Elijah Wood Picked a Film He'd Erase From History – It's Tim Burton's Cult Movie: 'It Destroyed the Original'
Do you think he was talking about the failed Alice in Wonderland movie? No, this is another adaptation loved by millions of viewers. However, it raises some questions.
The works of classic British children's author Roald Dahl are loved by studios and directors alike. Failed adaptations can be counted on one hand, and even the worst are not that bad.
One of the author's most popular works, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has been adapted several times into a radio play and a musical, and two full-length films have been released – in 1971 and 2005, and a prequel in 2023.
And the most popular of these adaptations, even after two decades, remains the version by Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp. The main thing is not to try to compare it with the perfect Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory of 1971.
Elijah Wood Says Tim Burton's Movie Destroyed Both the Original Book & 1971 Movie
Nevertheless, someone did compare them. And that someone was Elijah Wood, known to most viewers for his starring role in another cult fantasy work – the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Several years ago Elijah Wood appeared on Movie Fights, where he was asked which movie he would erase from the history of cinema. Without hesitation, the actor chose Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and here's why:
“If anything it destroyed the book and it destroyed the original film. It contained no magic.”
Wood believes that a remake should be superior to the original film, or at least bring something new to the story, which Tim Burton's film just does not do.
Moreover, Willy Wonka, despite his odd behavior, is a character that elicits sympathy from viewers, but in the 2005 film, according to the actor, he is "heinous and terrifying."
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Has Its Own Merits
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory can't be called a failure – the movie has an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The chocolate factory appears here as a whole separate universe, very bright, with an incredible number of small memorable details.
From the riot of colors and family issues is born a touching and memorable film, where the bright form hides oppressive content. But in the end, Burton achieves harmony: all his characters are happy, having found a real family.
Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka Is Indeed a Controversial Character
These benefits cannot be taken away from the movie, but many viewers agree that Willy Wonka himself is more repulsive than sympathetic. Reddit user DumpedDalish said:
“The Burton movie cuts almost all of Wonka's best lines [...] While Burton's turns Wonka into a creepy, rude guy who seems to view the entire world (and especially children) with distaste.”
In any case, Depp's Willy Wonka was memorable, and for most modern viewers, the chocolate magnate's name will be firmly associated with Johnny's face.
