Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory Turns 55: A Timeless Classic

The 70s film that defined Gene Wilder‘s career is officially turning 55 this year. Gene Wilder was one of the most recognizable and iconic actors during the 1970s. His performances in films like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein have stood the test of time, making him a beloved actor across many generations.

However, before his work with acclaimed satirist Mel Brooks, Gene Wilder’s career really took off with his portrayal of Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Based on the Roald Dahl book, the film has become a classic that touches the hearts of kids and adults alike, even though it was originally a box office flop.

The story of a young boy named Charlie winning a trip to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory makes for a fascinating premise. The film builds upon just how exciting it is to have this opportunity as countless people try to find one of the five Golden Tickets hidden in various Wonka Bars.

Given Wonka himself had isolated himself at the time the movie starts, it makes for an engaging first half hour as Charlie continues to build up his hopes to be a winner. When the film does finally give him his moment though, the smile on his face and the golden reflection shift the film into a memorable tone that only gets better from there.

Now, 55 years later, this remarkable family fantasy is still a delight. Once the doors to Wonka’s factory open up, it becomes a special film that’s unlike anything that came before it.

Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory Still Makes Audiences Feel Young Again

When Charlie and the other Golden Ticket winners enter the factory, the film perfectly finds a way to blur the line between young and old. Wonka’s building breaks all aspects of reality and logic. However, that’s what makes the film feel so charming.

The iconic Chocolate Room scene, in particular, is a moment that has been ingrained in many viewers’ minds because of how it appeals to their childhood. The bright colors and wacky things made entirely out of candy are like something out of a child’s dream brought to life. However, it’s so delightful and captivating that it’s easy to go along with it and enjoy the ride.

Everything else that follows just builds upon the wild world of Wonka’s factory, but never loses that whimsical feeling. Whether it’s a frightening tunnel, geese that lay golden chocolate eggs, or gum that turns chewers into blueberries, the film never slows down in the best way possible.

Willy Wonka’s Musical Numbers Continue To Entertain Today

What makes Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory also stand out after all these years is how effective it is as a musical. The songs performed throughout the movie and developed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley highlight the whimsical nature of the story perfectly.

Gene Wilder’s performance of “Pure Imagination,” in particular, has become iconic since the film originally premiered. It’s a soft and soothing melody that invites the audience to let go of their worries and allow what made them happy as children to take over for the next hour. It’s so perfect in capturing the tone and themes of this film, in fact, that it was featured in the prequel film, Wonka, as the major showstopper, bridging the gap between the two films.

Every other musical number never quite hits the high of “Pure Imagination,” but they are still great songs nonetheless. “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” captures the excitement of a child, while “Oompa Loompa” is a nonsense song that’s incredibly catchy. The soundtrack’s songs hit the perfect notes for what they strive to do, and they can all be enjoyed on their own, no matter the occasion.

Themes Of Sincerity And Kindheartedness Make Willy Wonka A Delight

The best thing about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is how it’s more than just an hour and a half of pure escapism. The themes of kindheartedness and sincerity prevalent in the film are so well-crafted while delivering a great message for kids.

The moment when Charlie returns the Everlasting Gobstopper to Wonka, in particular, is a truly heartwarming moment. It’s the moment when he shows Wonka just how pure and kind he can be, making him the ideal candidate to take over the factory for him when he retires. In fact, Wonka’s iconic line, “so shines a good deed in a weary world,” is a heartwarming way to tie a bow on the film’s message for viewers.

55 years later, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is still as close to perfect as it was when it first premiered. It’s heartwarming, clever, and a great way for fans to feel like kids again. Plus, with Gene Wilder‘s performance as the famed chocolatier, he manages to turn it into something special that has yet to be topped.

Release Date

June 30, 1971

Runtime

99 minutes

Director

Mel Stuart

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  Peter Ostrum

  Charlie Bucket