Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - 14 Years On

I think I can honestly say the last Tim Burton film I enjoyed was Big Fish, which was two years before his CatCF. For me at least, his ‘look at me I’m quirky—but dark quirky!!’ schtick/persona/however-you’d-like-to-describe-it completely wore out its welcome just this side of the 90s.

I’ll label myself a little bit odd here: I love Gene Wilder, and I love the original book, but I never really fell in love with that version of the film. I’d watch it without complaint if someone had it on or if it was on during a school trip or whatever, but given the chance I’d change the channel right past it, and make no active effort to see it.

That said, I think the Gene Wilder version is a freaking masterpiece compared to the Burton one. You know how sometimes you get a feeling where you know something is wrong but for the life of you, you can’t figure out why? That was how I felt about damn near everything about the Burton version.

I do wonder sometimes, though. I haven’t seen the movie since it was in theatres nearly 15 years ago. All these years later, I wonder whether I’d actually enjoy it? I wonder this a lot about movies I originally didn’t like, but haven’t seen in many years. I find myself wondering if 30something me will see something in it that 20-year-old me didn’t.

Hello again.

Film versions of much loved books are always tricky. The two versions of Charlie are complimentary. I personally prefer the Gene Wilder version simply because I think his version, slightly sinister, unpredictable but charming is the better interpretation of the character.

The Wilder version is a musical version of the story which Dahl himself didn't like. I think Burton's version is closer to the book. The songs use Roald Dahl's original words. Burton's Willy Wonka is very odd. Impish and at times like a lost boy.

My children like both, the real star of the Burtin remake is Deep Roy who plays the entire tribe of Oompa-Loompas!

I far prefer Gene Wilder's version. Not only does it have the more entertaining Wonka by far, it has the better Charlie. The reboot Charlie is just sort of there, a flawless little angle who wins by default while everyone else gets sent to heir custom-made hell. He coasts through the movie like he already knows how its going to end.

Whereas 70s Charlie is given his own temptation to overcome (The Fizzy Lifting Drinks), which he succumbs to. But then he gets himself out of trouble and makes out good by coming clean about the other temptation that Wonka waved in front of everyone's nose (The Gobstopper).

Depp's Wonka is looking for someone who will obey his every whim because This Is The Way I want Things Done, not far off from how his father treated him. He initially brushed Charlie away when it's clear he won't blindly comply. Wilder's Wonka is looking for a good-hearted person, and creates for his successor the opportunity to prove who truly is. 70s Charlie thereby has a character arc that Reboot Charlie never does, and is more engaging to watch for it.

I might grudgingly give Better Songs to the remake, tho. But, here again we see what the different jodrellas' different agendas. Depp's Oompaloompa songs are directed at the contestant who just failed, directly mocking them for their vices. Wilder's Oompaloompas are singing to the kids and guardians that are left. ("I've got another puzzle for you-hoo-hoo-hoo!") Imparting last-minute advice not to be an a-hole before its too late, perhaps?

I can still remember where I was when watching he original. Mid 80's I was around 12 and at my grandmother's house.. I was watching tv then it suddenly started.Was glued to the tv till the end.

Had enjoyed Tim Burton's other films so was excited to see what he did with this. The visuals were great and was enjoying it until Depp appeared. Found his take on Wonka really annoying so switched it off.