Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is truly a special film. Like others in the class, it had been a while since my last viewing. I do have some nostalgia attached to it, but I think that the film stands on its own. I appreciate the dark tone throughout Willy Wonka. While no one would question that this is a children’s film, this element gives the story a unique edge. Not only does it keep the viewer intrigued, but it also adds to Wonka’s character.

One aspect that I was able to appreciate this viewing is Wonka’s dialogue. To add to his quirkiness, Wonka quotes literature, often which is Shakespeare. This aspect of the film would have been a risky one to pull off, but it ended up working well in the film.

There are some interesting facts about the production of the film. Here are some of my favorites:

• The film was originally owned by the Quaker Oats company, as it was created to market their Wonka line of candy bars.

• Roald Dahl is the only credited screenwriter, but the version used in the film was rewritten by David Seltzer
• Gene Wilder accepted his part on the one condition that he could perform Wonka’s entrance somersault.