Nada Mudawi---Film Studies - Unit 26 - Assignment 2 - Film Remakes Old Virsus New (2)

Remakes are effectively something which has either been changed into something new as a response or reaction from its original or simply copied except with slight change and reorder. In the film industry there have been many notable remakes of films which some consider a great success whereas others see as almost a parody. It is thought that often films are remade for a number of reasons, these could be; the original was not in English and so by remaking a film in English language you get a wider audience and ultimately more money.
Another is that as society is constantly changing, by remaking a film you can add some modern elements and keep to original ideas, this means that you're modern audience will be engaged if the film was a success in the era the original was released you don't have that much work on the storyline. Lastly, as original's can sometimes be from 'old' times, the editing software was perhaps not so sophisticated and as there has been a shift in technology you get a much more visually engaging

film by remaking the original.

This blog will analyze two films- one an original and the other the remake of it, then concluding which one I preferred better.I have chosen to talk about the film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971) and the remade version 'Charlie and the chocolate factory' (2005). Both films, have similar genre's of, fantasy, adventure and comedy.

WWCF (1971) to begin, the original was released on  August 12, 1971 and directed by Mel Stuart, the film's estimated budget and revenue raised from tickets sold was $3,000,000 the film brought in a budget of $4,000,000 (gross).

The remake, which was called 'Charlie and the Chocolate factory' (2005) directed by the amazing Tim Burton, the box office figures were $150,000,000 and the overall money that went into making the film was $206,456,431.

On review, both films have done well in advertisement and attraction. However, credit goes to the remake which did not lose out on too much money, this is always good for directors because it means that their remake was a success as well as economically successful. Whereas the original lost a lot of money.

The cast in both films are very carefully picked and the directors have done a good job in allocating
these characters with their roles as I believe in both films they play an excellent  job of acting.

In WWCF Willy Wonka is played by Gene Wilder, who although the film is in his name is not in fact the lead character, the film focuses mostly on Charlie the young boy. Willy Wonka just plays the role of leading and being a guide for the rest of the characters. The original portrays him in an interesting light he always seems to have things under control and planned out, but he does have an element of mystery about him. He is seen to be welcoming and kind on most occasions, the audience are embraced with his warming character.

On the other hand, in Charlie and the chocolate factory, the lead character is not Charlie like it says in the title, but willy wonka. The character of willy wonka is played by Johnny Depp- as well as charm and elegance this character is the least of kindness, he is portrayed as a full on man who is witty and doesn't stick to the purpose of the 'golden ticket' or at least for the right child.

This means that I'd much better prefer watching the original version, because although the directors in the remade version stuck to the same ideas, and the events driven were also similar, the more engaging would be WWCF. Yes, the remade version introduces technology, with scenes in a glass lift which enforces the idea of this remake, to modernize it. But again it doesn't win over the

acting, if the acting is not perfect then the whole film is a doom.

The next important character we see is Charlie, he is a young boy who's aim is to visit the chocolate factory and  get the golden ticket, which he does and ends up with the last one available. Charlie's character is a loving boy who is content and enjoys good times with his family. Although his family aren't particularly wealthy, his break though is to go to the factory and meet willy wonka.
In WWCF Charlie is a stereotypical character of that era , the 1970s was a period of tradition and culture, and Charlie most certainly conforms to this as he is  seen mostly, giving and sharing. A bit like Christmas, which is a festive season for sharing and giving.

In the remake , Charlie again is solid on family values , he says and

I quote '' We need the money more than we need the chocolate' which proves that he is perhaps a little thinker, meaning he thinks bigger than his age and is alerted of everything that will benefit him in the end. However, in saying this I'm not sure I like this character because in nearly every scene he seems out of place, acting as an adult not a child.

Both films give us a good profile of the character Charlie, however I like the original version better as Charlie is more realistic, being sad and happy and cheerful etc. Not like in the remake where they've made him a perfect poppy. An audience of children may enjoy the remade version however because of the adventure that Charlie goes through, he is having a good time and young children would want to be in his place.

Another thing I picked up about both films is the sound design, of course you cannot have a musical without music. In  WWCF the music we hear is quite snappy and quick, most songs are ones which I have heard before and I'm sure many other people have too. The composition of these pieces is fair and sung by a range of different characters in the film.

However, in the remake the music is diverse and is only sung by the umpa-lumpas, we hear songs from the 50s-90s. The technique used was quite clever and successful, with every song there is a different dance, which makes it fun and exciting to watch. I would say the remake is successful because the audience watching whoever it may be, whether you're 60 or younger you could relate and it also brings back memories for these viewers.



The one I was engaged by the most would have to be the remade version as it offers a selection of songs from a wide period of time. Also, the audience on a whole would probably have picked the remake as it is like a ring to their ears and opens doors for a larger market. Also, some people may argue that the original was for them considered bad audibly.

Lastly, I will talk about the storyline, both films I think deviate from the novel, they both try to create a clear vision of what they are trying to send across. However, like before the original is more focused on Charlie and the remake is more focused on Willy Wonka. The remake seemed unique like it wasn't just re-telling the WWCF versions. In the remake we see the results of everything , showing us whether the children survived or not, but in the original we never get to know.
The moral in the original is to be good and look out for yourself , and you'll get your reward. The moral in the remake is to not spend your adult life being a kid, but surely this message is directed towards grown ups not children. The one which i feel is the most effective and successful has to be the original , the classic as it engages me more from all aspects than the remake version, which is of course a shame to the director.