I have never read the book, although I should make the effort. I love the first interpretation with Gene Wilder. I am a big fan of Tim Burton's films, including Mars Attacks and Planet of the Apes. I am a big fan of Johnny Depp, and I am glad to see him finally getting some real attention. I like the idea of this fantasy story as a cautionary horror film for the youth of the world with Willy Wonka as the ringleader, offering temptation to the youth, much like a devil would (does?). That brings us to what did I think of this interpretation of the material. In short, it is fantastic.
Tim Burton's films, more often than not, have a rather antiseptic feel to them, and this is no different. But it works. I could take up the rest of this review comparing it to the earlier film, there are numerous convergences and divergences in visual style and plot points, but to do that really doesn't do either film any justice. Each film stands on its own.
The story is easy enough to follow. Willy Wonka hides 5 golden tickets in his candy bars which will grant access to his factory to those lucky enough to find one. We then watch as the first four are found. The first is found by the gluttonous Augustus Gloop, the second by the spoiled Veruca Salt, then the ultra-competitive Violet Beauregarde, and finally television addict Mike Teavee. Charlie Bucket is the last kid to discover his ticket.
The fateful day comes and the kids enter the factory, led on a twisted journey by the inimitable Johnny Depp, who brings his own take to the role.
I realize that there have been wildly mixed takes on this film, and in particular Depp's performance. I have none of those mixed feelings in me. I loved it. Johnny Depp's variety wasn't quite as menacing as I would have liked, but instead he brings forth this bizarre man-child who has some daddy issues and never really had an other relationships with kids. Thus, he pushes away from what he doesn't understand, choosing to live in his realm of candy making and Oompa Loompa's. The one liner delivery, the facial expressions, it was great, so wonderfully strange. He played off the kids well, offering his tempting treats.
The children are are perfectly cast playing their one note characters. None of them are terribly deep, but that is not what they are there for. That is except for Charlie, played with sweetness by Freddie Highmore, delivering another fine performance following up last years Finding Neverland.
Next up I must go through a few more stars of the film. First up is Danny Elfman, I have always been a fan of his work, and this is no different, the music is quirky odd and fitting. More than that is the music and signing that he does for the Oompa Loompa songs. Elfman provides all of the singing voices, and they are fantastic. This leads me right into the next star, Deep Roy, who plays all of the Oompa Loompas, and his choreography with himself is great, crazy dance moves, synchronized swimming, you name it. Then there are the sets themselves, there is the candy meadow, and the inventing room, and all of the other strange sights strewn throughout.
Many have said that this is more true to the book than the prior interpretation, I cannot attest to that one way or the other. Each film has brought it's own additions to the table. The biggest addition in this version would have to be the backstory for Wonka himself. We get a number of flashbacks to his childhood and his less than stellar interactions with his father, played by the imposing Christopher Lee. It may have been unnecessary for the heart of the story, but I do like the depth that it offers our star attraction.
I have to say it, Burton and Depp are gold together. They make a great pair bringing this cautionary tale to life. I've seen it twice, and it was even better the second time. I must recommend that you get out there and see it.
Highly Recommended.
Also at Blogcritics.
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