A work of art

Rating: 9/10 (17 October 2005)

When I first went to the theater to see this film, i was expecting something fun but not very good. I was blown away! I read them book many times as a young child ( I'm twelve now, but considered gifted so don't think I'm just a kid) and really liked it, but was disappointed when we rented the 70's version. The only things I really liked were Gene Wilder, a genius I new from Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstien, and also some of the great one-liners.
This one rocked my socks. Charlie was perfect, the other kids were absolutely despicable, and the visuals were amazing. The oompa loompas were much more faithful to the book and their songs were hilarious if hard to understand. But I listen to Tom Waits (probably the only twelve-year-old girl to do so), so I'm used to that.
Wonka deserves special mentions. Johnny Depp made him a socially awkward, crazy, hilarious freak with deep emotional wounds and some really brilliant dialog. This film added a back story on Willy, which I love. As a child, Willy was held from his dreams by his overprotective dentist father, played by Christopher Lee, an amazingly cool and creepy actor. During the first flashback we see, I was pressed back in my chair in terror.
Willy misunderstands his father's behavior, believing that he hated his son rather than loved him. He therefor assumes that this is the case with all parents. And when he tells Charlie he can't bring his parents to the factory, thinking he's doing the kid a favour, Charlie's well-acted rage shocks and wounds him. This rejection, and his father's memory, continue to haunt him over the next while. He briefly loses all candy skill, and requires therapy to figure out why( it's because he feels guilty).
He eventually seeks out Charlie for help, and the boy explains what Willy has got wrong and gives him he emotional support necessary to confront his father and learn the truth.
I can't help but wonder what would have happened if when Charlie found out he was serving Wonka and asked him, "Why are you here?" in steely tones, Willy had answered, "Getting a shine. Duh."
Incidentally, I've done my best to figure it out, and I'd say Willy is about 47. After all, in the flashback from the point of view of grandpa Joe, it's 20 years ago and Willy is at least 25.
Definitely see this film. It's a real treat!