In brief
A personal reflection on the significance of experiencing films that may not initially align with one's tastes, highlighting the communal aspects of cinema.
It’s the “Glicked” weekend, affectionately named for those brave enough to indulge in a double feature of two highly anticipated films that debuted yesterday: Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked,” an adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and Ridley Scott’s much-awaited return to the Colosseum with “Gladiator II,” 24 years after his original masterpiece. While the event may lack the whimsical juxtaposition of 2023’s “Barbenheimer,” the distinguishably unique nature of these films presents yet another tantalizing opportunity for devoted fans to don costumes and immerse themselves in a five-hour cinematic journey.Upon first learning that some moviegoers were planning back-to-back viewings of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” my initial thought was: “That’s fun, but not for me.” Admittedly, neither film presented as particularly appealing at first glance. My preference leans towards independent films rather than blockbusters, and I’m not typically drawn to musicals or action-packed flicks. Despite my professional interest as a cultural analyst, I anticipated watching these films in a detached manner, distanced from the core audience.Understanding the distinction of what is “for you” or “not for you” is vital in the journey of refining one’s taste, allowing individuals to identify and enjoy what resonates with them. A sense of empowerment emerges from such discernment: this is my genre, this is my music, this is my culinary preference—my life defined by informed choices.However, this week, I ventured to view “Wicked.” Though I initially felt disconnected from its essence, I soon grasped its significance and resonance with countless others. My instinct was to categorize it with the familiar phrase, “to each their own!” But I realized there was potential for exploration beyond that—“Wicked” has the makings of a cultural phenomenon, eliciting conversation, debate, and camaraderie among audiences. By simply attending, I inadvertently opened a dialogue with a broader community.The following day at work, I crossed paths with my colleague Louis, who had just penned an article on the intricate costumes of “Wicked.” He affirmed that the film undoubtedly resonated with him, having experienced the stage adaptation multiple times and memorized its soundtrack. Sharing my newfound curiosity about the value of exploring outside established tastes, I discovered that Louis had recently embraced being a “baseball person,” attending five Mets games in one season. Much like my attempt to engage with “Wicked,” Louis had seamlessly woven himself into a new community.This experience emphasizes the importance of being open to what we instinctively dismiss. Perhaps in allowing ourselves to explore the unfamiliar, we can forge connections with others and enrich our understanding of the vast cultural landscape that surrounds us. After all, there’s a whole world beyond the confines of our curated preferences, and embracing it can lead to unexpected joy and connection.
