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WILLY
WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY |
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"Gene Is A Wilder
Wonka" |
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Directed by Mel Stuart -
Written by Roald Dahl
Starring Gene Wilder,
Jack Albertson, Peter
Ostrum
Distributed by Paramount -
1971 - 100mins - Rated G |
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An Everlasting Gob-Stopper of a film! |
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I
remember that when I was younger, I was absorbed in the novels by
Roald Dahl. He presented a young reader with everything most
children's authors were afraid to present: a twisted story, dark
humor, mature morals, and plain weirdness. I remember as a child, that
my favorite novel of his was "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
In the novel, a mysterious candy company owner named Willy Wonka has a
contest where five lucky winners get to tour his mysterious factory
and receive a lifetime's supply of chocolate. One of the winners is
Charlie, a young, financially poor boy. He and the other four winners
(who are obnoxious brats) and their parents embark on an out of this
world journey through one of the most bizarre places ever devised in
fiction.
It's only natural that this popular book would be made into a movie,
and at first glance, the movie disappoints. But look deeper my friend,
beyond the mostly horrible acting, the irritating songs, and the
sugarcoated first 30 minutes, and you will see a dark family adventure
worthy for the ages. A great film that has disguised itself is a
ridiculous trash film. "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is
quite possibly the only family cult film.
Let me first discuss the problems with the film, which there are many:
the acting (with the exception of one performance) is dreadful. I
would not be surprised if the crew held big signs off camera and the
cast just read off of them. It hurts the ears.
Also, with the exception of two songs, the musical numbers hurt the
ears almost as much as the acting. Quite a bit of it is obviously
dubbed, and the choreography (I'll be blunt) sucks.
It also disturbs me on a deeper level: Wonka has hired groups of
orange-faced midgets called Oompa-Loompas to work in his factory.
These things are very creepy. Creepier than the Munchkins in "The
Wizard of Oz." To make matter worse, every so often, they break into
song and dance to express a moral. It's very frightening.
Okay, enough bashing. I will now explain why this film is worth
watching, and possibly loving.
Most of the original quirkiness and dark nature of the book remains.
Even if it's corny, you must note that the story takes dark,
unsettling turns. Parents and children used to the standard kiddie
fare will be shocked at much of what transpires in this film.
The best thing about this film though, is the always wonderful Gene
Wilder as Willy Wonka. After recently re-watching the film, I have
concluded that Mr. Wonka is 1/3 Clark Gable, 1/3 Mickey Mouse, and 1/3
Hannibal Lecter. Wilder plays Wonka as the most eccentric gentleman
you will ever meet. Make that, the most mentally unhinged, eccentric
gentleman you will ever meet. His Wonka seems not to care about what
goes on around him and he just goes with the flow, giving a remark on
the situation every so often. He's a dreamer, who believes that
imagination is the most important part of a person's life, and in the
film's only good song, he sings about this. It's actually a very
lovely song, and Wilder sings it himself. I am always moved by it.
I also like what Wilder obviously tacks on to the script. The rest of
the characters are written and performed so blandly, that it is
obvious that Wilder has an improviser's field day. Many of the lines
seem out of place, but at the same time they fit. He often uses
religious allusions, and he ends certain lines with a note of sarcasm
or whimsy (it depends on the situation) so we either get chills or
laugh. Wilder takes a mediocre film and makes it a must-see. It is one
of the greatests performances of all time...period.
In conclusion, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" will not be
enjoyed by everyone. As a matter of fact, most people I know hate it
like poison. But no matter what they say, they cannot deny the true
magic that this film holds.
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© Written by Jacob Hall -
Email
Me! |
TC Candler's Comment
n/a
Richard Propes' Comment
I loved Gene Wilder as Willy
Wonka...I admit to utter confusion when we start
talking "sub plots", messages and various
themes. Still, it entertains.
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