8 Good essay
Marissa Bode
As Nessarose Thropp
You are watching: All 8 Main Actor Performances In Wicked, Ranked
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Marissa Bode portrays Elphaba’s paraplegic sister, Nessarose, with a delicate balance of vulnerability and quiet determination. In the beginning, the character appears as a timid, naive girl who wishes to be treated like everyone else and find acceptance among her peers. However, this desire for inclusion comes at a cost, as her insecurities occasionally lead her to turn her back on her sister in favor of some presumed popularity. Contrary to Elphaba, Nessa allows her friends’ judgment to get in the way of her choices.
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Despite her emotional performance, Bode has a more secondary role, and she doesn’t shine as brightly as the others. The actress captures the determination of a character who refuses to let her physical conditions define her or limit her ambitions. Bode frees herself from the “tragically beautiful” label others are keen on giving her, depicting Nessa not as a helpless little girl, but as a young woman who, despite being beloved and spoiled by her father, yearns for independence and knows how to obtain it. Nevertheless, despite the subtlety portrayed, Bode’s performance lacks the wit of her castmates.
7
Ethan Slater
As Boq Woodman
Despite the not-so-charming character he plays, Ethan Slater still manages to bring a certain charisma and humor to the role of Boq Woodman, the Munchkin who harbors an unrequited love for Galinda/Glinda. Initially an earnest and hopeless romantic, Boq’s infatuation becomes easy to manipulate for the future Good Witch of Oz. However, Boq is far from an innocent victim. Slater’s work in the first part of the movie proved that the actor’s performance would honor one of Wicked‘s darkest journeys.
Slater has indeed been able to capture a nuance in his character that might otherwise have been lost between his originally empathetic nature and apparently less significant role. Nevertheless, even as Boq chooses to stay with Nessa for the time being, the viewer is left with glimpses of the Munchkin’s stubborn feelings for Glinda as well as how his sentiments of inferiority and insecurity might lead him to a path few would ever expect from him. However, to truly see Slater shine, the public will have to wait for the second part of Wicked.
6
Peter Dinklage
As Dr. Dillamond
Peter Dinklage delivers a beautifully moving performance as Dr. Dillamond, the Goat professor who ends up being a tragic symbol of prejudice and oppression in Wicked. Although the part is limited to his voice, the actor never loses his emotional power. Throughout the movie, Dinklage embraces his more “behind-the-scenes” role and becomes the voice of reason that calls out the viciousness, ignorance, and shallowness present in Oz and at Shiz University. Thus, Dinklage’s performance honors the political significance of the role.
The actor’s subtle inflections make the character’s complex journey even more heartbreaking. From the wise and tranquil tone he assumes as he tries to mentor Elphaba to the more ironic yet well-meaning vocal changes he makes while scolding Glinda, the actor immediately proves his adaptability. In the end, Dinklage delivers a vocal performance that showcases the hurt and righteous anger of someone who is facing absurd prejudices and discrimination.
5
Jeff Goldblum
As The Wizard of Oz
As rare as it is for Jeff Goldblum in anything to not be one of the top three actors in any movie, he has a smaller, albeit significant and well-executed, role in Wicked. Goldblum brings his classic charm, intelligence, and wit to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and the character seems to have been tailor-made for him. However, his screen time in the first movie is limited to a short yet intriguing introduction that prepares the viewers for what is to come.
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From his initially affectionate treatment of Elphaba to his more sinister yet powerless side slowly being exposed, Goldblum captures the finer points of his mysterious character. With a sly smile and a measured tone, he conveys the Wizard’s magnetic allure while simultaneously hinting at the dark manipulations behind his facade and his weaker, impotent nature that does not make him the traditional villain of a fairy tale but a scared and dangerous human. The main actor’s performance delivers some frighteningly accurate lines, counted among Wicked‘s best quotes, in such a naturally frightening way that it makes the audience eager to see his future.
4
Jonathan Bailey
As Fiyero Tigelaar
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Through his exceptional comedic timing and entertaining shows, Jonathan Bailey can bring an undeniable charisma to the apparently thoughtless character of Fiyero Tigelaar, the charming prince who steals the hearts of both Glinda and Elphaba. At first glance, Fiyero’s irresponsible attitude makes him appear shallow and unidimensional, but Bailey does not simply use his self-deprecating humor to win the heart of the public but also manages to gradually reveal the layers of a much more profound and interesting character.
From his first ironic line as he reveals his bewildered face upon seeing Elphaba to the magnetic performance of “Dancing Through Life”, Bailey introduces the audience to his character, making them both laugh and sing along with him. While his flirty game with Glinda is endearing and his banter with the future Wicked Witch of the West is exhilarating, the actor continues to charm the viewer as he reveals Fiyero’s vulnerability and conflicted nature. Although not in the top three, the Bridgerton actor’s clever performance in Wicked deserves recognition.
3
Michelle Yeoh
As Madame Morrible
Michelle Yeoh brings an electrifying and intimidating presence to the role of Madame Morrible, the cunning Dean of Sorcery at Shiz University. Morrible first appears as a typically severe professor, willing to push her students beyond their limits and help them develop their gifts. Yeoh delivers a performance that is both captivating and chilling, perfectly embodying the character’s ambiguous and mysterious nature. This is characteristic of how her portrayal is filled with subtlety and layers, particularly in her interactions with different characters.
While presenting herself as a mentor to Elphaba, Morrible’s less kind streak emerges in her exchanges with Glinda, for whom she holds no esteem. Toward the end, her true intentions are revealed, with Yeoh building tension in every scene. Once Madame Morrible realizes Elphaba will not be a pawn in their game, Yeoh masterfully drops her more affectionate facade and switches her demeanor to show how ruthless her character can be against her enemy. Yeoh’s multifaceted performance deserved third place, after the obvious two everyone is really talking about.
2
Cynthia Erivo
As Elphaba Thropp
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Filling Idina Menzel’s shoes was definitely not an easy job. However, somehow, Cynthia Erivo successfully paid tribute to the legacy of one of the most renowned characters in the history of cinema, literature, and theater. Similarly, the actress and singer captured the beauty of Menzel’s original performance, bringing the magic of a beloved staple of Broadway to the big screen. Yet Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba Thropp is still her own, and is nothing short of exceptional, embodying the fierceness, vulnerability, and depth of her character.
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Erivo’s vocal performance is breathtaking as she navigates the range of emotions that characterize Elphaba’s journey. What is most impressive is not simply how she powerfully delivers impossibly high notes, but also the authenticity of how the character’s hurts, fears, and hopes translate into her vocal delivery. Similarly, her acting does not disappoint. In every scene, glimpses of Elphaba’s intense inner life emerge through the interpreter’s facial expressions, tone, or movements. As the character grows throughout the story, so does Erivo, leading into the spectacular climactic scene. Wicked reviews all agree that the main actress’ performance truly defied gravity.
1
Ariana Grande-Butera
As Glinda Upland
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As much as Wicked assembled an extraordinary team of actors and can boast breathtaking and over-the-top performances, there was never a doubt about who deserved to secure the first spot in any ranking. Ariana Grande in the role of Glinda the Good is a dazzling triumph. It is shocking that Grande auditioned for Elphaba first when the pop singer’s performance proves she was born to play the opposite role. Grande brings her signature charm and vocal prowess to the part, embodying Glinda’s iconic moments of humor, innocence, and snark. Many speculate her work in the musical might earn her an Academy Award.
Although far from villainous, the future Good Witch of Oz does not start as wise and compassionate as we see her in the 1939 movie. The character could easily come across as annoying or downright unlikable. However, as Kristin Chenoweth did before her, Ariana Grande turned an initially shallow, privileged girl into an endearing, even clumsy, presence, who, regardless of her occasionally mean girl streak, is as lovable as she is entertaining and witty. Grande’s comic facial expressions and wild antics in Wicked reveal her as more than a powerhouse with an ethereal voice: she is a true artistic genius.
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8.7/10
Wicked
PG
AdventureFantasyMusical
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Release Date
November 22, 2024
Runtime
160 Minutes
Cast
Cynthia Erivo
, Ariana Grande
, Michelle Yeoh
, Jeff Goldblum
, Jonathan Bailey
, Ethan Slater
, Marissa Bode
, Bowen Yang
, Bronwyn James
, Keala Settle
, Peter Dinklage
, Aaron Teoh
, Grecia De la Paz
, Colin Michael Carmichael
, Adam James
, Andy Nyman
, Courtney Mae-Briggs
, Sharon D. Clarke
, Jenna Boyd
Character(s)
Elphaba Thropp
, Glinda Upland
, Madame Morrible
, The Wizard
, Fiyero Tigelaar
, Boq
, Nessarose Thropp
, Pfannee
, ShenShen
, Miss Coddle
, Doctor Dillamond (voice)
, Avaric Tenmeadows
, Gilligan
, Professor Nikidik
, Glinda’s Father
, Governor Frexspar Thropp
, Melena Thropp
, The Midwife
Director
Jon M. Chu
Writers
Gregory Maguire
, Winnie Holzman
, Dana Fox
, L. Frank Baum
Studio(s)
Marc Platt Productions
Distributor(s)
Universal Pictures
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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment