After much anticipation, the film adaptation of Wicked has taken theaters by storm, claiming the top spot at the box office with opening weekend earnings surpassing $164 million. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie breathes life from the beloved Broadway musical based on Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel. It narrates the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba, who is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch, and how their paths cross and diverge amid societal stigma and political manipulation.
While Wicked has garnered impressive acclaim—boasting a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes—it hasn’t been without its criticisms. Specifically, some viewers have voiced discontent over notable issues related to the film's sound and visual aesthetics. Jon M. Chu has defended the creative choices throughout various media and press outlets, paying special attention to two frequent concerns: sound quality and color grading.
One significant audio issue noted by audience members was the difficulty sometimes faced when trying to catch the lyrics and dialogues. The soundtrack and vocals occasionally overlapped, leading to confusion. Responding to these complaints, Chu advised patrons to inform theaters to boost their volume settings to a recommended 7. "I’ve gone to a couple of screenings and they are more like a 6.4. If you want it the way it was intended, 7 is the way," he stated via social media, directing attendees on how to engage with his work. His suggestion drew both support and skepticism as moviegoers wondered how many would heed the advice.
Beyond audio, the film's visual presentation—specifically the so-called desaturation of color—has sparked debates. Chu acknowledged complaints about the film feeling 'washed out', emphasizing, "There’s color all over it. I think what we wanted to do was immerse people in Oz, to make it a real place. Because if it was a fake place, if it was a dream, then the real relationships wouldn’t feel real. It’s been presented differently than previous iterations of Oz. I want to feel the dirt. I want to feel the wear and tear. And it means it's not plastic.”
Chu's vision sought to highlight the authenticity of the land of Oz, making it appear lived-in rather than through the lens of overly vibrant and synthetic colors. He pointed out how past representations might have imbued the story with fantasy but neglected the authentic emotional stakes engaged during character development. The director intended for the muted color palette to convey the struggles of the characters and represent the harsh realities of their world.
While some iterations of the Land of Oz, such as The Wizard of Oz, utilized technicolor to provide vivid imagery and magical aesthetics, Chu's objective diverges significantly. By visually representing the harshness of reality—indicated through color grading—Chu believes it grounds viewers within the emotional turmoil of the characters experiencing persecution and societal discord. "The stark visuals reflect the political dynamics of Oz and Elphaba's own challenges as she fights against the oppressive Wizard, who stifles magic and freedom."
Audience members have raised questions about whether this choice truly serves the narrative. Some argue this approach risks alienation from the more fantastical elements of the story. Comparisons to previous adaptations naturally arise, particularly to the sharply contrasted worlds painted by the colorful backdrop of both The Wizard of Oz and even Oz: The Great and Powerful. Critics have pointed out the stark differences, with one describing it as “aggressively backlit” and evoking comparisons to vacation property ads. Despite the varied responses, Chu maintained focus on storytelling depth over surface gloss.
Reflecting on this decision, Chu pointed out how color evolves with the storyline. "These two characters are going through two movies. Their relationship with the land matters; the color gradually enhances over time. That change parallels Elphaba’s growing impact and presence within Oz’s narrative,” he declared. This shift is expected to create more dramatic visual stakes as the story progresses, correlatively aligning with Elphaba’s background growing darker as she faces increased challenges.
Fans of the musical are familiar with the iconic song “Defying Gravity” which marks Elphaba’s turning point—her ascendance and rebellion against societal limits symbolize inner freedom, which, creatively, should resonate alongside Watts’ ultimate artistic decisions. The soundtrack has become iconic, providing memorable themes for audiences synonymous with empowerment and resilience.
Overall, the success of Wicked remains undeniable, yet as this discourse over creative choices continues, viewers are reminded of the film's underlying messages about friendship, acceptance, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The conversations initiated by Chu about sound and color may just serve to deepen appreciation for the film's layered storytelling, inviting audiences to not only observe but engage critically with the material presented before them.
With accolades rolling in and compelling discussions cropping up online, the conversation surrounding Wicked and its artistic choices will certainly continue as audiences eagerly anticipate the planned sequel set for release on November 21, 2025. With Jon M. Chu at the helm, many hope to see the colors bloom alongside Elphaba’s story, integrating hope, love, and courage to confront adversity along the way.
