Japanese follows English/日本語は英語の後に記載
Hello,
this is Nisreen.
Welcome to the 10th episode of Season Two of my podcast—it’s lovely to speak
with you again!
The other
day, I watched the musical Wicked Part 1, directed by Jon M. Chu, at the
cinema. It was such an entertaining, yet thought-provoking, adaptation of the
beloved Broadway musical! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time,
captivated by the compelling story and professional singing performances.
As a
visual artist, though, in this episode I’d like to focus on its use of colour,
and analyse why it’s so effective.
There are no spoilers until 04：45 —and I’ll give you a warning before they start. If you haven’t watched the film yet and don’t want to ruin the surprise, please come back to the rest after watching it!
X ScriptHello,
this is Nisreen.
Welcome to the 10th episode of Season Two of my podcast—it’s lovely to speak
with you again!
The other
day, I watched the musical Wicked Part 1, directed by Jon M. Chu, at the
cinema. It was such an entertaining, yet thought-provoking, adaptation of the
beloved Broadway musical! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time,
captivated by the compelling story and professional singing performances.
As a
visual artist, though, in this episode I’d like to focus on its use of colour,
and analyse why it’s so effective.
Please
keep in mind that I haven’t seen the stage musical yet, though I am familiar
with the original story of The Wizard of Oz. My perspective is based
solely on the current film.
There are no spoilers
until the end—and I’ll give you a warning before they start. So, no worries if
you haven’t seen the film yet!
1.
Pretty in Pink—and Green!
The first
thing you’ll notice: Glinda only wears pink!
The character, played by the pop star Ariana Grande, is introduced in an
exquisite baby pink dress that looks like something straight out of a dream.
It’s the kind of dress I would have adored as a little girl.
Glinda’s
wardrobe in varying shades of pink is not just cute; it’s symbolic. Pink
represents her innate charm and innocence—qualities that make her so magnetic.
Her pink dorm room, filled with sparkly heels and an enviable
wardrobe, is like a childhood fantasy.
Pink and
green also happen to be complementary colours, sitting opposite each other on
the colour wheel. This perfectly reflects Glinda and Elphaba’s contrasting
personalities and their deep, complex relationship.
In the
stage musical, one of Glinda’s iconic dresses is icy blue, but the film’s
costume designer, Paul Tazewell, chose pink for its iconic appeal, and its
striking juxtaposition to Elphaba’s green. The result is visually stunning and
thematically rich.
The
natural elements in the costume design also stand out. For example, Glinda’s
ballroom gown is inspired by roses, with organic coral pink tones that feel
soft and natural—unlike the bold, flashy pinks seen elsewhere. Similarly,
Elphaba’s green skin connects her to nature and animals, both key aspects of
her character.
2.
Woman in Black
Traditionally,
witches wear black, and Elphaba is no exception. However, the delicate, layered
black outfits she dons in the film add a chic modernity to her look.
The
costume’s design reflects the emotional cage Elphaba has been trapped in since
childhood, according to the costume designer. Black, often associated with
death and grief in Western culture, perfectly encapsulates her loneliness, and
the deep sadness that defines much of her life.
Interestingly,
Elphaba is always buttoned up, contrasting with Glinda’s open-collared looks.
This choice reflects her reserved, diligent personality and her struggle with
self-esteem. Notably, her clothing becomes slightly less restrictive during
intimate or vulnerable moments, subtly highlighting
her emotional growth.
What
excels the show is Cynthia Erivo’s huge dark-coloured eyes, which are
incredibly expressive, and convey subtle changes in her emotions. It truly made
me understand why eyes are called the window to one’s soul. Her black hair and black
attire accentuate those eyes perfectly.
Black is
also a powerful colour, representing the immense strength of Elphaba’s
“wickedness.”
After
this, there will be spoilers- if you haven’t watched the film yet and don’t
want to ruin the surprise, please come back after watching it!
Alright?
Okay!
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3.
The
Red & Black
The film’s overall palette is soft and organic,
but red plays a significant role in a pivotal scene involving Dr. Dillamond, my
favourite character. His classroom’s blackboard becomes a canvas for
discriminatory graffiti, with harsh red lettering symbolising the oppression
magical creatures face.
This stark moment contrasts with the warm, gentle
red of the poppies Elphaba gives him, a gesture of solidarity.
The storyline is widely interpreted as a metaphor
for antisemitism, with parallels drawn between the demonisation of magical
creatures and the historical persecution of
Jewish communities. Although I am not sure if it was the writer’s intention, I
could definitely see the resemblance there.
4.
Blue
is the Hottest Colour
Fiyero,
played by the Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, exceeded all my expectations.
His royal marine blue suit exudes nobility, and the smoky blue tones used
during his interactions with Elphaba create a serene, romantic atmosphere. The
way Fiyero encounters Elphaba is reminiscent of a similar scene from the
classic novel, Jane Eyre. This contrasts sharply with his playful, public
persona— the one that aligns more with Glinda. The difference highlights the
depth of his connection with Elphaba, which feels far more meaningful. I
appreciate how they portrayed him as a complex human being, not just a pretty
face.
Conclusion:
Overall,
the film’s thoughtful use of colour enriches its storytelling and character
development. Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship is a standout, challenging
stereotypes about female relationships. They fight, hurt each other, and yet
genuinely wish each other happiness.
While
most films about platonic friendships focus on like-minded individuals
achieving a shared goal, Wicked Part 1 portrays a nuanced, realistic
bond between two opposites.
I’m
curious to see how their story unfolds in Part 2, but for now, the beauty of
their relationship lies in their mutual respect and love, even as they part
ways.
Closing
How
was today’s episode? I hope you enjoyed it!
I’d
love to hear your thoughts—please consider leaving a review or reaching out
through the contact form linked in the description.
Thank you so much for listening.
Goodbye for now!
