Act Only: Wilder vs. Depp
After seeing Tim Burton’s adaptation of ”Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, I must say I am impressed with another fantastic Burton picture. The entire film was hilarious (in a grim way, during some instances). Johnny Depp was able to portray the perfect image of a madman/chocolatier.
When compared with the original 1971 film adaptation starring Gene Wilder and Peter Ostrum, this modern version of the classic Roald Dahl tale vanquishes its predecessor in a furious battle. Chocolate stained the walls and the carcasses of Oompa-Loompas littered the ground as Burton defeated the Mel Stuart directed smut.
Gene Wilder was a fantastic actor in his day, but his portrayal of Willy Wonka was too child friendly. Again, Gene Wilder was an amazing actor. I’ve loved some of his other films, and I do like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. It is certainly a shame that Wilder has cancer, and lost his wife (Gilda Radner of SNL) to cancer as well. Gene Wilder is great.
But Johnny Depp made a fantastic Willy Wonka. He brought a new life to the character.
Tim Burton has made another gem. The actors are all talented, although not necessarily big names. Most might recognize Freddie Highmore from Finding Neverland, a film in which he co-starred with Johnny Depp. I recognized Noah Taylor (playing Mr. Bucket) from his distinguished role as David in Shine, and his less distinguished role as Bryce in the two Tomb Raider films…
Three cast members I recognized from another Tim Burton film:
Helena Bonham Carter played Mrs. Bucket. She has previously appeared in Big Fish as Jenny (and the Witch). I question if she is Burton’s good luck charm. She has been in a few other films directed by him, such as “Planet of the Apes” and “Corpse Bride”. Who can say, eh?
Missi Pyle played Mrs. Beauregarde. She also appeared in Big Fish, playing Mildred. Binkle, you’d probably recognize Missi Pyle as the female Thermian from Galaxy Quest…
Deep Roy played the Oompa Loompas. In Big Fish, he played the role of Mr. Soggybottom.
And of course, EVERYONE knows Christopher Lee, unless you are mentally handicapped or you live under a rock. It is possible that the former might lead to the latter.
Overall, the film was absolutely stupendous. The children were all expertly cast. The role of Mike Teavee and Veruca Salt were exactly how I pictured them. Augustus Gloop isn’t a difficult role to play. Obesity is the name of the game for that part, and he makes his undignified exit so early you hardly care about him. Excellent film.
I’m buying it when it comes out on DVD. I’ll also be awaiting the release of ”Corpse Bride”, another Burton flick.
P.S. Apparently, Veruca Salt is also the name of an alternative rock band.