Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Director: Mel Stuart
Cast: Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson, Julie Dawn Cole, Denise Nickerson, Paris Themmen, Michael Bollner
Based on the beloved children’s story by Roald Dahl, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is a magical tale steeped in pure imagination. When a young boy named Charlie finds a special golden ticket, he, along with four other lucky children, embarks on a journey beyond his wildest dreams as they journey into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
One of the most important things to note about this film is that the children’s journey through Wonka’s factory is more than just a whimsical adventure; in truth, they are all being tested.
If you notice, every time one of the children “disappeared” within the factory, that room was designed especially for them: Augustus vanished in the candy room, Violet succumbed in the room where she ate the gum, Veruca disappears because she desired the golden goose and Mike vanishes in the television room after he tries to literally become a T.V. character. Each of them was tested and each of them inevitably failed.
Of all the challenges seen in the factory though, Charlie’s test is by far the most important because Wonka wasn't testing his greed (as was the case with the other children) but his inherent goodness. We have already established that Charlie is selfless and humble character who is willing to do anything to save his family. While the other children saw the golden tickets as a means of fulfilling their own selfish desires, I believe Charlie sees his golden ticket as a catalyst which would give his family a chance at a better life. When he and Grandpa Joe reached the end of their journey, Charlie believes for one happy moment that he has won, but that moment of joy is soon shattered when Wonka informs him that rather than winning, he gets nothing. Charlie had absolutely nothing to lose at this point by listening to his Grandpa Joe and taking the Gobstopper to "Slugworth" because Slugworth had offered him what he most desperately wanted - a way to save his family. By choosing to give the Gobstopper back to Wonka instead of breaking his promise to keep the Gobstopper a secret, Charlie proved his true worth; that he could be trusted with Wonka's most precious secrets because his heart was indeed pure.
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is a classic tale of magic, dreams and pure imagination. The casting is absolutely flawless, particularly for Gene Wilder who brings to life the eccentric candy king, Willy Wonka, the songs are timeless, and the story is one that both children and adults can fall in love with. If you enjoy a good fantasy musical, then “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is one I would definitely recommend.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
Director: Mel Stuart
Cast: Gene Wilder, Peter Ostrum, Jack Albertson, Julie Dawn Cole, Denise Nickerson, Paris Themmen, Michael Bollner
Based on the beloved children’s story by Roald Dahl, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is a magical tale steeped in pure imagination. When a young boy named Charlie finds a special golden ticket, he, along with four other lucky children, embarks on a journey beyond his wildest dreams as they journey into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
One of the most important things to note about this film is that the children’s journey through Wonka’s factory is more than just a whimsical adventure; in truth, they are all being tested.
If you notice, every time one of the children “disappeared” within the factory, that room was designed especially for them: Augustus vanished in the candy room, Violet succumbed in the room where she ate the gum, Veruca disappears because she desired the golden goose and Mike vanishes in the television room after he tries to literally become a T.V. character. Each of them was tested and each of them inevitably failed.
Of all the challenges seen in the factory though, Charlie’s test is by far the most important because Wonka wasn't testing his greed (as was the case with the other children) but his inherent goodness. We have already established that Charlie is selfless and humble character who is willing to do anything to save his family. While the other children saw the golden tickets as a means of fulfilling their own selfish desires, I believe Charlie sees his golden ticket as a catalyst which would give his family a chance at a better life. When he and Grandpa Joe reached the end of their journey, Charlie believes for one happy moment that he has won, but that moment of joy is soon shattered when Wonka informs him that rather than winning, he gets nothing. Charlie had absolutely nothing to lose at this point by listening to his Grandpa Joe and taking the Gobstopper to "Slugworth" because Slugworth had offered him what he most desperately wanted - a way to save his family. By choosing to give the Gobstopper back to Wonka instead of breaking his promise to keep the Gobstopper a secret, Charlie proved his true worth; that he could be trusted with Wonka's most precious secrets because his heart was indeed pure.
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is a classic tale of magic, dreams and pure imagination. The casting is absolutely flawless, particularly for Gene Wilder who brings to life the eccentric candy king, Willy Wonka, the songs are timeless, and the story is one that both children and adults can fall in love with. If you enjoy a good fantasy musical, then “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” is one I would definitely recommend.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.