The tour was obviously a thrill ride and a test only for Charlie. I've picked up on that for many years. Charlie was preselected, but he had to pass the test. The other kids were not being tested - they were part of the test.

But, back to the portrayal - Wilder wanted the scene at the factory gates with the cane. They asked him, "Why?" He said, "Because after that, the audience will never know if I'm lying or telling the truth."

quote:
Wonka was an insane, dangerous man... which is part of the appeal.

Of course he wasn't - but he wanted to appear that he was. He was actually a child in a man's body. He was having enormous fun with his new playmates. That's clear from the Great Glass Wonkavator scene.

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Posted by Baloo

Formerly MDGeaux

Member since Sep 2003

49645 posts

Posted on 8/30/16 at 10:50 am to Ace Midnight

quote:
They asked him, "Why?" He said, "Because after that, the audience will never know if I'm lying or telling the truth."

That letter that's being posted online today is amazing. He really put thought into these roles in a way I'm not sure many actors, particularly comedians, do.

I do think Wonka was kind-hearted, but he's also dangerous because kids are dangerous. So is play. He's almost all id, and he is having a grand old time messing with his new playmates, but he views them as playthings, not as people. The end reveals he didn't want to hurt them, but he's not overly concerned with their safety either.

I mean, the idea that he'd put Charlie through a gauntlet of tests is fairly insane in the first place. It makes sense in Wonka's brain, and his final gift gives all of the suffering meaning, but he's still a child trapped in an adult's body, wielding massive power over five little kids and their parents.

I love Willy Wonka precisely because there is an element of menace. And like you point out, you never know if he's lying.

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Posted by elprez00

Hammond, LA

Member since Sep 2011

29489 posts

Posted on 8/30/16 at 7:34 pm to Ace Midnight

quote:
tour was obviously a thrill ride and a test only for Charlie. I've picked up on that for many years. Charlie was preselected, but he had to pass the test. The other kids were not being tested - they were part of the test.

Ah..... But.... Wha....