As a movie buff with a keen eye for detail and a heart full of empathy, I can’t help but be deeply moved by the portrayal of Elphaba Thropp in the big-screen adaptation of “Wicked”. This story resonates on many levels, particularly as it delves into the experiences of marginalized individuals, much like myself.
In what circumstances and reasons did Elphaba Thropp, who was kind-hearted, intelligent, and green, transform into such a fierce, powerful, even wicked witch in the beloved story “The Wizard of Oz”? The film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” subtly suggests Elphaba’s increasing powers while also acknowledging her connection to Black women.
The movie “Wicked” tells the story of Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who were once college roommates. This narrative unfolds before Dorothy, Toto, and their friends tread on the yellow brick road and encounter the “good” and “bad” witches in Oz. In the film, Elphaba is depicted as a baby born with green skin, facing exclusion from her family during her adolescence, and eventually discovering her magical powers.
Costume designer Paul Tazewell deeply empathized with Elphaba’s story due to their shared experience as an individual facing marginalization based on skin color. He focused on portraying this aspect when designing her costumes, paying attention to how the character found comfort in nature and her bond with animals.
Initially appearing in dark attire, she stands out amidst this vibrant setting. Interestingly, costume designer Tazewell reveals this choice symbolizes her character’s ongoing grief over her mother, who tragically passed during childbirth. He further explains that the somber hue can be challenging to capture on screen due to its tendency to swallow details. To counteract this, he emphasized making thoughtful decisions to bring depth and richness to the visual narrative.
Upon Elphaba’s arrival at Shiz University, Tazewell notes that her appearance is heavily influenced by the Victorian era of the 19th century. Later, in the Emerald City, her garment features intricate embroidery of fiddlehead ferns, and he utilized hand felting to emphasize the design’s texture. As time passes, Tazewell found inspiration in the structure beneath mushroom caps, which he later translated into pleating on her iconic witch outfit during her transformation into her most potent form. The use of pleating, gathering, crinkling, and draping not only added depth to the black fabric but also symbolized the expansion of her magical prowess.
The subtleties were likewise reflected in the styling of her hair and makeup, where Erivo played an essential role in the creation process.
When Erivo agreed to take on the role, she made it clear that she wanted her skin tone to be genuinely green, not digitally altered in post-production. Makeup designer Frances Hannon was thrilled by this unique challenge and collaborated with Erivo’s personal makeup artist to find a flattering shade of green. They eventually settled on a combination of a discontinued eyeshadow base and neon yellow. British makeup manufacturer David Stoneman recreated the product and even developed a primer to prevent it from transferring onto co-stars Grande or Tazewell’s costumes.
Gradually, Elphaba’s powers expanded, yet according to Hannon, “Her greenness remained unaltered.” However, the potency of her lips, her eyes, and her nails transformed. This transformation was attributed to Cynthia.
Erivo discussed Elphaba’s nail style with Chu. Since she was 16, she’s been known for her unique nail design. Additionally, she spotted a picture of Margaret Hamilton (the Wicked Witch from the original “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939) at the Academy Museum and noticed that Hamilton had long nails. Erivo found this a coincidence, as her own nails seem to reflect her character – they darken and grow longer as her fictional powers increase.
For Erivo, hair was crucial in embodying the character. Traditionally on stage, Elphaba’s hair was long, black, and wavy. However, Erivo desired something more representative of the person beneath, herself. This choice would not only reflect her but also acknowledge Black women, providing them with a point of identification. “I proposed changing the hairstyle to micro braids,” Erivo explained, “as it would maintain the movement and length while offering a unique texture that deviated from the typical stage portrayal. It created a tangible link between me as a Black woman and Elphaba as a green character.
At the Ozdust Ballroom event, Elphaba encountered a significant shift in her journey. Prior to this moment, her attire, notably her Shiz uniform, as Tazewell notes, was both fitted yet constraining.
In the tale, Glinda gives her grandmother’s hat – the enchanted black witch hat – to Elphaba and extends an invitation to a college gathering, fully aware that if Elphaba wears it, she will be ridiculed. And indeed, this happens. However, later on, Glinda realizes she has been deceived once more. Instead of departing, Elphaba stands her ground and dances without uttering a word, choosing to persist.
For the first time, she’s letting her hair down freely. Sim Camps shared on social media that this appearance mirrors Elphaba’s journey – a blend of strength and vulnerability depicted in a Celtic knot pattern. The loose hair signifies Elphaba starting to unveil a more tender side.
Alice Brooks, the movie’s camera operator, expresses that “These women are experiencing their first encounter with one another for the very first time. It is here that they develop feelings of affection and fall in love.
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2024-12-17 21:47