Jon M. Chu, the director of the new Wicked movie, has faced significant criticism regarding the handling of color in his musical adaptation. From the very beginning, when the first promotional images of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda were released last April, Chu assured critics that there was more to come in terms of color. "Don't worry we still have a year and half to show you our colors! Trust me, plenty of colors in Oz."

Unraveling the Color Debate in Wicked

Color Immersion in Oz

Jon emphasized that the goal was to immerse viewers into the world of Oz. By not overly relying on saturated colors, he aimed to make Oz feel like a real place. "If it was a fake place, if it was a dream in someone's mind, then the real relationships and the stakes that these two girls are going through wouldn't feel real." This approach added a sense of authenticity and depth to the story. 2: The desaturation in the movie was a deliberate choice, as Chu wanted to present Oz in a new light. It wasn't just a plastic, digital world but a place with dirt and wear and tear. This made the characters and their emotions more palpable. For example, when Elphaba and Glinda faced their challenges, the muted colors enhanced the gravity of the situation.

Unique Presentation of Oz

Chu also pointed out that the way Oz was presented in this movie was different from what audiences had seen before. It wasn't just a matte painting or a video game digital world. Instead, it was a combination of elements that created a unique visual experience. 2: The lack of excessive color allowed for a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their environment. It gave the movie a distinct aesthetic that set it apart from other adaptations. The viewers could truly feel the essence of Oz through the carefully crafted color palette.Are you also a defender of Wicked's look? LMK in the comments!