Why ‘Wicked’ Should Have Stayed as One Movie

Vonbon Hill

2 min read

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26-11-2024

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The highly anticipated adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked has finally arrived in theaters, splitting the story into two parts. While the decision to divide the narrative is understandable given the source material’s richness, I argue that condensing the epic tale into a single film would have served the story, and the audience, better.

A Story Diluted

The sheer ambition of adapting Wicked is undeniable. The musical boasts a complex plot, intricate characters, and a sweeping score. However, the two-part structure, while allowing for more detailed exploration of certain aspects, ultimately dilutes the emotional impact. The pacing in both films feels uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed while others drag, a consequence of trying to fit a sprawling narrative into two, already lengthy, installments. A single, more tightly edited film would have allowed for a more focused and impactful narrative arc.

The Loss of Momentum

The most significant drawback of splitting Wicked is the loss of narrative momentum. The cliffhanger ending of the first film leaves the audience hanging, forcing them to wait an entire year – or potentially longer, given theatrical release schedules – to witness the resolution. This break disrupts the emotional investment and diminishes the overall experience. The powerful themes of friendship, prejudice, and self-discovery are fragmented, losing some of their resonance in the process.

A Question of Theatricality

While the visual spectacle of Wicked is undeniable, the decision to split the film into two parts arguably sacrifices some of its theatrical magic. The stage version of Wicked benefits from its consistent, focused pacing, maintaining an emotional intensity throughout. The film adaptation struggles to replicate this. The extended runtime and division of the story across two films ironically result in a less immersive experience than the stage production, losing the intimate connection between performer and audience.

A Missed Opportunity for Thematic Depth

The original Wicked musical is celebrated for its intricate exploration of morality, challenging the simple good versus evil dichotomy. By stretching the story across two films, some of the thematic depth is lost. Certain nuances and subtle character developments are arguably sacrificed in the interest of extending the runtime. A single film could have focused on these thematic layers more effectively, enriching the overall message.

Conclusion: Less is More

In conclusion, while the two-part adaptation of Wicked delivers visually stunning moments and impressive performances, the decision to split the story arguably diminishes its power. A single, more concise film would have been better able to capture the magic, emotion, and complexity of the original musical, leaving a far more satisfying and impactful impression on the audience. In this instance, less truly would have been more.