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Tim Burton’s latest is always something to look out for. This year we are extra spoiled, as two Tim Burton releases will make the big screen. Later this year Burton’s co-directed Corpse Bride will hit theatres, his second stop-motion animation feature after A Nightmare Before Christmas. But first you’ll have the pleasure of stopping by at Willy Wonka’s factory in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the fifth Burton-Depp collaboration.
I must admit I was a bit annoyed by the psychedelic cotton candy, gumball look that was presented in the promotional material. The only thing that kept my hopes (high) was Burton being on the directing chair. I was also a bit worried that this was going to be yet another of Johnny Depp’s attempts at being funny and eccentric which, to me, started to become somewhat of a habit (note: Sleepy Hollow, Pirates of the Carribean and From Hell). Boy was I wrong. I can’t imagine having had such a laugh in a very long time. This film is absolutely kitsch, but I absolutely loved, loved, loved it.
The story is based on Roald Dahl’s novel, and I refuse to see this film as a remake of the 1971 Gene Wilder version, that was officially called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Not having read the book myself, I was assured that Tim Burton’s 2005 film is much more faithful to the book about a boy who wins a sightseeing tour at the famous Willy Wonka factory. The film is wonderfully produced, with lovely performances by Freddie Highmore as Charlie (who also co-starred with Depp in Finding Neverland and was suggested to Burton by Depp himself), Helena Bonham Carter as Charlie’s mother and David Kelly as Grandpa Joe.
The first time Depp appears in the film, you know you are in for one big fun experience. In fact, Depp’s performance reminded me a lot of Michael Jackson. Not because of the way he treats children (thank heavens), but more thanks to his obsession with having fun and cherishing childhood. However, it is hard to decide whether to like or dislike Depp’s Wonka because, although his performance is completely harmless, he also appears to be merciless, possibly be due to his naiveté of seeing the danger in things. There is even some character development as we get to see flashbacks of Wonka’s childhood (with Christopher Lee playing his dentist father) and how he found the Oompa Loompas.
Like Dahl’s book, this film is filled with stereotyped kids and other characters, but this only adds to the fun. The introduction of Wonka’s little helpers, the Oompa Loompas, is hilarious and so are the show-stopper songs performed by the exotic midgets, wonderfully scored and sung by Burton’s old-time collaborator, Danny Elfman. Like any good kids film, there’s also a layer that will appeal to the adult viewer as the humor is both verbal and slapstick. This entire production is made with such eye for detail and Burton’s typical jaw-dropping production and set design, that the making of it could only have been sheer fun. It almost makes you forget there must be flaws. And you know what: I am not going to give you any, because it would only ruin the magic. Don’t forget I was inititally very sceptical about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Directed by: Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee, David Kelly, Noah Taylor
Runtime: 115′
Release Dates: US: 15 July, UK: 29 July , The Netherlands: 20 July
Official Website
Arjan Welles (213 posts)Arjan Welles - law graduate. I work at a bank, I work as a film critic for Dutch and English media. My favorite directors are David Lynch, David Fincher, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino. I love arthouse over blockbusters.
11 Comments
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I thought it was good but not great. I saw it on the IMAX screen, so certainly it looked great. The lush scenery just made me want to crawl inside that big candy world.
But its strange that you mention concern that Depp would play it “funny and eccentric” again. I feel like that is exactly the performance we get from him. Not to mention Depp plays Wonka as quite effeminite. After Pirates of the Caribean, Finding Neverland and now this … I get it already. He’s comfortable with his sexuality. As much as I love Johnny Depp, I’d like to see him stretch a little.
The kids in the audience only seemed to laugh when the slapstick humor came on. I couldn’t help wondering if Tim Burton was catering more to the adult audience.
My real complaint, however, was that the movie simply dragged in parts. I also was annoyed with the sentimental edning of reuniting with his father. Ugh.
Comment by marisa — Wed July 13, 2005 @ 14:45Loved the movie! Was pure magic from Depp’s characterization to Burton’s vision. Highmore is one of the best actors going right now. When his big glassy eyes fill up with tears how can you resist the sentiment? The ending was absolutely wonderful. had that Big Fish feel to it.
Comment by Frank — Wed July 13, 2005 @ 20:18I have yet to see this. But I would love to see Tim Burton and Johnny Depp’s vision of Will Wonka.
Comment by Donna A. — Sat July 16, 2005 @ 0:34Absolutely Fantastic Movie!! My husband and I went on opening night and were so entertained. You don’t have to have children to enjoy this enchanting film. Johnny Depp was Great! The effects were Fantastic. The Story was so detailed and much better than the old Gene Wilder Willy Wonka Story. This is a MUST SEE for everyone.
Comment by Terrie — Sun July 17, 2005 @ 7:39And a definite DVD buy at our house. You will leave with a smile on your face and humming some of the Great music.
With all the Bad things going on in the world, Take your whole family to this movie and enjoy the adventure.
You won’t be sorry.
I so LOVED this movie. I like it better the the old version.
Comment by Diana — Fri July 29, 2005 @ 0:29I especially LLLOOOOVEEEDDD JOHNNY DEPP!!!!!!!!!!
I mostly agree with Marisa on this: it was good but not great.
I always loved the Gene Wilder version of this (mostly because I was also a kid back then) and I thought that one to be more fantastic, more adventureous. The Oompa Loompa’s looked better then and the inventions were more fantastic. Depp was great in some parts, with his quaint pesky humour, but the rest of the cast dragged behind him. I also didn’t get Helena Bonham Carter’s role, since she usually opts for the stranger parts.
I also found the story dragging in some bits and those moments were barely saved by the great design. That said, I expected even more of it (this is Burton after all) and it could’ve done with some darker tones, catering more to Dahl’s penchant for darkness and mischief. This was a chance for Burton to go all out, but strangely he restained himself, it feels.
(barely)
Comment by paco — Sun August 14, 2005 @ 16:12I LOVED IT!!! WOOT!!!! JOHNNY IS FABULOUS AND SOOOOO
Comment by lucy — Tue August 30, 2005 @ 16:05FUNNY HE IS THE BEST WOOOOOOOOOOT!!
Hey i love this movie
it was great i loved it so much it is great and i love jonny deep he is so good in it i miss watching it already and i saw it yester day
Comment by Nelly — Sun October 30, 2005 @ 5:21Is it a pre-requisite for fans of Johnny Depp to not be able to spell his name?
Comment by suzero — Sun October 30, 2005 @ 11:41Apparently so
Granted, he’s a great actor, but I prefer Robberd Di Neero or All Pasheeno
Comment by weefselkweekje — Sun October 30, 2005 @ 12:19Johnny was good as Wonka. I thought he resembled Michael Jackson too but sometimes looked uncannily like Faye Dunnaway. Although his Wonka was good and I loved the Oompa Loompa’s I missed something in this film… can’t quite put my finger on it. Also, the added storyline regarding Wonka’s father needn’t have been added in my opinion.
It’s been some 25 years since I read the book, but I vaguely remember something happening to Charlie and/or his grandad in the book and original film (as it did with the other children, but then not as Charlie’s fault)… is that correct? If so, I would have liked to have seen that here too as it would have added an extra layer to Charlie being chosen as chocolate heir.
Comment by suzero — Sun November 27, 2005 @ 20:38