Like much of Generation X, I love Willy Wonka - far more than the recent Tim Burton version, which despite a strong cast and some dazzling design, made a series of errors: notably an addition of a zzz snore plot about Wonka's father, and removal of the plot about the man who tried to bribe the kids to steal the everlasting gobstopper. The original film's cult continues to grow, prompting this "making of" book from the director, a man who cut his teeth on documentaries before entering features and who never made a film this good again.
For fans of the movie the book is fascinating. Among the tidbits are
- the film was totally financed by Quaker Oats, a cereal company who wanted to make a candy bar - a brilliant move, which they failed to follow up - AND they gave away rights to the film later!!! They could have had a long term pension.
- The title was changed from the book for fearing offending people because of the slang term Charlie
- The oompa loompas were changed from blacks at the request of African American lobbyists
- It was shot in Germany
- Roald Dahl's script was rewritten and added to by two other writers, one of them David Seltzer - among their additions were the hilarious opening satirical moments.
- The director didn't want music and when forced to include it turned down Anthony Newley to sing the Candy Man (I think this was a mistake).
The film was not a hit on release - Stuart blames marketing, and even though this is an old excuse there may have been something to it: it was such a bright colourful movie with hit tunes. But then again it was a bit weird and trippy in places and Wonka was scary rather than comforting. Also, studios other than Disney had tricky times selling their films.
It's been a while since I've seen the film. The colours, the satire and Gene Wilder stick in mind most of all. Stuart has copped it for bad direction and while his subsequent career was not that distinguished and the book is a little self serving I think he deserves a bit more credit.
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