

[uncageg]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 6:15pm

bwayobsessed said: "TotallyEffed said: "The Idina/Kristin cameo is humiliating and cheapens the film. It never should have made it into the final cut."

I like the idea of it but not the execution"

 

I thought it was a cute nod to them being the originators but it did slightly pull you out of the film for a bit. 

 

[jlindsey865]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 6:17pm

I saw the film last night.  I agree with majority of people who have seen the film that this is one of the greatest musical adaptations of all time.

I truly don’t understand the few complaints I’ve heard about the visuals or run time.  I found it to be stunning and well-paced.

Cynthia and Ariana knocked it out of the park.

[willep]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 6:25pm

MemorableUserName said: ""I haven't seen the stage show. The song was too chopped up."

"You just didn't like it because it wasn't like the stage show."

...

"

Weirdly, it’s possible for me to have heard a song before without having seen the show. I didn’t like that they kept interrupting the momentum of the song.

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 6:27pm

I’m wondering if the color saturation complaints are actually an issue with the projection at many folks’s theaters. I thought the colors popped really nicely, specifically Elphaba’s green skin and all of the various pinks. The visuals weren’t nearly as muddy as, say, the Beauty and the Beast live action remake. 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 6:31pm

willep said: "MemorableUserName said: ""I haven't seen the stage show. The song was too chopped up."

"You just didn't like it because it wasn't like the stage show."

...

"

Weirdly, it’s possible for me to have heard a song before without having seen the show. Ididn’t like that they kept interrupting the momentum of the song."

Yet WldKingdom was responding to someone who hadn't seen the show by saying everyone is just used to the cherry picker...

[blaxx]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 6:32pm

I wonder if the silver shoes will turn red if not ruby in the second part.

I know the ruby slippers were heavily protected, but red would be ok?

[Valentina3]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 6:49pm

Okay I have an annoying question. Anyone know how much the principal cast got paid? I read some articles saying Goldblum and Yeoh got $2M, Cynthia got $1M, and Grande got $15M.

I'm not surprised at Grandes paycheck but Erivo being the lead and being so much lesser than other supporting cast seems really odd. I wonder if the royalty deals are differently structured.

[Matt Rogers]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 7:06pm

Just saw it. Great film. Most horrible movie audience I have ever seen.  It was sold out. Majority of audience was young girls - junior high age. Phones out all over the theatre throughout the film. Loud talking everywhere. Laughs at inappropriate places. Girls running up and down the aisles, in and out of the theatre for the entirety of the movie. An old lady was sitting next to me and talked to her companion and sang during Popular and Defying Gravity. At the climax when Elphaba is getting ready to fly, two idiots in front of me pulled out their phones and both decided to check their Facebook. After putting up with this a-hole audience for two and a half hours, I snapped. I stood up and leaned over them and yelled “Can you please turn off your phones?!?!? It’s extremely annoying!!” They did so, but  I made both them and myself uncomfortable and it pretty much ruined the rest of the film for me. Jesus Christ, what a ridiculous experience. 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 7:13pm

Valentina3 said: "Okay I have an annoying question. Anyone know how much the principal cast got paid? I read some articles saying Goldblum and Yeoh got $2M, Cynthia got $1M, and Grande got $15M.

I'm not surprised at Grandes paycheck but Erivo being the lead and being so much lesser than other supporting cast seems really odd. I wonder if the royalty deals are differently structured."


Criminal if true.

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 7:49pm

I just went to see the movie this afternoon. It shattered my expectations. The most beautiful movie musical since The Greatest Showman. Just my two cents

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 7:56pm

I liked it very much.

Michelle Yeoh wasn’t let shine enough, though. This is Michelle Yeoh, people. MICHELLE YEOH.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 11/23/24 at 8:09pm

I don’t know if those salary figures are correct, but if so, a million bucks is not bad. My heart does not break for Cynthia. They get paid according to their box office drawing power. Not their talent, or how much hard work they put in.

Still a LOT more than the hardworking public servants. Nurses, paramedics, firefighters, teachers etc. Down with capitalism!