It seems many film critics think Burton’s “darker” Willy Wonka bears an uncanny resemblance to Michael Jackson clad in Austin Powers’ wardrobe. E! reports that “a PG-rated kids' fantasy--linked to a fallen pop star with longish black hair, pale skin, a whisper for a speaking voice, a penchant for military garb and a recent acquittal on child-molestation charges is likely not what the Hollywood studio had in mind when it turned Burton.” Depp insists his Wonka’s look and demeanor was not inspired by Michael Jackson, but by Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers (??) and that “everyone is entitled to think what they want, even while being violently wrong.” While we agree Jacko-Wonka is slightly creepy, we find the connection odd as anyone who even skimmed Amazon’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory customer feedback would know that Dahl’s Wonka dislikes children and would sooner grope a balding Oompa Loompa before sharing his marshmallow-fluffed bed with little boys.
Meanwhile, Gene Wilder, who previously criticized the new adaptation, now hails Depp as a “wonderful, mysterious...and magical" choice to play Wonka. Looks as if BAM Rose Cinemas feels the same gushy way, as this month the theatre presents the In-Deppth mini-retrospective. We greatly respect any actor capable of snagging an Oscar nomination just for mocking a drunk Keith Richards, and we strongly suggest you catch some of these Depp classics:
Nightmare on Elm Street, Tonight, 6:50 & 9:15 PM
Edward Scissorhands, Sat, 2, 4:30, 6:50 & 9:15 PM* (*Free kick-off party hosted by The Onion at 8pm with complimentary cocktails)
Cry-Baby, Sun, 2, 4:30, 6:50, & 9:15
Donnie Brasco, Fri, Jul 15 at 2, 4:30, 7, 9:30pm
Ed Wood, Sat, Jul 16 at 2, 4:30, 7, 9:30pm
Check out BAM for the full month schedule and times. BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St., Fort Greene, Brooklyn; $10
