From Page To Screen (43) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory


For this weeks From Page To Screen I have decided to cover, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.

First let's discuss the book. Below is the cover. 
 
Here's a bit of back story in case some of you aren't familiar with the novel.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory  is a novel written by Author Roald Dahl. The book was originally released in 1964 by Alfred A. Knopf (current editions published by Penguin). The story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was inspired by the authors own schoolboy experiences with chocolate companies. At the time Cadbury and Rowntree were England's biggest chocolate manufacturers because of this they were constantly trying to infiltrate each other with spies since naturally they were both very protective over recipes. The story is widely regarded as a classic and children's literature and is widely praised by critics and fans alike.

Let's take a look at some of the characters now, shall we.

 Charlie Bucket- Charlie is Virtuous to a fault. He encompasses everything Mr. Wonka is looking for in a beneficiary and sets his sights on him. Unbeknownst to Charlie he becomes a pawn in Mr. Wonka's grand plan. While Charlie might be obedient and mild mannered compared to the other Golden Ticket winners he is also full of adventure and spirit. He takes much joy in the pleasures the factory has to offer and seems very grateful for the experience.

Willy Wonka- The reclusive and eccentric owner of Wonka Chocolate Factory. He is world renowned for his chocolate making skills. Although Mr. Wonka is seen as a great figure and is often times very benevolent, it is quite clear that he also can be quite judgmental,  narcissistic and often times rude.

Grandpa Joe- Charlie Bucket's Paternal Grandfather. He is wise and sensible and is Charlie's confidant.

In case some of you aren't familiar with the movie, here is a bit of back story for you. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was directed by Tim Burton and was released July 15, 2005 by Warner Bros. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory had a budget of $150 million and went on to earn $474 million worldwide. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opened to most positive reviews. Critics were quick to point out that Burton's adaptation is much closer to the source material than the 1971 film of the same name. Fun Fact: When the film was released it rekindled public interest in the book. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory climbed back on to the New York Times Best Seller list where it remained from July 3 to October 23, 2005.

Major Differences Between The Book and Film 
BookFilm
Veruca and her parents emerge from the factory covered in trash. It is implied they will permanently smell like garbage.Veruca and her father emerge from the factory covered in trash. It is implied they will smell fine again once it washes off.
Willie's father is never mentioned.Willie Wonka mentions his father was a dentist and disapproved of candy.
On the way  to the Television room the group passes an oompa loompa village and they can see fudge mountain as well.The group sees Fudge Mountain, pink sheep being sheared, the Puppet Hospital and Burn Center, the Administration Offices, and an exploding candy firing range.
Willie Wonka is described as being full of youth even though he is quite old. He has a pointed black goatee and always wears a smile on his face. Willie Wonka is quite young looking. He has bobbed dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. Pale, slightly grayish skin (lack of sunlight) and perfect white teeth.
The four "bad" children never interact with Charlie.Violet puts down Charlie as a "loser". Augustus taunts Charlie by offering him a Wonka Bar and then snatching it away. Mike and Veruca are the nicest to Charlie, despite their character flaws.
Veruca has curly blonde hair with a bow on top. She wears a frilly pink and purple tutu dress with pink gloves and purple shoes.Veruca wears a pink dress with white tights and black Mary Janes. She also sports a pink change purse that hangs around her waist. Veruca has brown hair styled in oversized ringlets which she wears partially pulled back by two clips.
Violet has curly red hair and wears a purple T-shirt and dark blue jeans.Violet has short blond hair which she wears in a bowl cut. She wears a blue track suit and sneakers.
Willie notices how starved Charlie and Grandpa Joe look. He offers them both a cup of hot chocolate while on the boat ride.Willie offers Charlie and Grandpa Joe a ladle of chocolate and they both share it.
A Russian woman claims to have found the second Golden Ticket. This turns out to be a forgery. The woman's name is Charlotte Russe.Charlie overhears on the TV that a fifth Golden Ticket has been found in Russia. The newscaster later report that it is indeed a forgery. The persons name is never mentioned.
Willie Wonka declares Charlie the heir to his company. They board the glass elevator which burst through the roof and takes Willie, Grandpa Joe and Charlie to his house.Willie declares Charlie the heir but says he must leave his family. Charlie refuses and goes back home. Willie eventually reconsiders and moves Charlie and his family to the factory.
Every Golden Ticket winner arrives at the family with both parents the exception being Charlie who arrives only with Grandpa Joe.Every Golden Ticket winner arrives with only one parent except for Charlie who brings his Grandfather with him.

The above mentioned are the major differences I noticed when the book was translated From Page To Screen. Which however do I prefer? You know I like Tim Burton but when it comes to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory I just don't think it is all that good. First off can we please talk about how crazy Johnny Depp looks? Why?? Oh why does he need to be pasty. His factory has simulated sunlight so what's with the grey ass skin. Plus one actor playing every Oompa Loompa sucked. With a budget of $150 million surely they could afford to hire a few actors to portray them. Ooo Also I think Veruca was portrayed poorly she just didn't have the same oomph as the 1971 version. So with that being said, I give it to the book this week. Is the film worth a watch? Sure. I mean it does have some nice elements and I liked the less psychedelic feel of it but If you're wanting the complete Charlie and the Chocolate Factory experience stick with the book.

Still not convinced? Check out the trailer below!

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Well that about wraps up this weeks From Page To Screen. Have a recommendation for an upcoming From Page To Screen, let me know in the comments below! Have you read the book or watched the film? Which did you like better? Why? Do you prefer old school or new school Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Whose your favorite character?

Leave your answers in the comments below, I love to read your responses. Like what you see? Please share!

Comments

  1. See.... I've never read the book of this either! I loved the original movie when I was a kid and often fantasized that something like that would happen to me! lol Great post!

    Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace

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  2. What is funny is the Author hated the original film. When it came time for a remake the family took 10 years deciding on who to direct and cast as they held complete artistic control over the film. The only one they wanted was Burton and as far as I can tell they were pleased with the remake as it followed the book much closer than the original.

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