The Film
Whether it invokes squeals of delight or shudders of unease, there's something about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that sticks with you as a child. On the one hand, you have a society where nearly everyone seems to worship candy — and what little kid wouldn't be interested in visiting that place? — but inside the chocolate factory resides an undeniably creepy troop of Oompa Loompas. Oh, and nearly every kid who visits there mysteriously disappears — Wonka's reassurance at the end of the film that all of them will be just fine never seems that convincing.
Whatever the case, the film, which is based on the book by Roald Dahl, definitely has endured at least in part because of its singular oddness. The film certainly is structured like a happily-ever-after fairy tale, but it's hard to shake the feeling that it's far more sinister than it appears on its face.
Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) is just a poor kid who loves chocolate, so he's overjoyed by the possibility of indulgence when the mysterious Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) announces a contest that will place five golden tickets in Wonka bars across the world, with the winners getting a lifetime supply of chocolate and a day-long visit to the factory.
The film takes its sweet time (pun ... not really intended) to actually get to the chocolate factory, and it's a bit of a shame because Wilder, the film's saving grace, doesn't even appear until about halfway through the film. Once we encounter his mystical character and the children enter the truly spectacular chocolate factory, the film hits its stride.
Wilder is a joy to watch as the fun-loving, but occasionally mean-spirited Wonka — the film tries to give off the impression he's only being cruel to serve a greater purpose, but in those moments, he does seem to truly enjoy it. Charlie's Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson) provides somewhat of a contrast, as he is unquestionably kind-hearted.
The film has something to say about kids overindulging and becoming spoiled when they get whatever they want, making it seem like a moralistic lesson until the very end, when Wonka himself totally undercuts it all ("But Charlie, don't forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted. He lived happily ever after."). Talk about conflicting ideals.
Article comments
1 - christian louboutin
which is based on the book by Roald Dahl, definitely has endured at least in part because of its singular oddness. The film certainly is structured like a happily-ever-after fairy tale, but it's hard to shake the feeling that it's far more sinister than it appears on its face.Bing is a really overlord!! support Bing~~
2 - Shelly
I disagree about the ideological inconsistencies. Dahl's books were meant to reflect the adult world, which unfortunately is inconsistent, hypocritical, cruel. I think it's what makes the film so effective, that it really is a mirror of society. The whole "don't eat too much" or "watch tv" bit is so clearly a distraction from the bigger picture. I'd also like to point out that Dahl's books were about showing us that greedy, self indulgent kids make greedy self indulgent adults. In order to prevent this one must escape from society completely as Wonka and Charlie end up doing.
3 - Shelly
I think that's why it's so in your face, it's to the point where it's untrustworthy and you feel like there's more there. And there is in the film, it's not about being balanced and proper, Charlie breaks the rules himself. It's more about the fact that Charlie doesn't betray Wonka, despite being egged by his Grandfather, despite being treated cruelly, despite the fact that he wasn't perfect.
4 - Shelly
A final point, adults tell us these things, don't eat too much, don't watch so much tv, be a good person, yet they are completely unable to follow these things themselves. Mike's mom and all the other parents, including Charlie's grandfather new about the tickets and even wanted to sell Wonka out! Despite the fact that they probably claim to practice values in front of their children and tell them to. Talk to your parents and listen to what they say, then think about how they act. Do they really do all they claim to? Not in the slightest.
I found this film slightly tragic in a way, either you conform to society and become a hypocrite like the rest, or you hide away in a factory like Wonka.