ScreenOrigami
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The Wiz is an underappreciated gem in MJ’s body of work, in my opinion. 19 years old, for the first time away from home on his own, Michael had the time of his life in the Big Apple, playing the Scarecrow in this Black adaptation of the Wizard of Oz at the side of Diana Ross, starring as Dorothy.
Just like in the classic movie, Dorothy gets lost in a snowstorm and finds herself in the surreal world of Oz where she befriends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion. They set out to meet the Wizard, hoping he might be able to get them a brain, a heart, and courage, respectively, and help Dorothy get back home.
Here are a few clips from Dorothy’s first encounter with the Scarecrow. It’s not the complete scene, but it gives you a first impression of Michael’s acting. Notice the deep notes he hits at the end of the first song, and check out the control over his movements while the Scarecrow learns to walk and dance. Also, the spins in those shoes!
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Following the Yellow Brick Road, they make their way through the land of Oz, which is in large parts shot on location in New York. The production notes from the original brochure reveal where each scene was filmed.
The surreal sightseeing tour also makes a stop at the subway station where a couple of years later the short film for “Bad” was shot, and as you can see, the friends run into trouble here.
I don’t want to give away too much, just watch it for yourself. As you follow the friends on their adventure, notice how MJ alternates between confidence and self-consciousness, and how he expresses this through his movement.
The Wiz is available on many streaming platforms, and of course on DVD/Blu-Ray.
If you have watched it, tell us what you think!