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So I was emailed a new trailer for this upcoming movie, then promptly lost the link. Go me.

Anyhoo, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Tim Burton's remake of the original novel-based film, is due out in July. Anyone plan on seeing it, at the very least for the nostalgia factor?

I might, but I sorta have mixed feelings. Now I'm a big fan of Tim Burton, but judging from the (older) trailer he seems to have upped the creepy quotient of Wonka, which I suppose is to be expected. Sure, he's a creepy character to begin with, but I'm not sure if Burton's style will mesh well with the story. I know he doesn't do strictly horror (or pseudo-horror), but that's clearly his field of expertise and there's no doubt it tends to rub off on his work in other genres. Then again, I always thought the novel itself was darker than the version of the story the '71 film told, so with that in mind perhaps he's injected the appropriate amount of disturbing aura into the atmosphere that was sorely lacking in the original.

Then there's Johnny Depp. A friend of mine is convinced he'll kill the character based on the new outfit alone and, of course, 'cause he isn't Gene Wilder. While I haven't seen much of Depp's more recent movies, I'm a fan of the ones from the Edward Scissorhands era, and him paired with Burton yet again could make this film an instant classic (unless it's another Sleepy Hollow, which I thought was awful). Also, I kinda like the new getup, but I can't decide if it's a bad thing that, at first, it reminded me of Alex from A Clockwork Orange.

I normally maintain that I dislike any sort of remake, but like I said before, there's much that could have been done with the material and much that Burton's capable of adding to it without going outta lines of its inspiration. But then there's the fact that it's indeed still a remake, and we're all familiar with their overall track record. We tend to enjoy the originals so much that if a redone version doesn't stick to the exact same formula, it's a failure.

Your thoughts?

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Words of Wisdom:

If something can go wrong, it will.

If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway.

If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong. - Murphy’s Law

Boing! Zoom! - Mr. Saturn

I thought of Alex from A Clockwork Orange, too. His face certainly looks like it...

When I first saw the trailer, I was a bit put off, because, like you said, Depp playing Wonka isn't the same as the goofy Gene Wilder. I've never had the pleasure of reading the novel, so I can't make any comparisons that way (summer reading?), but after seeing the shots of Depp's face, the new Wonka look grew on me.

I wouldn't deem it a failure for being a remake immediately, though. Even in the box-office disasters that Depp's been in, he's always brought his own personality into the character, and I like that. A perfect remake would come off as a gimmick, anyway.

I might go see it, depending on what other movies are released around that time. I still haven't seen Sideways, so that's the first cinematic hurdle I have to get past.


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It's gonna be a glorious day
I feel my luck can change

Now that I've been doing some more reading up on it, I seemed to have missed an important piece of info before - this new version's not intended to be a remake at all but an entirely new adaptation! Course, there'll still be a lotta people expecting some sorta homage to the original, but the important thing here is that it's apparently going to be much more faithful to the book than the first film. After all, in addition to the darker tone of the novel, Wonka wasn't a singer nor dancer, which may be unfortunate for some and fortunate for others that this won't be a musical flick.

While the original was quite entertaining and is still fun to watch every now and then, I'm a bit excited that there's finally gonna be a movie that (hopefully) does the book proper justice. In other words, I think I'm becoming more optimistic...

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Words of Wisdom:

If something can go wrong, it will.

If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway.

If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong. - Murphy’s Law

Boing! Zoom! - Mr. Saturn

I've read the book, though not in probably fifteen years. I also read at least the first sequel, IIRC. Tricky thing is, though, I absolutely adore the Wilder adaptation. It's a brilliant movie, even if it is not true to the novel.

That said, I'm incredibly torn about this movie. I love Tim Burton, wackjob though he is. And I love Johnny Depp, wackjob though *he* is (and Sleepy Hollow is at the very least an interesting take on the story, even more so now that I visit there once a month or so). But I also loved the original Wonka movie, and I can't say I'm not a little disappointed that they'll be using Depp's creepy side more than his ability to camp it up and simply make it insanity.

Overall, though, I'm drawn to the flick. There's a very good chance I'll actually see it in theatres, though that's something I don't do often.

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"To create something great, you need the means to make a lot of really bad crap." - Kevin Kelly

Why aren't you shopping AmaCoN?

I agree with all of Rangers points. I have read the book and enjoy it, but really loved where they took the movie. And not because of oompa loompas.

Depp is brilliant, he is the type of actor that easily makes films (Pirates of the Caribbean?). The original Wonka certainly had it's share of dark parts and creepy moments, but it will be extremely hard for any actor or director to capture it's unique flavor again.



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"That Light has bestowed upon me the greatest black magic!"

I think I'll go see it. I enjoyed Dahl's writing as a kid, and still do. It was always flavorful and imaginative. I read alot of his books. If they held it more true to the original book I can't see why I wouldn't like it. Only problem is if seeing it with a girl, you're gonna feel trumped by Willy Wonka.

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If you've been mod-o-fied,
It's an illusion, and you're in-between.
Don't you be tarot-fied,
It's just alot of nothing, so what can it mean?
~Frank Zappa

Sins exist only for people who are on the Way or approaching the Way

I'm all kinds of excited. Dahl is brilliant. The character of Wonka is brilliant. Burton is brilliant, Depp is brilliant. If he has a few good days, Burton's Depp will be brilliant as Dahl's Wonka. The teaser trailer's looking good, although I could've aged him up a little IMO.

I thought Sleepy Hollow was an excellent movie, in fact. One of the better I've seen.

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Only problem is if seeing it with a girl, you're gonna feel trumped by Willy Wonka.

Nah. Nobody trumps the Djibriel.

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The Collapse of Heaven and Earth

Don't get me wrong; in case I wasn't clear, I do think the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a brilliant movie. When I first heard 'bout this version I honestly couldn't picture anyone but Gene Wilder portraying Wonka. I guess I'm just getting a little drawn into the hype, and from past experiences I should really know better. But then ever since I first saw the original movie, however many moons ago that was, I've wondered what it would be like if a more accurate adaptation was made. Now that that time has come, I can't help but be all over it. I rarely watch movies in theaters anymore (I'm a Blockbuster whore), but I think this film may give me enough incentive to do so.

Although there's still a part of me that fears it might not live up to expectations.

Quote (The Ancient)

The original Wonka certainly had it's share of dark parts and creepy moments, but it will be extremely hard for any actor or director to capture it's unique flavor again.

I agree, but perhaps that flavor's all in the snozzberries.

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Words of Wisdom:

If something can go wrong, it will.

If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway.

If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong. - Murphy’s Law

Boing! Zoom! - Mr. Saturn

I might not see it in theaters, but I'll probably rent it on DVD. I'll reserve any further judgment until I actually see it in person. =)

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~Status Report~

* Completed... Dragon's Head
* Completed... Soldiers of the Empire: Disciples (release pending)
* In Progress/Undecided... Of Love and Betrayal
* Planning/Assembly... Where it all Began

I saw Big fish and really liked that movie and this new wonka movie is going to be made by Tim Burton, the same guy who made Big Fish so ill most definitely see this one but I was just wondering if anyone could fill me in on whats creepy about willie wonka nad the chocolate factory because... Ive never seen the original BUT when ive seen bits and pieces of the movie it looked more or less like a childrens movie so i nver put the time into getting it and watching it. so someone just help me out plz.

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Peace sells... but Whos buyin? -Megadeth


You wont be saying that when you get a
lead pipe across the head -James (Darkness Illusions II)

It's not the original movie that was all that dark (though, like The Ancient pointed out, it did have its unsettling moments), and was designed to be a slightly more lighthearted take on the story.

This new movie, however, is intended to be closer to the book in tone, going sorta the opposite direction than what the first movie did. It's obvious from the trailers that it has that Burton touch, which better resembles the world Roald Dahl created in the novel. It's best just to read the book and see for yourself.

Not talking The Chocolate Chainsaw Massacre here or anything, just a weirder adaptation than what some people may expect.

Then again, he could go the Big Fish route and suck any creepyiness right outta it, but I doubt it. So who knows?

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Words of Wisdom:

If something can go wrong, it will.

If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway.

If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong. - Murphy’s Law

Boing! Zoom! - Mr. Saturn

Despite its being a blasphemous statement to some good friends of mine, "I didn't like Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory."

That said, "I don't like the new Willy Wonka movie." No offense to Depp, I generally enjoy his work (as I'm sure most do). But, as has been stated earlier, he's got an evil vibe which was supposed to be jovial and humorous.

I think the new Willy Wonka movie will be excellent. I love Johnny Depp, and though I've ony seen "The Nightmare Before Christmas," I think Tim Burton's a pretty good director. The Depp/Burton team should be able to add flavor to the movie.

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"No matter what happens, I will always be with you... forever." ---- Pocahontas, Pocahontas

"Only those who are already at the top are rewarded without trying."----- Delita Hyral, Final Fantasy Tactics

http://www.ffshrine.org/fft/fft-midi/1-42-back_fire01.mid ---- My favorite FFT battle song

I'm excited to see it, as long as the movie itself was taken in a different direction than Gene Wilder's. Granted, it has to follow a book, but if the two are identical and the only differences are the technology/effects and actors, it might not turn out as well as it could. This one all depends on Burton, and I have enough faith in him to believe it'll work out and be good.

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Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

I read a bunch of Dahl books as a kid (James and the Giant Peach being my favorite), including the second Wonka book, which was downright scary. A friend of mine read it and had nightmares and scare-fits from it.

Never liked the 70s movie. Maybe because I saw it as a teen instead of a kid, but every time I watch it I like it less, despite the engaging take of Wilder on the Wonka character. The movie sets make my teeth hurt.

I like Burton, despite the fact that the only movie I really liked from him is the original Batman. Maybe because he has an unfortunate propensity to use Wynona Rider. But I anticipate that a dark, quirky remake should be much more appropriate than the 70s movie. Or at least, the sets should be better, which is already a huge plus.

Plus, I'd to go to the movie just for the chance of looking at Johnny Depp, horribly made-up as he may be. He always brings on the amusing, and frequently the pretty. It’s like the new Star Wars. I look at the sets, and at Ewan. The rest is lost on me.

I think the new movie looks great! I lilke just about anything by Tim Burton, and this definately reflects his creepy, weird style. Sure, it'll give kids nightmares. Who cares?

And Corpse Bride looks awesome as well.

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The island bathes in the sun's bright rays
Distant hills wear a shroud of grey
A lonely breeze whispers in the trees
Sole witness to history

ICO-You were there-

A guy who used to work with me told me Willy Wonka was his hero, and he can't wait until it comes out. He told me this several months ago, so I've known about it for a while before there were the commercials for it. Also, he has a jacket and hat that look just like the original Wonka's that he wore to work a few times.

Holy crap, is Depp creepy-lookin'. This once again shows how he can play almost anything just because he can alter his looks to enough extremes. But did he really have to make himself look like Michael Jackson?

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"I had to write four novels before they let me write comic books."
-Brad Meltzer

Now I did find THAT a little extreme, but yeah, Johnny Depp is a GREAT actor.

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The island bathes in the sun's bright rays
Distant hills wear a shroud of grey
A lonely breeze whispers in the trees
Sole witness to history

ICO-You were there-

OMG. That was Johnny Depp?!?!?!

Hehe, yup. Preeeety creepy, but it fits the movie.

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The island bathes in the sun's bright rays
Distant hills wear a shroud of grey
A lonely breeze whispers in the trees
Sole witness to history

ICO-You were there-

as a die hard screaming fangirl [yes, i love that term!] of both burton and depp, i think it's awsome... can't wait for the corpse bride!!

so danny elfman does the music, right? cuz he is tim burton's bestest pal! and he kicks serious butt! another guy i'm a fan of.

This post has been edited by Jenny on 26th June 2005 04:38

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The first duty in life is to assume a pose,
and the second duty is...well, no one's found out yet.

I loved the book, and the musical, but I'm not sure if I'm going to like this. I've seen the trailer, and so far my opinion is "m'eh". I might watch it anyway.

I do like the old man that they have playing Grampa Joe, he looks like he fits the part.

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I had an old signature. Now I've changed it.

To put it simply I've seen the Trailer and it scares me.

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- The problem isn't relgion, the problem is religious tolerance -

According to an article I read in Entertainment Weekly yesterday, the movie is not supposed to be a remake of the original movie. Like many said, it's supposed to be more like the book. That being said, expect a lot of differences between the original movie and the new movie. I think most people will lose sight of that or may not even know it so I imagine it will get some rather unnecessary critisizm because of that.

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Elena Indurain

Currently Playing: Suikoden II

I read that same article sometime either yesterday or the day before, and from what I read the Oompa-Loompa music looks amazing. All of the little guys are apparently played by an Indian (as in South Asian, not Native American) midget actor, who had to play every single dancing part individually for each kid's song. The songs range from Bollywood music video to 80s rock and roll; I'm excited.

Also, Elena's assessment seems pretty accurate. This is based off the book and not the movie, so there's going to be squirrels checking nuts instead of geese laying eggs, etc.

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END SPOILER

Quote (Elena1999)

That being said, expect a lot of differences between the original movie and the new movie. I think most people will lose sight of that or may not even know it so I imagine it will get some rather unnecessary critisizm because of that.

Like I said before, that's a big possibility. Kinda like a friend of mine's thoughts towards the new War of the Worlds - he didn't have any interest in it once he discovered it wasn't a remake of the original movie. I dunno much about it myself, so I have no idea if it's based in any way on the book or radio show (which are both great).

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Words of Wisdom:

If something can go wrong, it will.

If anything simply cannot go wrong, it will anyway.

If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong. - Murphy’s Law

Boing! Zoom! - Mr. Saturn

not having read the book (at least, i dont think i've read it) i cant say too much, except that in all the movies i've seen, Depp either a) IS the movie, or 2) saves the movie
and as for tim burton? i've liked everything of his i've seen
oh, and as for war of the worlds - one of the best movies i have ever seen

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I don't feel that Johnny Depp could ever fill a character's shoes such as Willy Wonka. I feel he is better suited for serioud roles or those gulfilled by someone requiring a lot fo emotion in one direction. (example: Jack likes Rum)

I feel that Brian Warner (yes, Marlyn Manson) could've done better, as rumored. I don't know anything about his acting skills. However I do know that Brian Warner is good at being something he isn't at heart. (yes pun intended.) He would've certainly looked better. I think one of the good things about Gene Wilder is that he was older. Wonka shut himself away from the world for all those years. Certainly he would look old right? Johnny Depp still looks so young, I just don't feel he could do it.

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At times one remains faithful to a cause only because its opponents do not cease to be insipid.
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 - 1900)

well, i spose that since the title of the thread is "burtons take on willy wonka" i can talk about the movie itself?
i saw it just the other day (a little bit skeptical, the first movie was awesome) but i can say, without hesitation that this new take equals or even BETTERS the first movie - sure, its just one guy's take on the movie, but if you were putting off seeing it, because of depp, because it wasnt the first movie, i suggest going to see it - i loved it

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-In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move.
-Douglas Adams
Slow and steady wont win at the gold saucer
-me

Quote (AnarchistDream @ 19th July 2005 23:42)

I don't feel that Johnny Depp could ever fill a character's shoes such as Willy Wonka. I feel he is better suited for serioud roles or those gulfilled by someone requiring a lot fo emotion in one direction. (example: Jack likes Rum)

I feel that Brian Warner (yes, Marlyn Manson) could've done better, as rumored. I don't know anything about his acting skills. However I do know that Brian Warner is good at being something he isn't at heart. (yes pun intended.) He would've certainly looked better. I think one of the good things about Gene Wilder is that he was older. Wonka shut himself away from the world for all those years. Certainly he would look old right? Johnny Depp still looks so young, I just don't feel he could do it.

Have you seen any of his movies other than Pirates?

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The first duty in life is to assume a pose,
and the second duty is...well, no one's found out yet.