Gene Wilder Likes Johnny Depp, Just Not As Willy Wonka
And sorry, Johnny…I have to agree.
Gene Wilder says that he likes Johnny Depp, and that is why he has not seen the new version of the famous candy man:
“I haven’t seen it. I like Depp, but when I heard they were doing a remake, I heard: mistake. When I saw clips on TV and I saw what Depp was doing, I thought, ‘Don’t see the movie — you like Depp too much.’ I always get comments: ‘Yours is better.’ I know they’re talking about Willy Wonka.” In fact Leonard Maltin’s “Movie Guide” says: “Depp, though amusing, is no Gene Wilder.”
Sorry, Johnny…while you’e undoubtedly hotter than Gene, I’m siding with the comic legend on this one.
While I fully admit that I haven’t seen the entire 2005 version of the movie, I’ve seen enough of it to know that this new and updated Willy Wonka leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. For one thing, Johnny’s version of the character (and the ubiquitous chocolate factory-slash-private playground) reminds me entirely too much of Michael Jackson for my own personal comfort level. A while back, I even did a side-by-side comparison of Michael’s latest photo shoot and Depp’s incarnation of the Willy Wonka character, and the similarities are eerie. That, and the latest film strives to take the chocolatier to a place he was never meant to go. I read the book as a child, and from what I remember the 2005 version is more faithful to it, but at the same time it adds elements that were never meant to be there, especially since the latest version is more geared to adults.
My daughter has seen both versions and she completely and wholeheartedly prefers the 1971 version. When I ask her why, she just says that Gene Wilder’s version, over three decades old, is “more fun”. And isn’t that the point of candy, anyway? It isn’t supposed to be good for you or to try and make you a healthier individual…it’s just supposed to be fun.
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I don’t see it. I just don’t see any Michael Jackson in Johnny Depp’s version of Willie Wonka. Maybe people think he acts like the character and that’s how they transfer it. But I don’t see anything Jackson related in Depp’s Willie Wonka.
Comment by Julie — March 14, 2008 @ 1:16 pm
No, no. I agree completely–Johnny Depp made Willy Wonka very, very creepy; I saw it in highschool with my friends, and he was definitely giving off “Michael Jackson” vibes. Not in a pedophile sense, per se, but in a “I act too much like a kid when I am an adult” way, which Jackson does as well–but sincerely.
It’s just a different, though still valid, opinion. After all, he lives in a candy factory all by himself. There’s GOT to be something wrong with him mentally.
It was definitely a deliberate choice for him to be creepy, IMO. Compare Depp in Edward Scissorhands to Depp in Finding Neverland, and you’ll see that his Willy Wonka is more like the former than the latter.
Comment by anonymous — March 14, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
D: By opinion, I mean “interpretation”. It was a bit more grown-up, because of that, and not really a “for children” movie.
Comment by anonymous — March 14, 2008 @ 3:49 pm
Actually, k is the one who wrote this article.
Comment by k — March 14, 2008 @ 4:19 pm
Great objectivity -neither Wilder nor the author of the article has seen the entire film. Wilder and his version of the Willy Wonka movie had a special place in my heart before he started making negative comments re the remake. Now he just sounds pathetic. Johnny’s take is entirely different and definitely creepier, and I had a hard time watching it at first. In the 2005 film, I enoy the updated music, the inclusion of his dentist-Dad (excellently played by Christopher Lee), and the humor. It wasn’t meant to be a “remake”, but a different take on the story. Can’t there be room for both films? The one thing I disliked about both films: too many songs from the Oompa Loompas.
Comment by S — March 14, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
My opinion, not that anyone is asking…..It is virtually impossible to remake a movie [that is so great in its original version] without screwing up major elements of the classic version. My kids have the Gene Wilder version on DVD and love it. They have also seen the Depp version, and love that version as well. Myself, on the other hand, has a hard time enjoying the new one. Willie is way creepy. The Oompa Loompa[s] leave something to be desired. I guess it all comes down to what you’re used to, and how willing you are to accept a new spin on a classic.
Comment by D-Bomb — March 14, 2008 @ 7:14 pm
I never liked the original Willie Wonka - which I why I almost did not watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - which I liked enormously - The versions should never be compared - that wasn’t the point. Thank you comment S- no. 5.
Comment by Valerie — March 14, 2008 @ 8:20 pm
#5: I never said I was being objective in this piece, just opinionated.
Comment by k — March 14, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
Off the Wilder-Depp topic but in the same vain as sequels, I was at a video store a couple of weeks back. As I perused the comedy videos I noticed something extremely retarded. They made a sequel to ‘Slap Shot.’ Now, who in their right mind, would do such a stupid thing? How many Baldwin’s are there anyway? 18? I stared at it so much that the dorky kid at the front had to ask me if everything was alright. He even had to punch me.
Comment by the commentator — March 14, 2008 @ 9:07 pm
I liked the johnny depp version. he was delightfully kooky, but on the other hand the gene wilder version has the better oompa loompas. seriously, what the hell was up with the oompa loompas in johnny’s version.
Comment by a — March 14, 2008 @ 11:12 pm
Well Gene, I like you, but not as Willy Wonka. I guess I can say that most of my friends now enjoy Depp’s take on Wonka than Gene’s—guess it’s just who you talk to. My young niece enjoyed the 2005 version better as well. I think there’s room for both versions. For Wilder to make those comments is ridiculous and makes him look “small.” I don’t think you’d ever hear Depp say something like that about him.
Comment by CalGal — March 15, 2008 @ 1:24 am
I prefer Johnny Depp’s version a whole lot more. He brings entertainment to whatever movie he does. And undoubtedly, he is HOT looking. That’s a great plus point for him.
Comment by Benjamin — March 15, 2008 @ 2:18 am
Oh, no, I know you’re the author, k.
D: is a dismayed face (turn your head 90 degrees to the right). It’s the opposite of :D, which is a cheerful face.
Heh, sorry for any confusion I caused.
Comment by Anonymous — March 15, 2008 @ 4:53 am
My son agrees with you, k. As do I. The original Willy Wonka was fun and not nearly as dark. While the Depp version is truer to the Dahl story, it lacked something essential — heart — that the first one had.
Comment by Joanie — March 15, 2008 @ 5:31 am
I think heart was included when it was supposed to be in Depp’s version- at the end, which is where it’s included in the book. Before then, it is insane and Willy Wonka is bizarre and he really does not give the impression of liking children. Besides, the first film has the really bizarre spying subplot and the flat out disobedience of Charlie- neither which are in the book except for a passing reference to spies being a problem before. At least, that’s if I remember correctly. I really like Charlie better in the second film. He’s actually what he’s supposed to be - naive, but not stupid, and innocent. And Wonka might be creepy, but like someone above said.. he lives in a factory alone with oompa loompas. Something’s not right in his head.
Comment by Oneiropolos — March 15, 2008 @ 6:36 am
Johnnys version was different, and more true to the book. in fact Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were part guided by R. Dahls widow, as the author himself was Never happy with Wilders fluffy interpretation.. and it was supposed to be dark and forewarning…that is the entire reason it was re-made.. to CORRECT the original.. and be true to his book as it was intended.
As ever, they did a fabulous job…and as ever, it gets better every time you watch it, if of course you can even bother to see it right through before mis informedly slating it.
Comment by dahlfan — March 15, 2008 @ 8:29 am
I really don’t think there is a comparison. They are different versions and Johnny’s is true to Dahl. My kids and grandkids like both versions for different reasons. I didn’t like Gene Wilder’s version and only watched it because the kids wanted to. I love Johnny and Tim’s version. It is pathetic that neither Wilder nor Maltin watched Johnny but still are critical of the film. And no Johnny would never be critical of anyone like that, but that is one of the reasons we respect and admire him.
Comment by Billie Briggs — March 15, 2008 @ 10:32 am
Oh, hey, that’s cool. When I do dismayed, I usually do :S so I was a bit confoozed.
And as for others…Maltin did review the movie…after all, that’s his job. And like I said, I didn’t say I was being objective, just opinionated. I know the newer version was truer to the book, as I’ve read the book and reviews (plus followed the storyline at themoviespoiler.com).
I also know the bit at the end was added to try and give Depp’s interpretation of the character some sort of heart or explanation of why he is the way he is, and as a sort of warning for the parents in the audience. I just didn’t think it was necessary.
Knowing those things, I made a decision not to see the movie.
Comment by k — March 15, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
The two movies are so totally different that it’s hard to compare. Wilder plays Willy so differently from Depp. I know Dahl was not happy with Wilder’s characterisation of Willy. I think Wilder should keep his “I’m better than he is” comments to himself. I agree with CalGal, his comments do make him seem “small.” Anyway, isn’t this old news-were these new comments by Wilder? I loved Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka! He is truly a remarkable actor. Think of all the different characters he has played-amazing!
Comment by Mary Jean — March 15, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
When I first saw Gene Wilder I thought it was stupid,but that my opinion.I like the Johnny Depp verison.He was funny.I don’t know where they think Johnny look like Micheal Jackson.
Comment by kathy — March 15, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
well i love johnny and admit its pretty creepy. i love gene as willy. but i love johnny more hehe
Comment by rachel loves johnny — March 16, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was not a “remake” of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The Depp/Burton version was a retelling of Dahl’s book, NOT the silly version made by Gene Wilder. I could never stand the Wilder movie and was happy to hear that it would finally be retold correctly. The new movie had quality actors, which can’t be said for the kiddie movie made by Wilder. Wilder’s version was a box office flop…Tim Burton’s version was a big hit when it was released.
Comment by Charlotte — March 17, 2008 @ 1:17 am
Johnny Depp brought an entirely different element to the film, both were great, just different. That’s life, sometimes you just need to accept that.
Also, I completely agree with Charlotte’s statement about Dahl’s book being retold *accurately*. This is what Burton did - he really is a fabulous director.
Comment by D — March 17, 2008 @ 7:01 am
Gene Wilder will always be Willie Wonka.
um, and say what you will, but Adam West will always be Batman (albeit a cheesy, campy Batman, but Batman just the same).
Comment by crazymom — March 17, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
I know that the Depp version was closer to the book.
But here’s a secret…I didn’t really like the book.
Therefore, I like the Wilder version on its own merits.
Comment by k — March 17, 2008 @ 12:25 pm
i think gene wilder has a right to flame against johnny depp. they took away the only great legacy that gene wilder had for children, there used to be a day when you could show a picture of gene and a child would say “hey thats willy wonka.”
i dare anyone to type in willy wonka on a search engine and see which pictures you get. i think that they both played willy well in there own ways, but even the depp fans have to addmit that was pretty unfair.
i dont think anyone has a right to call wilder pathetic after what he has been through. true, his movie may not have been closer to the book as depp, but i felt a better sense of trust in a more wise and moralistic wonka then this big immature goof ball.
and one comment about johnny depp. he has been slipping up lately on his roles though. he says that he doesnt want to sell out yet we willing admitted that the new wonka movie was ALL ABOUT THE MONEY. a bit hypocritical if you ask me.
Comment by ethan kuhn — April 12, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
I loved the original version, and like aspects of the new films (the first half hour is the best part of the movie), but for me Gene Wilder will always be Willy Wonka. He brought a genuine humanity to the role with humour and inspired zaniness, whereas Depp’s Wonka with pasty white skin and bobbed haircut was just too weird. Depp is a wonderful actor, but the portrayal was too Burton-esque. I think both films have a lot to offer, but I grew up watching the original version, and for that reason Gene Wilder will always be my favourite, and preferred, Willy Wonka.
Comment by David — June 14, 2008 @ 7:16 am