Compare the Original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and

*Compare the original 1971 Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory to the 2005 Charlie and the chocolate factory scenes*

In this essay I am going to show the differences and similarities between two films according to audience expectations. The scene I am going to compare is when the ticket winners enter the factory.

Both films use a wide variety of camera shots throughout. Generally, when the characters are talking or being focused on, close ups or mid shots are used. When the cameras are focusing on scenery long shots are used. When the cameras are on high angle, they occasionally zoomed in on the crowds.

Firstly, in the 1971 film, the first scene is the reporter interviewing the general public and the ticket winners. Throughout this situation, close ups are used on individuals and mid shots on crowds of people. On the arrival of Willy Wonka, a mid shot is focused on him, and keeps referring back to the main children characters to define their reaction to Wonka’s arrival because it is very deceptive. When the winners enter, each is greeted by Willy Wonka, which personalises the relationship between Wonka and the children. However, in the most recent 2005 remake, the appearance and situation is much different. This Wonka seems a lot more mysterious with a history because of the way he is portrayed throughout the film. To start with, a very high angle shot is used to capture the entire scenery like the factory, some surrounding streets and the crowds gathering to watch the arrival of Wonka. Eventually, the camera zooms down to the children who are all standing in a solitude line in silence. A mid-long shot is used to display all the characters. When they have all been captured, the camera pans across the characters. Here a close up shot is used to demonstrate the expressions of everyone. When the speakerphone is demanding them to enter, a long shot is used again to include the speakerphone in the actual shot. The camera then follows the characters into the courtyard… This is sort of a POV shot because it lets you imagine the scene as if you were there. Throughout the next few events, close up shots are used. This includes the puppet show being introduced, the characters reactions to it and then wonka’s unexpected arrival.

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A majority of sound techniques are used during both of the films. Firstly, in the old film, when the children are waiting to enter the factory in the crowd, cheering and celebration music is heard to lighten the mood and make you look forward to the rest of the scene. When it strikes 11, a clock chimes which triggers silence and creates and anticipated atmosphere. This is significant because it shows how such a small sound can cause a dramatic effect. When the arrival of Willy wonka comes, the crowd suddenly goes silent to add anticipation and focus all the attention on Wonka’s entrance. You can vividly hear Wonka walking down the path towards the crowd, the tapping of his stick and feet; he appears to have a limp as well, which creates a sense of disappointment amongst the crowd. When he reaches the gates where the crowd is waiting, Wonka drops to the floor and rolls over, he stands up to be greeted by the crowd loudly cheering. However, in the most recent film, the atmosphere is a lot colder because of the sound techniques used. There is no cheering in the crowd, only a few people talking quietly, if that. The gates’ opening makes a creaking noise giving an eerie tension. Wonka’s voice is projected over the courtyard echoing round, which gives it a sense of importance and you bring your attention to it.

Though both of the films include the same characters, their personalities and appearances vary. For example, in the more modern version of the film, Violet seems more arrogant and obnoxious, and coordinates her outfit with her mother’s, which makes them appear to be even more alike then they already were. Being the main character, Willy Wonka is a vital role in the production. He too changes in the films, in the first he seems warm and welcoming to the children to begin with, then slowly progresses to deceive them, in the newer version, he appears strange and mysterious right from the start which gives you an uneasy opinion of him being responsible for the rest of the characters. Generally, the characteristics in the new film are a lot stronger and obvious then the old, and seem more justified to the person they are.

Overall, I think the film that uses the best techniques is the old version because I think that in the new one a false atmosphere is introduced too soon in the film and the younger audience won’t enjoy it as much because it is suppose to be more of a children’s film therefore happy and welcoming at first, then build towards the climaxes.

Teacher Reviews

Here's what a teacher thought of this essay

Govinda Dickman

10th of Sep 2013

There is some insightful analysis of the very different narratives and moods of these two films, but the discourse is rushed and lacks both detail and deep reflection. 2 stars

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