“Matilda, Roald Dahl: The Musical”, review: A true adaptation of a classic with many true

Considering the tradition of Matilda there may not be many ways in the movies to cover this story. Although the production was not a box office success, it seems that over time it has positioned itself as movie about which almost everyone knows or has heard mention of them. Since then, Netflix has come up with an adaptation that pays homage to Roald Dahl, the author of the literary work that inspired the film released in 1996. Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musicala satisfactory representation of a work infected with adaptation Royal Shakespeare Companyand also from part of the narrative universe.

It seems impossible to cover the entire work of the author in a production of less than two hours; it’s okay that’s it. But it is likely that readers of Roald Dahl and those who do not know how to find nods to his work. The one that in the movie has been seen in other productions such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory D James and the Giant Peachamong several other adaptations.

Like good literature, in the case of Roald Dahl, his stories can resonate across generations. The adaptations of his films reflect a universe in which children experience many doubts, and adults in some cases are presented as figures with a strong character, hiding a deep vulnerability at heart.

Parallels Matilda,
Roald Dahl: The Musical

Its title already has meaning compared to the 1996 adaptation. This distinction helps to get the job done. Netflix doesn’t look like a copy. There are quite a few close links though. One of the most obvious is that Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical we see again Agatha Trunchbullinterpreted Emma Thompson.

The actress is strong and intimidating. Your choice and the work of the makeup department will be a success in every way. The actress manages to remember her predecessor, which is important when you think about it. Pam Ferris It can be seen as a nightmare for hundreds of children as a result of the interpretation offered in this adaptation.

In this, Emma Thompson finds a great ally in wardrobe and make-up. The clothes are reminiscent of the last production, and all the fiction brings the face of the actress closer to the face of another. To the extent that there are shots where it seems that they can be confused. It serves as a vehicle for describing the background of the work.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical try updating this adaptation. It is somewhere between creating your own version and not contradicting the standard already set in the minds of many people. On this occasion, the weight of the parents of the main character played by Alisha Weir, not as marked as in the first one. But he still has a key influence, right? Meanwhile, Agatha Trunchbull is steadily rising thanks to a Netflix movie.

History update

Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical wants to be a more representative work than its predecessor, especially in a racial aspect. A solution for the times. Its development through the musical genre is also taking place. While the references and influences are obvious, another value can be offered through this narrative medium in relation to the work.

Photo by Dan Smith/Netflix © 2022

At this point, it’s normal to imagine an argument about which is better. But that’s not the point, it’s about how each adaptation can recreate part of Roald Dahl’s narrative universe. There are differences between one work and another, revealing some layers of characters. That is why the author is a British classic. His work is open to multiple readings. They, taken in the cinema, allow children and adults to see the world in the format of a large screen or streaming.

This musical contributes to this quest by paying homage to the iconic film adaptation and inviting generations to come closer to the work of a key writer in contemporary literature.

The film will be available on Netflix from December 25th..