Theatrical Adaptation

The Wiz

I feel as though Diana Ross was the incorrect choice for the role of Dorothy for the following reasons: a) her total inability to act b) she was far too old for the part c) her body structure lent itself more to the role of the scarecrow ( which I would not suggest either due to the fact that Michael Jackson was excellent in the role). Other actress of the period could have fit the role perfectly, Pam Grier for instance is a much better actress ( Jackie Brown) although I don't know how well she would have sung, or perhaps the original broadway actress. However due to her popularity she was cast. Hell, Michael Jackson would have done a better job as Dorothy. Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz (book and film) is a much stronger character in terms of not being afraid all the time, there is the feeling of safety where ever she may be.
Now this may be because of the difference of the material between the Wiz and the the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, of which there are many, seeing as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz was ment as a children's book, whereas, in a lot of ways the Wiz is more of a social commentary. Which actually lends itself to more camp than the WWO in that the ideas have to be more broadly expressed on the screen including-the taxi's and the inability of any black people to get them.
But back to Dorothy, in connection with the socio-economic situation in OZ. It's seems the Wiz's view of Oz in and of itself is a social commentary. Because of the similarities of Oz to New York, there is no real fantasy land, and in a lot of instances it seem the fantasy land is more dangerous than reality. This seems to show that for a young black woman there is no safe place, even in a fairy tale land and the only way to survive is to be sure of yourself. which is explained at the end of the film, but it strikes me as odd that Dorothy is not portayed as strong due to the presence of the Women's right movement. But then it hits me, after all these challenges, she becomes strong which actually shows the struggle for sufferage and women's rights.
The Material was not perfect but the general message got through and think it was an important commentary, but I still think Michael Jackson would have been a better Dorothy.

posted by IPDB @ 3:15 PM