The Whimsical World of Wonka Goes For A 3rd Round of Success
Does The Prequel Match Up?
For a movie perceived as a “prequel”, this could instead be viewed as an entirely original and delightful interpretation of the classic Roald Dahl tale.
Perhaps that is what Paul King intends to bring to the table. Bringing a beloved character to life more than what has ever been contrived by the media. Both by the books and movie adaptations that had existed prior.
The movie takes place around 25 years prior to the events of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It has a younger Willy Wonka (portrayed by Timothée Chalamet) try to start his first chocolate factory, only to be nearly blocked by a group of corrupt businessmen (called the “chocolate cartel” in the movie) and a couple reminiscent of Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett. Alongside the origins of the Oompa Loompa assistant in the form of Lofty (played by Hugh Grant).
Though the rest of the cast is more of an ensemble, they do a wonderful job breathing life into the world of Wonka. As stereotypical as some of the characters are, (See: Larry Chucklesworth as the aspiring standup comedian) they allow the movie to have its own soul and not just be a copy-and-paste from the book with what little information is given on Wonka’s backstory.
Continuing with the worldbuilding, King makes a point to go all-out with the set design and visual effects. Going for a whimsical feel that allows the audience to escape from the real world. Even though the exact setting is unclear, King’s style makes the audience want to visit this world. To see Wonka in action as he is approaching his peak from total obscurity.
An aspect of the film, that was oddly underrated by the marketing team, was the fact that it was a musical film, and quite a musical at that. Not just one or two songs sprinkled throughout to give that punch of energy, but every 8-10 minutes were full-blown musical numbers. What really is odd is the audience doesn’t know that they are going into a musical. Unless that was part of the entire strategy. With the producers knowing that saying that the film was a musical could draw people away. As such, it becomes a surprise when we see Chalamet within 2 minutes start to sing his heart out. While not bad per say, it could make people who are not into musicals at all, wonder why they chose to see one.
Jody Talbot, the film’s composer, does a magnificent job in creating songs that greatly complement the movie. However, some of them feel forced. A notable example being when Wonka and Noodle (the deuteragonist of the film played by Calah Lane) are having a conversation that suddenly turns into a musical number that culminates with them on the roof. Yes, it does get the point across, but it feels like sometimes they struggled to incorporate them into the movie.
Except for Pure Imagination, of which Chalamet’s performance is a great ode to Gene Wilder’s 1971 version.
There is one element of the film, and Wonka’s character, that is missing. The slight darkness, the cruelty. What made Willy Wonka in the book and 1971 movie so beloved was the fact that while he was ever-so polite and charismatic, he also had a very small sadistic edge. An edge that is all but non-existent. Wonka had no qualms with entertaining children in one second, then seeing them almost killed the next. Chalamet’s version does not have that cruelty. Ever so welcoming and nice to everyone, it almost seems like there isn’t an ounce of evil in that man’s skin. Even when he is almost killed on numerous occasions.
Unless, that was King’s point. To show that Wonka had that naiveness when he was younger. Many people often start out as such but then develop a more stoic outlook on the world as they grow older. Perhaps Wonka is simply in that phase of life. But still, one would expect even the origins of such cruelty to appear and be explained. Dark fantasy would still allow the movie to come across, and what one would expect from a Roald Dahl character in the 21st century.
Finally, I cannot write a review on the movie without pointing out all of the nostalgic throwbacks to the first film adaptation. From the “small print” to flying candies, it allowed older viewers to remember the first time they watched the 1971 movie without getting lost in the nostalgia.
Even though the musical undertone can ruin the experience for some people, Wonka was an enjoyable movie that took viewers to the visually appealing world of constant bombardment of chocolates.
For a prequel in the era of constant sequels and reboots, Wonka did well. I implore anyone who loves chocolate (or Timothée Chalmalet) to see the film. You won’t regret it.
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