Excellent adaptation of the book!

Rating: 8/10 (16 July 2005)

Having never seen the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory I could enjoy it for what it is, an excellent adaptation of R. Dahl's book (which I have read!). The movie is a visual feast for the eyes. There are also some sly nods to other films like Space 2001, Psycho and Burton's Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands, etc. that made me grin. Like many of Burton's movies one needs to see it more than once to appreciate all the little details. It's twisted, askew and dark in some ways, (as the book is) yet delivers the message of what is and isn't truly important in life.
I also like that Elfman took Dahl's lyrics from the book and set them to music, I just wish it had been a little easier to make out what was being sung. Perhaps the problem was that the sound was too loud in the theater I saw it at.
I didn't see the Michael Jackson connection at all. In looks Willy reminded me far more of 60's pop stars than MJ. His voice also does recall those of children's' game show hosts from the 60's. Wonka is, to all intents and purposes, stuck in a time warp of his own making. Depp portrays Willy as a creative, brilliant inventor, who due to his upbringing and to living like a recluse for 15 years or so, is socially unskilled and awkward with adults and children alike. He doesn't like to touch or be touched and doesn't know how to relate to people or the world outside his factory. As usual Depp totally disappears in the role and becomes Mr. Wonka. Freddie Highmore again was excellent, and I've been a fan of David Kelly since the marvelous comedy "Waking Ned Devine." Deep Roy also was good. All in all CATCF is a very satisfying time at the movies. I rate it in the 8.5 to 9 range.