The hype surrounding the movie "Wicked" began around February's Super Bowl, ushering in what is considered one of Hollywood's most extensive marketing campaigns. This new film, inspired by the Broadway hit, revisits the magical universe first presented in the classic 1939 movie, "The Wizard of Oz."
Mail Online reported that the promotion of "Wicked" starkly contrasts with the grim experiences of Judy Garland during the making of "The Wizard of Oz."
"Wicked" is based on the beloved Broadway show and explores the backstory of Oz's witches, examining themes of oppression, friendship, and superficial judgments based on appearances—including skin color. It underscores a message of female empowerment, a significant shift from the narratives explored in its 1939 predecessor.
The casting of Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba has been a critical element of the film's promotion. Throughout the press tour, both stars displayed genuine camaraderie, reflecting the film's themes of friendship and support against societal judgments.
Both Grande and Erivo have publicly shared their excitement about their roles in "Wicked," describing the opportunity as a dream realized. Their collaboration has been highlighted in various promotional materials, showcasing a united front that contrasts sharply with the isolated and troubling experiences of Judy Garland during the early days of "The Wizard of Oz."
"The Wizard of Oz" not only tells a captivating story but also revolutionized cinema with its innovative use of Technicolor, achieving a historic milestone. Producers made it the most expensive movie of its time, setting new standards for visual spectacle and production costs.
Despite its achievements, the production faced numerous disasters and poor working conditions that tarnished its legacy. Studio executives intensely manipulated and mistreated Judy Garland, who played Dorothy, to maintain her youthful appearance—a key aspect of her character.
Executives forced Garland to wear what they called an iron corset to change her physique and administered drugs to control her weight and energy levels. These actions contributed to the struggles with addiction she faced later in life.
Garland endured ongoing torment as studio executives and fellow actors harassed her, creating an environment that severely impacted her mental and physical health. One studio executive cruelly told Garland, "You look like a hunchback. We love you but you're so fat you look like a monster," emphasizing the oppressive atmosphere she faced.
Serious accidents during filming further tarnish the legacy of The Wizard of Oz. Pyrotechnic mishaps severely burned Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, and her stunt double, exposing the unsafe working conditions on set.
Filmmakers used hazardous materials, including asbestos for snow scenes and toxic aluminum dust for the Tin Man’s makeup, which caused long-term health issues for the actors. These choices serve as a grim reminder of the lack of safety regulations during that era.
"Wicked" reimagines and reforms the narratives and practices of past productions like The Wizard of Oz, delivering a message of empowerment and conscientious judgment. This approach contrasts sharply with the harmful experiences that defined the making of the iconic 1939 film.
Hollywood now undertakes and portrays epic film productions with a renewed focus, reflecting on past practices while setting a higher standard for the industry. Wicked not only retells a familiar story but also signals a deliberate push toward positive change in entertainment.
The journeys of both The Wizard of Oz and Wicked highlight cinema's evolving nature: where audiences once accepted, they now question; where they once remained silent, they now speak out. Hollywood’s grand promotion of Wicked juxtaposes the empowering, radiant future of moviemaking against the somber cautionary tales of its past.
