Willy Wonka is a ridiculously good film, which I recently rewatched and in a lot of ways gained a new appreciation for. Here are my favorite things about Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971):
5. It’s infinitely rewatchable and you gain something new every time you see it. Did you ever notice Wonka quotes a bunch of authors from Shakespeare to John Keats? There are little plot devices and lines of dialogue throughout the film that you’re sure to miss the first time through but that give you either a little chuckle or a momentary glimpse of who Wonka really is. There are just so many little scenes that are mostly irrelevant to the main plot but that really do enhance the film as a whole, especially before the children enter the factory.
4. It looks really good. A lot of care was taken to make everything visually appealing. From shooting in Munich to capture the old-timey factory feel, to creating an actual chocolate river rather than just edit one in, speaks to the impressive level of detail in this film. The candy room at the factory is undoubtedly the most impressive set in the film and to capture real emotion, the actors never saw it until the cameras were rolling. Impressive attention to detail is my second favorite thing about this film.
3. The musical numbers really add to the film. I’m not a big musical guy but the short and sweet musical numbers do add a lot to the character of the film. From “The Candy Man Can” to “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” the score was awesome and has really made its way into pop culture. Nominated for an academy award, the score was written by Leslie Bricusse who also wrote for Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and the film Goldfinger.
2. Gene Wilder. The movie just wouldn’t be the same without him and he almost didn’t get the part. In fact, he wasn’t even initially considered, he came to open auditions where he immediately won the role. Gene Wilder is actually the one who insisted on doing the opening Somersault, He felt it would set the stage for the character, and it does. Those tiny things Wilder does make Wonka such an unforgettable character and make this film from average to a cult-classic.
1. This film defies genre classifications. Here’s a fun-fact, this film is ranked #74 on Bravo’s “Scariest Movie Moments” list. It was nominated for the AFI’s top 100 laughs, top 100 songs, top 100 musicals, and top 10 fantasy films. It appeals to children as well as adults. It’s funny, it’s mysterious, it’s creepy at times, and there’s a hint of drama in it. The film has so many things working for it that it is a beast all its own. Honestly, what category do you put this under on your DVD shelf?
Did you like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory? If so, what are some of your favorite things about it?