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| Thursday, July 14, 2005 |
Willy Wonka, meet Michael Jackson
It should be noted up front that author Roald Dahl, famous the world over for his delightfully dark childrens books, was often accused of being an anti-Semite (and and anti-many other things as well). He once said of the Jews, "Even a stinker like Hitler didn't just pick on them for no reason."
Some have pointed to Dahl's screenplay for the film version of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and drawn comparisons between the huge nose and "Orthodox-style clothing and hat" of the Child-Catcher in the film. What a screenwriter adapting somebody else's book has to do with the costume design in a film is beyond me, and I suppose the best response I can come up with to such critics is, "Whatever."
Not that Dahl was a Jew-loving hoot of a guy. He wasn't, and he went to his grave with plenty vile to say about the People of the Book. But his rather repugnant viewpoints on Jews (and women -- we weren't exactly singled out) never found their way into his own writing. And his writing is delicious.
Now we have a second film adaptation of one of his most beloved stories, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," and I can say that it's safe. There's no anti-Semitic canards tucked into the folds of this bit of cinema. Now, with any luck, we can get on to discussing the actual film.
Because there's plenty creepiness and disturbing stuff to discuss. Not that this is a bad film, but it must not be compared to the first and probably shouldn't be held up too harshly to the light of the original book. This is a Tim Burton film. This is Johnny Depp doing the closest thing to a Michael Jackson inspiration (sans the sex parts) I've seen.
Which is to say this film captures the darker tone of the book arguably better than the original film, but in so doing, it loses much of the dazzle and climactic magic of the first film. Sure it takes us into the backstory of Willy Wonka (none of which existed in the books), showing us just how messed up his childhood was -- and just why he's essentially a creepy hermit who shouldn't be let out into society.
But when you plunge down the river of Chocolate on Wonka's boat there should be some pretty frightening sights to behold. When you see the confections of Wonka's factory, there should be a little more unbelievable qualities to the proceedings. This film is all quite pedestrian.
Sure, it looks beautiful. It has Burton's distinct style and tone (sometimes a bit too much of his trademark set designs). Depp is a brilliant actor, and he does get Wonka across as creepy. And more than anything else, it'll be a fun couple of hours at the movies.
But too much has been left out or short changed to make this any more than less of a film than Gene Wilder's and less a telling of the story than the book. No everlasting Gobstoppers for all the kids. No final test for Charlie to prove he's got what it takes. No manipulations on Wonka's part -- he's just looking for the least obnoxious kid. Indeed, he's little more than an overgrown kid himself.
Go see it anyways, but then go and re-watch the original film. And when you're done with all of that, re-read the original book. Those aren't the least bit pedestrian.
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