re: Favorite Gene Wilder movie or scene

quote:

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

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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.