Roald Dahl & Tim Burton = Awesomeness

Rating: Null/10 (4 October 2010)

One of my favourite directors, Tim Burton, adapts a story that was written by one of my favourite writers, Roald Dahl. Thus, I was expecting nothing short of great. It's been ages since I last saw Mel Stuart's 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' and I don't remember much but even though I disliked
Burton's more recent 'Alice in Wonderland', I thoroughly enjoyed 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'. The movie is best enjoyed with the family and I must say that one should have some chocolates nearby when watching it because this film induced some strong cravings. Thankg goodness there was some chocolate cake.
Tim Burton once again creates a unique world and his use of colour reminded me of 'Edward Scissorhands' where the interiors of Edward's house was dark while the neighborhood was filled with colourful houses. Here Willy Wonka's factory is full of colour but the neighborhood outside has a gloomy look. It works because it reflects the impoverished family life of Charlie that is lit with his family's optimism and it also accents the greed and hypocrisy among the rich. Burton does a delightful job in representing Dahl's story. 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' is full of imagination. The art direction is stunning
and the special effects department have done a first rate job. The songs were also wonderfully adapted and visualized. Even though they sound rather modern, it doesn't feel out of place. Cinematography is excellent and editing is brilliant.
Ideally a children's film, adults can enjoy it just as much, as I did with my family. In a way 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' awakens the child inside us and gives the viewer an opportunity to walk down memory lane. August has written a splendid screenplay. There are plenty of laugh out loud moments and not a single boring sequence. The suspense is very well maintained.
And the acting: Johnny Depp is remarkable as the quirky, somewhat childlike, Willy Wonka. His interpretation is quite different from that of Gene Wilder and while Wilder's Wonka was more suitable for Stuart's film, Depp's wacky Wonka is the requirement of Burton's adaptation. The supporting cast that includes Christopher Lee, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, David Kelly, Deep Roy and Missi Pyle are great. Freddie Highmore does an adequate job. The kids who play the hateful contestants do a fine job in irritating the viewer (which is intentional of course).
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' is among the director's exceptional works. Tim Burton has spoken to the child inside us. I'd recommend everyone to watch it with their family and celebrate the kid inside while having some chocolate.