Bitter Chocolate
A remake of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, adapted from the book about a reclusive candy maker Willy Wonka who opens his factory to the public for the first time by inviting over five lucky kids, although there is something sinister about Wonka’s intentions. Two questions arise: one, is it better than the first film/book? Second, was Johnny Depp’s performance really based on Michael Jackson?
Answer one: bad pacing, lack of charm and a whole lotta unnecessary and gratuitous Burton creepiness make this the inferior one. You won’t get any messages across to the kids if you use a Michael Jackson-like creep to punish a bunch of other creeps. It cancels each other out; Wonka looks more like a villain, and the children victims. And I just don’t buy the claim that this is a more faithful adaptation of the original novel. Having seen the 1971 version two weeks prior, I can’t help but notice how alike the two movies are, even down to some of the set designs, only just better dressed.
Answer two: Is Depp mimicking MJ? Who cares? Willy Wonka’s creepiness quotient was undeniably high because Depp may have played him too close to the King of Pop. It would have worked for an adult psychological thriller, but for a kid’s movie with moral lessons to imbue, the level of ambiguity in the protagonist’s moral stance is unwelcome.
For first-timers to Wonka’s factory, good for you! You will take home with you a memorable experience, as have many who contributed to the film’s big box office takings. But for those who loved the 1971 classic, you may still check out Burton’s version if you’re curious, although you may find this Chocolate Factory tasting a little bitter. - BMF |
