Cast
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Diana Ross
as Dorothy
Michael Jackson
as Scarecrow
Nipsey Russell
as Tinman
Ted Ross
as Lion
Mabel King
as Evillene
Theresa Merritt
as Aunt Em
Thelma Carpenter
as Miss One
Lena Horne
as Glinda the Good
Richard Pryor
as The Wiz
Stanley Greene
as Uncle Henry
Clyde J. Barrett
as Subway Peddler
Derrick Bell
as Crow
Roderick-Spencer Sibert
as Crow
Kashka Banjoko
as Crow
Ronald "Smokey" Stevens
as Crow
Crew
Director
- Sidney Lumet
Producer
- Rob Cohen
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Whilst I think this really does work on stage, I really didn't much rate this African-American take on the timeless "Wizard of Oz" tale. It seems much more intent on making a political statement than it does on entertaining anyone, and given I'm not from the community it was made by and for, I felt a bit like I was not really invited to the party. The story itself sees a slightly older "Dorothy" (Diana Ross) chasing her dog through a heavy snowfall. She gets hopelessly lost and next thing she is in a mysterious land ("Oz") and must find the legendary wizard if she is ever to sing her way back to Harlem. The snag with this plot here is that her life in New York was none too enjoyable, so after a while here making new friends - including Michael Jackson's "Scarecrow", and singing and dancing her way through life, I did wonder what she actually wanted to get back for. The remainder of the story largely follows the gist of the original Baum novel, peppered with some of Quincy Jones best efforts, and so no there's not a jot of jeopardy as she plods along the yellow brick road towards a typically theatrical, power ballad, denouement. There's no question Ross can sing, but somehow nobody here ever imbues thire songs with much personality or character. They are just repetitions of the vinyl versions with little to personalise them for the big screen. It's not a bad film, and it does try to take some risks with the creativity, but for me I just didn't feel at all engaged.
Mar 30, 2024
Thematic Analysis
The Wiz represents a fascinating example of Music/Fantasy/Adventure cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Sidney Lumet brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Wiz took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $24.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 134 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Wiz shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shrek the Third, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Wiz offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Mask and Who Framed Roger Rabbit explore similar territory, The Wiz stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 24, 1978
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Budget: $24,000,000
- Revenue: $21,049,053
