'Wicked' Director & Cinematographer Break Down the 'Dancing Through Life' Scene | Vanity Fair

'Wicked' director Jon M. Chu breaks down Jonathan Bailey's 'Dancing Through Life' scene alongside cinematographer Alice Brooks. Jon provides an elaborate explanation of the specific color plays throughout the scene, building in windows in the "tornado wheel" to get the perfect lighting, careful coordination to find the right timing with all of Jonathan's tricks and so much more.
WICKED is in theaters now, www.wickedmovi...
Director: Funmi Sunmonu
Editor: Philip Anderson; Matthew Colby
Talent: Jon M. Chu and Alice Brooks
Coordinating Producer: Emebeit Beyene and Sydney Malone
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Associate Director, Talent : Meredith Judkins
Production Assistant: Lily Starck
Post Production Supervisor: Christian Olguin
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
Special Thanks: Glass Engine
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[@brandonhyde6985]

I was a dancer for this movie, and oh wow, it was incredible. We were taken great care of, love u Jon! xox

[@ohgraciej99]

INCREDIBLE job!!! Saw the film last night and the dancers were amazing! 💚🩷

[@VTTVpsycho]

That’s so cool! You guys were incredible!

[@shannonstevens8293]

That’s amazing ❤

[@jamiegdubois]

Quite literally all of the dancers were amazing and you all did a phenomenal job! Thanks for sharing! 😊 I can’t wait to see the movie again, especially this sequence (I’ll look out for your name in the credits 😉)

[@abbybranch580]

Loved the movie, especially this scene. Were you apart of the wheel dancing?

[@polkadotsci]

I know everything is streaming now, but I NEED a full director's commentary. Bring back DVD bonus features!

[@alexandriasharpe9116]

I havent wanted a DVD in a LONG time! I need one for this movie

[@giggles7179]

Honey, have you not seen the amount of content they've poured out over the past couple of weeks to build anticipation? I'd love a commentary track as well, but there's more supplemental/behind-the-scenes online than even a Criterion Collection release could boast.

[@AuthorZaraHoffman]

YES

[@moonbabemarie]

I’m convinced this DVD is going to set some record numbers

[@saintsalieri]

Streaming quality is also terrible, everyone should be getting into 4k UHD at this point.

[@johnshoemakerpbc]

Jonny Bailey is the sleeper hit of this show. We knew the girls were gonna rock it but they kept Jonny in their back pocket. He was incredible.

[@jamiegdubois]

Completely agree! He was absolutely fantastic!

[@MichMeister16]

Agree! Though, he's really PHENOMENAL in the FELLOW TRAVELERS limited series (I say this 'cause everyone talks about BRIDGERTON, but I loved him in FT & CRASHING). He's EXCEPTIONAL!

[@jamiegdubois]

@@MichMeister16 omg, I adore Crashing! I still wish they’d made another series 😢

[@piadox]

The entire cast is just perfect.

[@nikkidesu9236]

@@MichMeister16 he just nails everything he's in. I started following his career when Final Fantasy XIV Shadowbringers came out, and he made me sob. He truly knows how to bring life to his characters.

[@brianng8350]

Love how Jon is complimenting everyone involved and reminding everyone this is a group effort. Very humble.

[@MasterTrizzle]

That’s not being humble, that’s being a director

[@jaimieliu5706]

That’s being a humble director

[@kelownatechkid]

Thank you for convincing the studio to invest in these practical sets. The tornado/wheel sequence in the library is also one of the best in 3D, it's absolutely mesmerizing

[@alejandraporras3286]

now i need a breakdown like this for the whole movie pleaaaaseee

[@toffermyc1999]

Loved that they fought for the physical sets to be made for this movie. At some point it’s tiring to see recent movies be dominated with CGI at every scene. Wicked is gonna be phenomenal I just know it 💘💚

[@manuelorozco7760]

And the movie turned out a little better than I thought it would

[@2b16p]

The physical sets and CGI were so seamless too

[@jeanczarinalandicho1567]

Petition for scene breakdowns for Popular and What is This Feeling!!!!! Every scene is very well executed!!

[@tionak]

YES!!!!

[@kaylabeshears6485]

Yes, please! I couldn't agree more.

[@danielleestep3397]

And defying gravity

[@tpak07]

Pleeeease

[@amymarks6615]

I genuinely thought the flip was a cut it’s incredible it wasn’t.

[@carolineh8713]

I'm a librarian: the part where Jonny Bailey casually yeets that first book over his shoulder? I GASPED. Watched the entire rest of the scene through my fingers! 😂

[@kristaolsen6236]

I’m not a librarian, but I was dying inside!

[@willem9538]

If only he had a brain!

[@rosepratiwi6532]

Dancing through life scene is AMAZING. All of them, especially the choreography, it's out of this world. Jonathan Bailey is really the prince of Dancing Through Life

[@JasonPerryman]

Thanks for clarifying that the shot of the dancer jumping and flipping with the camera pointing upwards was a 100% real and uncut dance move and shot. That was the shot that really got me in this scene.

[@apapaputrh]

movie of the year already

[@kyliejohnson730]

It’s November??

[@yourejustjellis]

wrong

[@manuelorozco7760]

Mine too tied with Transformers One

[@cait.tama1]

All I could think of watching this scene was how difficult it must have been to time every part of it perfectly because it all felt like one continuous choreo. SO beautifully done.

[@icewitchx8279]

they better win an oscar for this choreo alone!!!

[@VirginiaVogel-x4w]

This scene brought TEARS to my eyes. Just an unbelievable feat of genius artistic collaboration.

[@tessayanco3974]

The physical sets lent so much magic and authenticity to understanding and enjoying this world! Thank you for pushing and taking the risk - it was spectacular to experience as a viewer!

[@beckmannm]

Love how they keep talking about how unbelievably charming Johnathan Bailey is, because that was my only thought as soon as Fiyero showed up! He's just oozing charisma!!

[@MsMockingjay07]

I look forward to John's long and illustrious career of grand-scale, fun, thoughtful, and colourful rom-coms and musicals.

[@Erasureeraser]

Jon M. Chu and Alice Brooks when they made In The Heights : *A faithful and energetic musical movie* Chu and Brooks when they made Wicked : *"Wanna see us doing it again??"*

[@manuelorozco7760]

I enjoyed In The Heights. But Wicked is even better

[@nissan_skyline]

Oh wow I didn't know she worked with him on In the Heights.

[@Phelie315]

I will watch them do this over and over and over if I can

[@stingray1740]

Everything about this film is great at capturing the magic of theatre and bringing it to the screen. So many times I’ve seen musicals fail on screen, because the beauty of theatre is so difficult to replicate. They totally nailed it, and it shows, the energy, the sets, the dancing, the vocals. Stunning 💚🩷

[@b.c.eckhoff3495]

That was probably the standout sequence in the movie for me. It was really cool.

[@laurenbierman548]

I love the attention to detail, the willingness to take chances and the choice to keep things more practical and real so they could riff and find those great moments! Can’t wait to see this!

[@lindas3657]

This is a director who clearly LOVES creating movies. His passion is infectious!

[@julieb3432]

Watched an early screening and it was magnificent. Alice deserves all the awards!!!

[@manuelorozco7760]

I wish the cinematography had a bit more color. But she knows how to create lyrical images. Just a minor glitch in a beautiful movie

[@biancalubbers6461]

So refreshing to see a lady cinematographer

[@AlexTriesDoes]

I love Jon Chu and watching the movie was magical but then hear him talk about it is so amazing! Hope he wins director of the year!

[@MC-po3pg]

The sequence in the wheel was so insane that i thought there was no way it could all be practical. This is so impressive!

[@ingirlworldyt]

Wicked completely set the bar for what it means to create a “live action movie”. Disney should takes notes! 💚💖

[@ralelunar]

I love that the Steadycam operator went to choreo rehearsals 😆 That really does show dedication to the craft

[@abbeyBominable123]

8:05 that shot is INSANE 😮

[@user-tryinforlife]

ikrrrr

[@lmg7495]

Ed Scott

[@markchatman2606]

Ive seen this movie twice already and I am completely obsessed by how well done and how they truly took care of the characters. Perfect balance of updating and keeping with the source material. Talent to the high heavens and a production that should win MULTIPLE AWARDS! I cant wait for Pt2

[@beatlemaniac2595]

Jonny Bailey was absolutely amazing 👌

[@nanacheese9135]

It’s a toss up between the scene where Galinda places a pink flower behind Elphaba’s ear and the dance at Oz when Galinda and Elphaba do the slow quiet dance when I felt and saw the authenticity of their friendship and love.Overpowering.Thank you for this gift of joy and love .I don’t know how anyone cannot leave the theatre a changed person.

[@briannakadlecik4304]

Words cannot do justice to how grateful I am that they did so many things practically. Wicked is a stunning movie and a joy to watch!

[@TheCraftofPetra]

The whole time while I was watching the wicked...I was clapping and teary eyed... It was beautiful...

[@Jellybellycat]

Same! The first time I watched, no one clapped and I regretted not doing so. The theater was so quiet after Erivo’s masterpiece of an ending. So every time I’ve seen it since then, I have applauded frantically at the end & each time many people join in!

[@reikoloire]

I actually went to see Wicked for Jonathan Bailey because I became a fan ever since he appeared as a major character in the FF14 game. But I stayed watching the movie because it is amazing! Jonathan hooked me in, and the production gave me more than I expected. I love every minute of it!

[@KathleenHoban]

Need that dancers name! Give him credit for nailing that shot.

[@chellep7463]

He's named in one of the other breakdowns. He's a parkour pro

[@lmg7495]

Ed Scott at 8:04

[@teoelcreador]

If there’s something that makes me happy it is a director and cinematographer who very clearly love what they’ve created and their whole team :,)

[@rolandherbert7105]

The fact that so much is practical and all the actors and dancers did their own moves and stunts is so impressive

[@chillarypuff]

I cannot stop watching these interviews - the movie was absolutely unbelievable

[@ohgraciej99]

The "tornado wheel" was SO cool

[@jamiegdubois]

This was such a spectacular scene! I can’t wait to see it (and the rest of the movie) again!

[@Sam4G0d]

This is the most amazing breakdown and one of the coolest scenes in film history!

[@tiffany02020]

This scene was crazy fun!

[@ayliedavis9601]

You can really tell these two love and appreciate the original Broadway performance

[@pascalemarchand5205]

Can we get a video like this for like 10 other scenes of the movie??? 😍😍

[@charbeann]

smiled through this ENTIRE sequence-- i fear i will never shut up about it

[@greeninferno1339]

I love a director who uses the markers every motion

[@clareflattery8720]

I’d watch 8 hours of any behind the scenes stuff

[@princess_tamia_25]

I absolutely need notes a scene for the entire movie!! Love these incredible details!!

[@mari-vp8wn]

the lighting in this scene is so gorgeous and it feels so real. it lets you just get lost in the dancing and singing and it’s PERFECT!

[@jamiegdubois]

Some people in the comments are hating on it but I don’t get it. I’m going to see the movie a second time with my brother and sister in law over over the holidays so maybe I’ll change my mind on second viewing but I thought the lighting felt very authentic and raw.

[@liv2699]

@@jamiegduboisthere are parts where i feel like it’s a little backlit and washes out some of the characters, but i do like how real it feels

[@V_4_Versace]

@@liv2699lol yeah same, maybe my eyes just suck but it was hard to see all the beautiful details they kept talking about because all the details kept getting washed out which is just such a shame considering how beautiful and colorful everything looked irl, it’s so bright that it looked almost dull and one color at times ☹️ especially characters like Ari in her pale pinks and blonde hair, like she straight up blended into the sets and we lost all movement and facial expressions, which is a real shame

[@darthpeanutbutter]

Love how much thought and effort was put into every single thing on this movie. Can’t wait to see it!

[@KlaraBreznik-jm9pj]

This movie made me love life. I allready saw it twice, and i plan to go watch it for a third time soon.

[@cristina.martnz8450]

I need a 3h documentary about all the behind the scenes!!!

[@laurenkang4275]

12:12 "that's a lot of babies" lmfaoooooooo she was so honest fr tho how was he able to manage to do that while in the middle of doing a big project christ hope baby momma is still getting all the support she needs

[@danjon8799]

I will say this - as a massive fan of the musical I've often liked Dancing Through Life but this exceeded the stage show - so exciting and there were moments where I audibly gasped, including very small moments. Wow!

[@VirginiaVogel-x4w]

This scene brought TEARS to my eyes. Loved it so much.

[@danieloconnor3490]

Please give john m chu Oscar

[@jerloe]

12:12 "that's a lot of babies" IJBOL

[@V_4_Versace]

Lol no really like get off of her! 3 babies in 3 years?! 5 overall?! Give her a break!

[@marlataylor]

This director is incredible!!!!!!!

[@jefuryo]

THANK YOU JOHN CHU!!!

[@hardcandy9880]

I think they just loved using the markers even when not necessary haha. Makes me wanna doodle on the scenes lol.

[@Jellybellycat]

Now we need a city by city Wicked tour with this cast performing!

[@sherhdt]

Jonathan Bailey was amazing in this movie

[@bellehogel8665]

Just saw this movie today. Great choreography and cinematograpghy. Was fun to watch and could tell it was fun to film.

[@ShaundaLeer]

Whoever edited this and did the freeze frame at 0:56 ...you're an absolute hero.

[@thecrystalsituation]

WHO is the dancer that does the incredible flip everyone talks about in all these videos? Can we give him some credit already?

[@lmg7495]

Ed Scott

[@hardcandy9880]

Jonathan's dancing is a throwback to the scarecrow's dance in the original film. Like he has no bones because he's made of hay.

[@renjoSounds]

This is such a wonder! I’d love for them to break the entire film down this way!

[@emmaswartz4549]

This is my favorite scene since La La Land. I can't wait to buy the movie so I can watch it over and over again.

[@krys1075]

I LOVED the moving barrel choreography. So intricately well made. Such an awesome scene, it reminded me of the movie inception.

[@Mr.Magic4ever]

Such a fantastic film. I can't wait to go see it again, and I just saw it last night. Truly incredible!!!!

[@dianastella]

We need to mention how amazing was to have diversity between the dancers ❤

[@fortyonewinks]

you guys did a fantastic job. congratulations

[@officialblimp]

2:44 this scene was so mesmerizing to see in theaters, like WOW. I was like play it again!!!

[@defense360]

Fav scene in the whole movie

[@danielaguerrero788]

I knew that Will West was in this scene!! So glad to confirm it

[@checreates]

He is???

[@danielaguerrero788]

@@checreates yes! Check at 2:50, he’s pushed by Jonathan Bailey

[@chioma916]

yes me too! was so happy to see his name in the credits

[@checreates]

@@danielaguerrero788 omgggg. Makes sense, as Will was also in an Ariana Grande music vid 😍 So glad he's in this!!

[@spammusubi1607]

The camera operator was incredible

[@TheLegendaryMovieCritic]

Jonathan Bailey nailed Dancing Through Life as Fiyero!

[@TheCraftofPetra]

really loved that scene in the library!

[@conypaintt]

I NEED MORE VIDEOS LIKE THIS ❤

[@samminicksm]

Jon having 3 kids throughout wicked 1 is so funny. Man’s wife was pulling heavy weight too 😂

[@lanadvorak9137]

11:50 - anyone know “that guys” name???????

[@Splurge24]

If these two (and all the creative heads) don’t win academy awards, then we are truly living in the bad place

[@langeburger]

Everyone in the world is charmed by Jonathan Bailey!

[@maicon.93]

MOVIE OF THE YEAR!!!

[@MasterBlaster27]

Please break down the whole movie 🎉

[@surrealexia]

Genius worth every penny this was visually epic

[@JROTCBALL]

Wish the colors and lighting wasn’t so muted! My only complaint with this film😊

[@valeriew1552]

12:50 Not Jon Chu throwing out epic life advice on top of being a brilliant director!

[@413213214]

"Hard things aren't a bad thing" 🥺

[@courtney-ray]

“I’ve been through…I’ve been through“ “The only way out is through”

[@ysabellapinheiro3282]

this is amazinggggg

[@bryceadambrown]

I adore these videos!!!!! and for wicked?!? oh im sat.

[@AROD617]

to make you feel like your part of the movie with a smile.. bravo Jon.. Oscar time

[@spammusubi1607]

Wow so so detailed

[@manuelorozco7760]

I saw the movie yesterday! It was a little above what I expected. The most beautiful movie musical I’ve seen since The Greatest Showman! I always loved Dancing Through Life. But I love the Tornado Wheel.

[@MichMeister16]

BRAVO to WICKED!!!💯💓💖❤🤍

[@DA-te5be]

I'm most curious about how time management works on these projects. Like how do you know how long it would take to build and test that massive spinning wheel?!