I absolutely devoured Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a child, figuratively speaking, of course (though with the vivid description of every type of candy conceivable-and inconceiveable-to man, its a wonder I didn't). And if I am honest with myself, I still do enjoy picking up the book occasionally. Therefore,I eagerly anticipated the release of the latest screen adaptation of the book, this time helmed by Tim Burton. The verdict - I LOVED IT!!
So many filmmakers try to better the original stories (think Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Lord of the Rings). Why try to fix something that isn't broken to begin with? In fact, why try to tinker with something when it is causing waves just the way it is?
That's exactly why I loved Burton's version of the story. He told the story just as Roald Dahl did (the parts he did tell at least). Fom the pink boiled sweet boat to the characteristic speeches of Willy Wonka to every one of the satirical songs, he stuck to the book as far as it took him. However, as I read the book, much as loved Willy Wonka's queer ways, they seemed unjustified. And this is where Burton took over. Adding the bit about Wonka's past gave meaning to his eccentricities as well as including Burton's characteristic edge to the movie.
As far as I'm concerned,Tim Burton did as all other directors of remakes should do, he took the story as far as it took him and then filled in whatever gaps he saw fit to. That aside, Johnny Depp was marvellous as Willy Wonka and Freddy Highmore shone as Charlie Bucket but I think the Oompa Loompas stole the show. All in all, I came away with a toothache from merely looking at all the sweets but strangely, and thankfully, without the syrupy feeling that follows all feel good movies.