The movie adaptation of the popular stage musical “Matilda the Musical” is now available to stream on Netflix in the US after a limited theatrical release. The film has been a commercial success in the UK, where it has been distributed by Sony Pictures and premiered at the London Film Festival, where it held onto the box office top spot for three consecutive weeks.
In an interview with Simon Thompson of Forbes, songwriter Tim Minchin spoke about the magic of the film adaptation and how it allowed for a new level of intimacy with the characters. He said, “It feels incredibly special. Matilda always feels special to me, but it is the most incredible stroke of luck that I got to be involved, and my sense of pride in Matthew and the whole team for this is overwhelming. I didn’t make this film. I had to have faith in Matthew, which I always do, that he’d deliver it. He did, and the more I watch it, the more incredible it is.”
Minchin also emphasized the hard work and dedication of director Matthew Warchus and writer Dennis Kelly, who were able to effectively adapt the stage version for the screen while staying true to its themes and characters. He commented, “It could go so wrong, especially because it’s a story about two people who had abusive childhoods and found each other. It’s a love story about two people who find each other
One of the standout features of “Matilda the Musical” is its music, which is woven throughout the story and features a number of high-energy, choreographed numbers. Minchin acknowledged the rarity of such elaborate choreography in modern musicals and praised the film for its deeply musical nature. He said, “I can’t think of anything like that other than my brain going back to Oliver. It’s based in music, and there are more songs in the second half than in the first half. It is deeply musical.”
In discussing the visual style of the film, Minchin noted the wide range of influences that can be seen, including 1984 and Brazil, as well as elements reminiscent of early Tim Burton. He said, “When we start with Miracle, we’re seduced into the story by these gurgling babies, primary colors, and sparkly jackets, and it’s such a profoundly eccentric musical number. Miracle is where you’re seduced into a world where rules are broken, and you immediately say, ‘This is a musical,’ and there’s no shame in that.”
Minchin also spoke about his approach to writing the songs for the musical, stating that he tries to include lyrics that speak to adults about the world while also entertaining children. He commented, “I don’t write songs that are meant to be heard the other way, with the exception, I guess, of When I Grow Up. There is an eccentricity and multi-layered thing where the lyrics are constantly saying stuff to adults about the world we live in while entertaining kids, as well as all the playfulness with language.”
The movie version of “Matilda the Musical” has received widespread acclaim for its beautiful visuals, powerful themes, and memorable music. Minchin touched on the emotional impact of the film, saying, “People cry for different reasons. Kids don’t like crying so much, but adults love a cry, and I love writing stuff that makes me cry as I write it.”
Overall, “Matilda the Musical: The Movie” is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that captures the magic and timeless themes of the original stage musical. The stunning visuals, powerful music, and talented cast all come together to create an experience that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Tim Minchin’s comments in the interview give a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of the musical and the dedication of the creative team to bringing this beloved story to the big screen. Whether you are a fan of the stage version or experiencing “Matilda the Musical” for the first time, this film is not to be missed.
