Even though the feature film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released almost 50 years ago, the material remains as relevant and compelling as ever. This year's upcoming feature, Wonka, confirms Roald Dahl's classic as extremely durable. Yet one can't help but wonder why Willy Wonka has such an enormous appeal. Why is Willy Wonka so transcendental?
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
In 1964, Roald Dahl introduced the world to Charlie Bucket in his highly imaginative work. The story revolves around the ordinary boy who finds a golden ticket that opens the door to the opportunity of a lifetime. An extraordinary opportunity arises for Bucket, thanks to a plan devised by an enterprising chocolatier, Willy Wonka. Wonka holds a grand competition, hoping to find someone to take over his beloved chocolate factory. And Bucket rises to the occasion. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was a colorful, imaginative narrative with strong moral undertones.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A screen adaptation of the literary classic Charlie and Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, was released in 1971. And it was well received. According to the Washington Post,
“The movie was positively received by critics upon release — in his 1971 review, Roger Ebert called it “probably the best film of its sort since ‘The Wizard of Oz’.”
In 2005, a second adaptation was released, but it differed significantly from the first. There was a bit of a shift in the tone with the 2005 release. It was much darker than the prior release. Considering Tim Burton directed the movie, it wasn't surprising. Burton is known for his darker presentations on film. Regardless of its darker interpretation, the new adaptation was also successful. According to Den of Geek,
“A worldwide smash upon release, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory became the kids’ film of the year and rocketed the novel it was based on, up the New York Times bestseller list for the rest of the year."
Even though one might think the world has already been given the perfect dose of Willy Wonka, it is not the end of the story. It was announced in 2021 that this work would gain another feature.
Wonka: the Question it Raises
The prequel was announced in January 2021. Although it will be based on the original work, it will have a different narrative than the original. The film chronicles the life of a young Willy Wonka. While that is a divergence, it isn’t so great that one isn’t left wondering what makes the consistent handling of Dahl’s work so popular. So why is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so transcendental filmmakers still broach the story 59 years after the publication of the literary work? There are a few ideas that perfectly illustrate why Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is so appealing.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Creator's Sticking Power
Dahl has a knack for creating works that stick. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and its derivatives haven't been the only works adapted by Roald Dahl for the screen. Other works include Matilda, The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, and The Fantastic Mr. Fox. His storytelling skills are undoubtedly magical, considering the amount of fandom he garners for many of his works. Likewise, there is no doubt that the imaginative nature of his books translates well to the big screen, making a lasting impression.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Universal Story
There is so much in Wily Wonka that is transcendental. No matter the film's release period, one can relate to the material. The film speaks to both young and old alike, so the fandom is more expansive. Moreover, the lessons are timeless. The richness of the work provides a lot to consider. And finally, it's a movie that leaves you feeling happy.
Wonka
Although it remains to be seen if the latest installment will carry the same magic appeal, it rides on the coattails of some magical works. Wonka is expected to release in December 2023 and will fall under the direction of Paul King. It's also worth noting that King directed Paddington, which is an additional plus. King impressed viewing audiences and critics with the film and only cemented his legacy when he returned for the sequel, Paddington 2.
There are few films or projects that can stand the test of time the way Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has. Roald Dahl seems to have found the secret formula for creating pieces that transfer to the silver screen with the propensity for durability. If there is anything to be learned, it is that the best films cross generational boundaries, deliver resounding messages, and leave people feeling good on the inside. Fans can see Timothée Chalamet in the iconic role when Wonka releases in theaters on Dec. 15, later this year.