Monday, May 26, 2003


wonka redux

not everyone gets that the well-known film willy wonka and the chocolate factory isn't a children's movie, just as roald dahl's (flash required) children's books aren't for children. i think this includes warner bros.

i've always been a big fan of dahl -- not only for his mordant humor, but also for his prose style, which while no longer fashionable, punches on the page, esp. in his so-called adult short stories.

but then, why trust me? my favorite short story writer remains isaac babel, who has to take the cake for both black humor and tormented sorrow. forget kafka.

uneven but always intriguing director tim burton is interested in remaking the traditional wonka. this could be really great if burton respects -- and is allowed to represent -- dahl's true outlook.

unfortunately a re-make would probably also launch yet more inferior movie-themed chocolate onto the planet. i'll probably go to the movie, and bring a couple of bars of slitti lattenero. . . .

posted by fortune | 11:13 AM | top | link to this | email this: | | | 0 comments