The biggest change Tim Burton makes in his adaptation ofCharlie & the Chocolate Factoryis also why the movie doesn’t work. Tim Burton’sCharlie & the Chocolate Factorydeparts from Roald Dahl’s book and the original adaptation,Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, in many ways. It is no surprise thatTim Burton’s moviehas somewhat different themes than the original adaptation considering how unique Burton’s style is. Still, the 2005 adaptation ofCharlie & the Chocolate Factoryis widely controversial; in fact,Gene Wilder did not like Tim Burton’sWilly Wonkaremake.
Tim Burton’sCharlie & the Chocolate Factorychanges many thingsabout the original story, from erasing storylines, such as Mr. Slugworth’s trickery, to introducing new characters, such as Charlie’s dad and grandparents. However,the biggest change Tim Burton makes inCharlie & the Chocolate Factoryinvolves incorporating Willy Wonka’s backstory.Charlie & the Chocolate Factoryportrays many flashbacks of Willy Wonka’s childhood and the falling out he has with his father.
Why Willy Wonka’s Backstory In Tim Burton’s 2005 Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Movie Didn’t Work
Willy Wonka’s Backstory Takes Away From The Movie’s Themes
Including Willy Wonka’s backstory inCharlie & the Chocolate Factorymight initially seem innovative. The original narrative does not provide much information about Willy Wonka—althoughthe list ofWilly Wonkamoviesnow includes a feature film entirely focused on Willy Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet.Charlie & the Chocolate Factory’s twist of Willy Wonka growing up as the son of a fastidious dentist sounds interesting initiallybut, ultimately, is a disservice to the entire narrative. For one, Charlie Bucket is the protagonist ofCharlie & the Chocolate Factory.
Of course, Willy Wonka plays a critical role inCharlie & the Chocolate Factory, butCharlie Bucket’s character is how the narrative best executes its themes, including greed, social class, kindness, and virtue. Tim Burton’s movie cuts to flashbacks of Willy Wonka’s childhood every few minutes, which takes away from these themes, choosing to focus on family instead. Furthermore, Tim Burton’sCharlie & the Chocolate Factorytries to do too many things simultaneously by including Willy Wonka’s backstory. As a result, Willy and Charlie fight for narrative attention without either arc being fully fleshed out.
Tim Burton’s Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Still Would’ve Been Divisive Without Wonka’s Childhood
Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Is An Iconic Classic
Tim Burton’sCharlie & the Chocolate Factorywould still be controversial even if the film did not include Willy Wonka’s childhood flashbacks.Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factoryis a beloved adaptation, andto see anyone other than Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka would’ve been difficult.
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Although Roald Dahl eventually renounced Mel Stuart’s adaptation, he wrote the initial screenplay for this movie, illustrating his heavy involvement in production.Charlie & the Chocolate Factoryis much further removed from Roald Dahl’s book thanWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
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Christopher Lee
Remakes have become a cornerstone of today’s film industry, but they were not as common in 2005. Furthermore, with Paul King’sWonkamovie in 2023 adhering to the aesthetic of the original film and giving that version of Willy Wonka an extended origin story,Tim Burton’sCharlie & the Chocolate Factoryfeels even more isolated from the rest of the franchise.
