How a Chunky Knit Ruined Wicked’s Sexiest Scene
▼ Summary
– The musical Wicked is not typically considered sexy, focusing instead on female friendship and animal rights.
– The song “As Long As You’re Mine” is the one exception, serving as a formative romantic moment for many fans.
– Director Jon M. Chu described the film version as less physical and more focused on the characters’ uncertainty.
– In the movie, the scene remains somewhat sexy with intimate moments but features Elphaba in an unflattering chunky wool cardigan.
– The sweater choice is seen as a deliberate contrast to the scene’s passion, reflecting Elphaba’s practical and introverted nature.
The film adaptation of Wicked manages to capture the musical’s emotional core, yet one specific costume choice during its most intimate scene has sparked considerable discussion among fans. While the stage version of “As Long As You’re Mine” pulses with raw, romantic energy, director Jon M. Chu’s cinematic interpretation takes a more restrained approach. This pivotal moment between Elphaba and Fiyero, a rare instance of passion in a story centered on friendship and activism, loses some of its fiery impact due to an unexpectedly bulky wardrobe selection.
In the movie, as the pair retreat to her secluded forest hideaway, the atmosphere suggests an imminent romantic encounter. Fiyero sheds his jacket and suspenders, clearly signaling his intentions. However, the scene’s momentum halts when Elphaba, rather than disrobing, envelops herself in an extraordinarily thick, drab gray wool cardigan. This garment is so substantial it could easily be mistaken for something worn by a character in a completely different kind of fantasy musical. The choice feels almost deliberate, as if the director aimed to temper the scene’s heat with a visual dose of cold reality.
One can understand the character motivation behind this sartorial decision. Elphaba has built her identity around practicality and emotional defense, a direct result of enduring lifelong prejudice. She isn’t portrayed as conventionally alluring, and her clothing reflects her no-fuss personality. Fiyero’s love for her transcends physical appearance, seeing her inner beauty regardless of her fashion choices. This narrative element reinforces the musical’s themes of acceptance and looking beyond the surface.
Still, for viewers who cherish the stage version’s intensity, the cardigan acts as a narrative speed bump. That original scene builds with relentless, electric tension between the two characters. Here, the cumbersome sweater visually and symbolically dampens that spark. The film still delivers a tender, romantic sequence complete with passionate kisses and a brief, suggestive shot of the couple under blankets, which elicited audible reactions from theater audiences. Yet the initial choice of outfit unavoidably softens the scene’s overall impact.
Admittedly, this complaint may resonate more with ardent fans of the original musical than with the broader family audience the film attracts. Many viewers might find the sweater perfectly sensible for a drafty treehouse dwelling. They may even appreciate its alignment with Elphaba’s character. But for those who hold the stage version’s “As Long As You’re Mine” as a benchmark of theatrical romance, the cardigan represents a missed opportunity for unfiltered passion. The journey still reaches its emotional destination, but the route feels noticeably less thrilling. On a practical note, the sweater’s distinctive style has apparently piqued the interest of some viewers, suggesting its design might find appreciation in a completely different context.
(Source: The Cut)
