The Chocolate Factory

[jackofallgeeks]

So recently I was subjected to re-watching portions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
(a movie of which I am less than a fan), and I've always liked the 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate
Factory, and it occured to me that I should maybe read the book(s) these
movies were based on.

Now, what I've always liked most in these movies is (1) it really seems that
Wonka planned everything to happen just as it did and (2) Wonka seems very
much insane -- this second is why I like the 1971 movie versus the modern
retake,because you can't really out-crazy Wilder. (I've also always had an
inexplicable fondness for Veruka Salt.) It's my understanding, though, that
the books are much closer to the modern movie (which I less-than-enjoy). So
my questions are: have any of you read the Wonka books? Do you think
I'd like them, or would I be disappointed? Is it writing on a level I could
appreciate, or is it really written more for children
'young adults'?

Comments

[quix.livejournal.com]

I think you could both appreciate it and that it wouldn't disappoint you. Roald Dahl is one of those talented authors whose works work on multiple levels. I still prefer the original like you, and while I can't really argue that the more modern one is more true, it also takes many liberties as well. I think the book is easily appreciated by fans of the original movie. Go for it. :)

[otakulk.livejournal.com]

Sign, you moved to maryland a few years too late! We did a bunch of the Roald Dhal books in 1-2 grade.

Anyway, people say the new movie is more like the book because the technical details where the same (his father was alive, there were squirls, not geese, the other children really did get chocolate, and left the factory in the weird shape they were in at the end, etc etc), but thematically I think the first movie was more accurate. There was no stupid back story on wonka about his father in the book, in fact he wasn't really a character at all. The book is really about the children, and like the older movie, Wonka is more of an omnipresence. His character is really portrayed as a conscience throughout the book, mostly in humorous ways via simplistic, almost sarcastic, comments regarding the children's questions about his authority.

I must warn though, I've found children's books far more enjoyable as a child. Its harder to imagine a world around what you are reading than when you are a kid, and the movies don't help. To really enjoy them you need to spice up your imagination :D. Also, definatly read the second one, which they will probably NEVER make a movie of, but the space hotel is totally worth it.