Considering the tradition of Matilda in the cinema, there may not be many ways to cover that story. Although the production was not a box office success, the feeling is that over time it has positioned itself as a film about which almost anyone knows or has heard a reference to. Starting from this point, Netflix has come up with an adaptation that pays various tributes to Roald Dahl, the author of the literary work that inspired the film released in 1996. The result is Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musicala satisfactory representation of a piece, infected by the adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Companyand also from a part of a narrative universe.
Addressing the entire work of an author in a production of less than two hours seems impossible; it is normal that it is. But it is likely that Roald Dahl readers and those who are not know how to find nods to his work. The one that in the cinema has been seen in other productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Y James and the Giant Peachamong several other adaptations.
Like good literature in the case of Roald Dahl their stories can resonate with different generations. The adaptations of his films reflect a universe in which children go through multiple doubts and adults, in some cases, are presented as figures with a strong character that hides, deep down, a deep vulnerability.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical
It is a review of the iconic work of Roald Dahl. The adaptation has many parallels with the first film. Although that was not a box office success, it is a pop reference that has entered different generations. A sort of paradox: although it did not fill movie theaters, it is from time to time in the homes of not a few people. This version of Netflix sticks to various aspects, based on the literary work, and a twist is allowed by presenting it as a musical.
The parallels of Matilda,
Roald Dahl: The Musical
Its title already makes a difference in relation to the 1996 adaptation. That difference helps make the work of Netflix doesn’t look like a carbon copy. Although there are quite a few close references. One of the most obvious is that Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical we see again Agatha Trunchbullinterpreted by Emma Thompson.
The actress gives a strong and intimidating performance. The choice of her and the work of the makeup department are a success in every possible way. The actress manages to evoke her predecessor, something that is not a minor thing when she thinks that Pam Ferris It can be seen as the nightmare of hundreds of children as a result of the interpretation it offered in that adaptation.
In this, Emma Thompson finds a great ally in the wardrobe and makeup. The clothes are reminiscent of the past production and all the artifice brings the face of the actress closer to that of the other. To such an extent that there are frames in which it seems that they can be confused. She serves as a vehicle to describe the background of the work.
Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical try to refresh that adaptation. It is halfway between making a very own version and not contradicting the reference already installed in the imagination of many people. On this occasion, the weight of the parents of the protagonist, played by Alisha Weir, is not as marked as in the first. But he still has a key influence, right? Meanwhile, Agatha Trunchbul grows steadily through the Netflix movie.
The story update
Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical wants to be a more representative work than its predecessor, especially in the racial aspect. A decision consistent with the times. Its development, through the musical genre, is also. Although the references and influences are evident, through this narrative medium it is possible to offer a different value in relation to the work.
!['Matilda, from Roald Dahl: The Musical', review: correct adaptation Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, reviews Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. (L to R) Winter Jarrett-Glasspool as Amanda Thripp, Ashton Robertson as Nigel, Alisha Weir as Matilda, Rei Yamauchi Fulker as Lavender, Andrei Shen as Eric in Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical. Cr. Dan Smith/Netflix © 2022](https://i0.wp.com/imgs.hipertextual.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Matilda-de-Roald-Dahl-El-musical-critica-1500x843.jpg?resize=780%2C438&quality=60&strip=all&ssl=1)
At this point, it is normal to imagine a debate between which is better. But it’s not about that, it’s about how each adaptation can recreate a part of Roald Dahl’s narrative universe. Between one piece and another there are differences that reveal some layers of the characters. That is why the author is a British classic. His work enables multiple readings. These taken to the cinema, bring a way of seeing the world for children and adults, in big screen format or streaming.
This musical contributes to that search, paying homage to an iconic film adaptation and inviting other generations to get closer to the work of a key writer in contemporary literature.
The film will be available on Netflix from December 25.