Wicked

Author: James Somerton
Location: Canada

"Wicked"

Directed By: Peter Jackson
Written By: Fran Walsh

Principal Cast:

Idina Menzel as Elphaba; The Wicked Witch of The West
Kate Winslet as Glinda; The Good Witch
Meryl Streep as Madame Morrible
Christopher Lee as The Wizard of Oz
Leelee Sobieski as Nessarose; The Wicked Witch of The East
Colin Hanks as Boq
James Lafferty as Fiyero; Prince of Oz
Andy Serkis as Dr. Dillamond

Tagline: "Good is the Root of All Evil"

Synopsis: Elphaba was a normal little girl who just happened to be born with green skin. She grew up a loner and only made friends in college, where she met other outcasts, such as the munchkinlander Boq, as her Professor, Dr. Dillamond, who teaches her the differences between animals and Animals. Animals can speak, animals can’t. Animals are being killed by the masses; animals are simply kept in cages. But there is always the shadow of her roommate Glinda, a popular blond girl who has normal skin. They create an odd friendship though but the malevolent Wizard of Oz, a dictator in every sense of the word, tears them apart. Elphaba and her sister Nessarose, who is bound to a wheelchair except when wearing a pair of ruby slippers, are made into outcasts once again because of their political beliefs. They become witches and Elphaba does everything in her power to overthrow the Wizard, even as she falls in love with the prince of Oz, has an ongoing feud with her college headmistress, Madame Morrible, and deals with the murder of her beloved Dr. Dillamond because he is an Animal. “Wicked” tells the story of how one of the most hated villains and history came to be. The Wicked Witch was not always wicked. We made her that way.

What the press would say:

“Wicked” the movie is partly based on the Broadway play (with Idina Menzel reprising her Tony Award winning role of the Wicked Witch), and partly on the best-selling novel. It is a feast for the eyes and the ears, with beautiful images and a stunning score. The acting is fantastic and holds It’s own against the backdrop of Oz and all it’s amazing special FX. For children, the story seems simple enough but for Adults, it is a complex political thriller that blurs the line between good and evil. Peter Jackson directs the movie with perfect precision. The film starts off bright and hopeful and eventually falls into the darkness of the Witch’s mind. “Wicked” creates an atmosphere even more powerful then “The Wizard of Oz” did back in 1939. Christopher Lee’s booming voice is perfect for the Hitler-like Wizard, and Andy Serkis once again shows his acting abilities through a CG character. Kate Winslet is perfect as Glinda, and Meryl Streep is outstanding as the real wicked force in the film, Madame Morrible. The New York Times calls it “Brilliant!” and Ebert and Roeper give it “Two Big Thumbs Way Up” “Wicked” is wicked!

Best Picture
Best Director – Peter Jackson
Best Adapted Screenplay – Fran Walsh
Best Actress – Idina Menzel
Best Supporting Actress – Kate Winslet
Best Original Score – Howard Shore
Best Original Song – “All Blood Runs Red” – Idina Menzel
Best Art Direction
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Make-up
Best Sound Mixing
Best Visual Effects
Best Sound