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11:26:00 AM EDT
Hearing Then the Morning Comes -- Smashmouth
His Deppness
This is kind of neat movie news: Johnny Depp's been offered the role of Willie Wonka in the upcoming Tim Burton remake of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I think this is a fabulous idea on many levels: One, that there's a remake coming, two, that Tim Burton's directing it, and three, that Johnny Depp might be in it. I'm a fan of the 1971 film, but there's no way getting around the fact that it has aged really badly; watching it like seeing a high school production on film. Apparently even Roald Dahl was less than impressed with the way the first film came out, and he wrote the novel on which it was based (and the screenplay, curiously enough). Although mad props are still in line for Gene Wilder, who was perfect as the candy maker.
Which is Johnny Depp would be an inspired choice; there's no real point of comedic contact between him and Wilder. Depp wouldn't have the burden of trying to recreate a character, but could just make it up himself. Aside from Depp, I'm itchin' to see how Burton handles Wonka's factory and the Oompa-Loompas. Boy, I'm just giggly about this. On the other hand, I wonder if they're planning to leave it as a musical. I actually hope not; aside from the Oompa Loompa songs, the musical score was kind of irritating. And aside from that I found that "Candyman" song six different flavors of creepy, even as kid.
The article notes that Burton had been considering rockstar Marilyn Manson for the role of Willie Wonka. Let us never speak of this again.
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And this has brought back memories for me of the Oompa Loompa room when the office was off of Westwood Center. I don't think we met until Dulles, but I'm guessing you were an AOL employee back then, John, and remember it, too. :)
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Heavens NOOO Marilyn Manso yuck. Yes let us never speak of it again shivers down my spine
I too remember the original Willy Wonka. Gene Wilder.
Ahh a sweet and good movie
12/19/07 9:41 PM