Reimagining the Charm of "Wonka"
Holly Thomas
Spoiler-free background: In contrast to the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and Tim Burton's "Unhinged" from 2005, the 2023 adaptation of "Wonka" does not derive from Roald Dahl's classic "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" published in 1964. Yet, a chocolate factory does feature in this prequel.
Notably, the 2023 Wonka is far from the grim, reclusive figure who lures children to his factory for a series of trials akin to those in "The Hunger Games." Instead, this Wonka is an innocent, elfin young man, living out of a suitcase, determined to solve the woes of others and craft his own confections, rather than relying on an unnamed army of Oompa Loompas as depicted in the source material.
The film softly pokes fun at both Wilder's version and Dahl's work but masterfully reveals a perfect adaptation recipe for the 21st century, sparing creators any unnecessary troubles. To accomplish this feat, writers selected top qualities from the original tale and crafted nearly a brand-new story around them (Warner Bros. Discovery is the common parent company of the film's publisher and CNN).
In recent years, we have been gifted with an almost constant stream of reimagined classics. Some films have fared well (Greta Gerwig's "Little Women" from 2019, "A Star Is Born" from 2018, and Jon Favreau's "The Jungle Book" from 2016), while others have been mediocre (Guy Ritchie's "Aladdin" from 2019, Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" from 2010, and Tim Burton's "Dumbo" from 2019).
Sometimes, the difference between a triumph and a failure lies in direction. Last year, Guillermo del Toro's "Pinocchio" was released just a few weeks after Robert Zemeckis' "Pinocchio," with the latter clumsily integrating CGI and live-action performances while del Toro's stop-motion film subtly enhanced the fairy tale with mature depth.
Additionally, the time in which the story is set is crucial. Modern values do not necessarily align with those of 19th-century Massachusetts–although blending the old and the new successfully can earn extra points. However, unique challenges arise when a story is not firmly rooted in a specific era, especially when targeting a young audience.
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Concerning Dahl-based content, this can prove tricky. Children are drawn to the mysterious and darkness, but actions that were once considered acceptable may now be perceived as tacky. Anne Hathaway, who played the Grand High Witch in "The Witches" (2020), based on Dahl's book from 1983, has spoken fondly of the film's embrace of individuals with varying body parts.
The threat of unintentional cruelty is another issue. The bewhiskered baddies and kind-hearted heroes in Dahl's works can have a different effect on the big screen, and the discomfort has only grown over time. For instance, the 1971 depiction of Wilder's Wonka happily shoving Augustus Gloop's pipe may have been acceptable, but the same action becomes chilling in Depp's portrayal.
So, how does one revive beloved characters while avoiding resurrecting their dated values? Adapted reprints of books titled after their original authors are rarely loved, and it's equally disingenuous to repackage beloved stories as politically correct relics.
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But remakes are reliable cash cows in Hollywood, and when they target children, the pressure to adapt is immense. This often leads to new additions intended to smooth over problematic aspects, but the results are unpredictable. For instance, Emma Watson's portrayal of Belle in Bill Condon's "Beauty and the Beast" (2017) not only enjoyed reading extensively but also had a backstory. There are several poignant scenes in plague-stricken Paris.
Ritchie's already over-the-top "Aladdin" required more than just a new female character. Jasmine's maidservant plays no role in the story. These ill-conceived changes may help filmmakers sleep better at night, but they do not necessarily make for an enjoyable viewing experience.
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This approach allows filmmakers the freedom to craft their unique magic worlds without the burden of modernizing outdated ideas. The Film's subtle nods to the 1971 version and other elements only appear when they serve the story. Nothing is withheld, and nothing competes with the "must-have" elements of the original.
In the world of Hollywood, where innovation is riskier than established hits, this balancing act represents a comfortable middle ground that guarantees box-office success while still offering something new for viewers. There are no attempts to explain how the young, optimistic Wonka became the deceptive misanthrope of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"–at least for now.
