"Glicked": Are You Not Entertained?
Author:
Eileen Jones
Focus:
Analysis of Wicked and Gladiator II
Context:
The piece explores the state of American cinema in 2024, addressing cultural impacts and audience reception while evaluating two prominent films - Wicked and Gladiator II.
Reception of Wicked
Initial Audience Reaction: There was an enthusiastic response from the audience during the premiere, characterized by prolonged applause and expressions of enjoyment, indicating a strong connection with the film’s presentation.
Personal Opinion: Although Eileen Jones expresses a lack of appreciation for the film’s artistic merits, she acknowledges and highly values the audience’s enjoyment, recognizing the significance of shared experiences in cinema.
Cultural Context: The discussion extends to the marketing phenomenon surrounding Glicked, considering its place within a trend of films such as Barbie and Oppenheimer, which engaged audiences at various cultural and emotional levels.
Themes in Wicked and Gladiator II
Both films highlight topical themes concerning the nature of autocratic rulers, reflecting society's ongoing struggles with power dynamics and governance.
Example from Wicked: Elphaba's chilling line, "Something bad is happening in Oz," is emblematic of contemporary political sentiments, tapping into the audience's awareness of societal issues.
Common Issues:
Sequel Fatigue and Remake Redundancy: This phenomenon is prevalent in the current cinema landscape where audiences are confronted with repetitive storytelling, leading to a desire for innovation.
Adaptation Continuity: Wicked exemplifies this issue as it emerges from a long lineage of adaptations stemming from L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz series, highlighting a trend where original stories are continually reinterpreted rather than creating new narratives.
Wicked: Historical Background
Adaptation Timeline:
Initially based on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, published in 1900.
The influential 1939 musical film featuring Judy Garland laid the foundation for the current adaptations.
Wicked, a novel by Gregory Maguire, published in 1995, inspired the Broadway musical which subsequently led to the film adaptation.
Film Details: Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film has a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, delving deeply into the characters' backstories and relationships, particularly focusing on Galinda (played by Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo).
Character Dynamics in Wicked
Galinda: A flamboyant and ambitious character, Galinda is primarily concerned with her popularity and image, showcasing superficiality amidst genuine emotional struggles.
Elphaba: Portrayed as a complex character who grapples with issues of acceptance and identity, Elphaba is depicted as sympathetic with a deeply traumatic background that informs her actions.
Rivalry and Friendship: The dynamic between Galinda and Elphaba illustrates the intricacies of friendship that evolve through competitiveness and jealousy, particularly within the context of magical prowess and romantic interests.
Racial Undertones: Early in the narrative, the film invokes discussions around skin color and societal prejudice, enhancing the narrative’s depth.
Arc of Wicked
Friendship Development: The arc chronicles the evolution of Galinda and Elphaba’s relationship, showcasing how rivalries can transform into deep connections amidst jealousy and external pressures.
Wizard's Role: The portrayal of the Wizard as a flawed character adds complexity, revealing the lack of genuine authority and the façade he portrays to maintain control.
Transition to Gladiator II
Expectations: Following Wicked, there is an anticipation for Gladiator II to deliver meaningful narrative contrasts, specifically regarding themes of power and personal struggle.
Critique of Gladiator II**
Protagonist: Paul Mescal’s portrayal of Lucius is critiqued for not leaving a memorable impression, particularly when compared to Russell Crowe’s iconic role as Maximus, leading to a perception of diminished character impact.
Plot Elements:
Lucius’s background, raised amid conflicting legacies in Numidia, further complicates his character arc as he grapples with issues of identity and heritage.
The depiction of arena battles is criticized as exaggerated and unrealistic, including scenarios such as fighting fantastical creatures like baboons and a rhinoceros, which detracts from the gravitas of the original film’s narrative.
Comedic Elements and Performances
Unintentional Humor: Many elements in Gladiator II evoke laughter, often through the absurdity of the scenarios presented, such as the portrayal of bizarre combat situations that contrast sharply with its serious themes.
Denzel Washington’s Role: In his portrayal of Macrinus, Washington engages with the film's inherent cheesiness, opting for a performance that revels in absurdity rather than seriousness, thereby contributing to the film's comedic undertones.
Conclusion
Emphasis on Enjoyment Factor: Despite the critiques, there remains an encouragement for viewers to embrace the enjoyment factor of both films, recognizing the flaws and celebrating moments of joy that cinema can provide.
Cultural Commentary: The analysis reflects on the challenging year for American cinema while also acknowledging the instances where movies can create shared experiences and joy among audiences, reinforcing the value of film as a cultural medium.
