Matilda the musical is a beautifully portrayed film about a young girl who buries herself in learning and literature to escape her dreadful life of neglectful parents and abusive school headteacher. The Film “Matilda the Musical” is (unlike the 1996 version of the story) is not entirely based off the original book by roald dahl, but rather is based of the stage performance, often seen on broadway and the west end. Therefore the film is filled with fun music, bright colours and Incredible choreography from the (majority children) cast.
Because the film was based of the music, the plot of the film is not very plausible, mostly because the stage production was based off roald dahl’s fictional book, made for children. Instead of this being seen as a burden or a constraint. The Film producers utilise this and go out of their way to portray the film through the eyes of a child, transferring the audience’s point of view into that of a child. The plot of the film, involves Matilda, a small girl who studies and reads so much information that she gains the superpower of telekinesis. She then uses this power to help rebel against her schools evil headteacher who makes entertainment out of harming and abusive small children. Matilda uses both her intelligence and new found powers to help her get out of trouble as well as helping those in need. The films ends with Miss honey (her teacher, one of the only adult figures in the story who treats her with respect) adopting matilda, saving her from her abusive parents, with the evil headmaster leaving the school out of fear of matildas super powers.
The music used in this film are the same songs that are performed on stage at the broadway and west end productions. These songs go in-detail on what it’s’ like being a kid, including but not limited to, how “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty,” what they want “When i grow up” and how school is like a prison. This exagerated view on childhood is a very enjoyable experience as it reminds the audience how it feels to be a child. This is also betrayed through the various uses of cinematography techniques, that demonstrate perfectly how a child perceives the world. This includes frequent extreme close ups, high angle shots to how weak the children feel in comparison to the headteacher (trunchbull), who in comparison is often shown from a low angle to emphasise her power over the children. Wide angle shots are also used around Matilda when she is performing a monologue or showing her powers. I found that this accurately represents how a child would imagine themselves if they were addressing an audience, as they would want to be seen and heard, A common theme that is conveyed through the film and how important it is to talk and listen to children and taking their thoughts and feelings seriously.
Though, I very much enjoyed this film, when given the choice to watch this film or another musical, I would choose a film like Les miserable or The Greatest Showman. Though they are very similar in choreography and song style, many musicals are portrayed having a darker theme, or display a better journey of character development, However I don’t think such a criticism is fair considering that Matilda the Musical is aimed at a much younger audience. Therefore, for what is it, in addition to the constraints that the film producers had, the film is done incredibly well.
Overall I would say that the film as a whole is a very well done family film, as it relates enough to younger audiences yet is also appealing to older audiences with deeper and implied themes. The music can be enjoyed by all ages as its very upbeat and the type of songs and musics which one could easily dance and sing along to. The method of storytelling also also done phenomenally, and keeps the audience engaged throughout the 2 hour long duration of the film. Overall I would give the film an 8.5/10.
By Michael Velykorodnyy
BFI Film Academy