Wonka through the ages: exploring the enchanting sets of three iconic film adaptations — Architectural Digest

As Wonka hits the theatres, here’s insight into the artistic evolution and visual majesty of the ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory’ films from 1971 to 2023.

Gene Wilder, portraying Willy Wonka in the 1971 cinematic masterpiece ‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory,’ ushered these poetic words — ‘We are the music-makers, we are the dreamers of dreams.’ This film marked the inaugural adaptation of Roald Dahl’s enchanting tale, ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.’ A subsequent rendition, sharing the book’s title, featured Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka in 2005. Presently, the latest cinematic iteration, ‘Wonka’ (2023), showcasing Timothée Chalamet as the titular candy maker, continues to captivate audiences in theaters. Although diverging from Dahl’s original narrative, ‘Wonka’ serves as a prequel, with director Paul King inviting viewers on a mesmerising odyssey into the origins of Willy Wonka’s tale.

Wilder’s poignant utterance, derived from the pages of the 1964 novel and initially borrowed by Dahl from Arthur O’Shaughnessy’s ‘Ode,’ resonates deeply across the cinematic tapestry of all three Wonka films. Each celluloid odyssey serves as a transcendent sojourn into a realm of tantalising wonders and enchanting magic, intricately woven into the fabric of elaborate sets and vibrant production design, brimming with decadence and the irresistible allure of chocolate. The creation of a Wonka movie involves meticulous world-building, and as we embark on a chronological exploration of Wonka through the ages, it becomes imperative to grasp the shared aspiration that unites these cinematic ventures-to transport the audience into a sphere of delectable joy, crafting an immersive experience that can only be described as a sugary spectacle.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Kicking off the enchanting Wonka series, Mel Stuart directed the first instalment, collaborating with the creative genius of art director Harper Goff. Starring Gene Wilder as Wonka, this cinematic debut gracefully tiptoes between fantasy and reality, striking a delicate balance that defines its subtlety. The film exudes undeniable charm, adorned with the signature vibrant hues and whimsy that encapsulate the essence of Wonka’s character. Harper Goff’s ingenuity shines through in the practical sets that form the backbone of the film’s visual allure. These tangible environments, painstakingly crafted, offer a refreshing departure from the later two instalments’ reliance on CGI, underscoring a shift in visual storytelling.

Nevertheless, the challenges posed by physical set construction did not deter Stuart and Groff from relentlessly pursuing a visually engaging experience for their audience. The creative team surpassed conventional boundaries to bring the fantasy to life on the studio floors. This commitment was evident in the meticulous crafting of iconic elements, such as the Inventing Room and the three-course gum machine. Despite the ambitious vision, the pragmatics of the production budget necessitated certain concessions. The iconic unwrapping scene of the Wonka bars to reveal the coveted Golden Ticket, the team opted for bars made of wood, instead of real chocolate.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

In Tim Burton’s 2005 adaptation of Willy Wonka, starring Johnny Depp, production designer Alex McDowell conjures a visual spectacle described by himself as a “collision between psychedelic, inflatable pop art, and the 1960s Russian-American space race ethos.” Shot in the backlot of Pinewood studios, the exterior of the factory draws from fascist architecture, setting the stage for Burton’s signature touch-a gothic, dark, and whimsically offbeat portrayal.

In Tim Burton’s rendition, there’s a Nut Room which comes alive as a bustling haven where thousands of trained and animatronic squirrels seamlessly execute the task of separating nuts from their shells. Burton’s deliberate choice of minimal CGI, despite having over 800 CGI shots in the film otherwise, adds an enchanting authenticity to the scene.

McDowell’s alchemy extends to the Inventory Room, a fusion of aeronautical industry scraps and discarded confectionery machines. Burton, known for his dark and eccentric style in films like “Edward Scissorhands’’ and “Corpse Bride,” imparts a ‘Hoover Dam-like optimism to Wonka’s factory, which, as night falls, takes on a slightly foreboding aura.’ This visual dance between color and darkness transforms the factory into a character itself, echoing the duality of Wonka’s character.

Wonka (2023)

In the latest chapter of the scrumptious Wonka saga, directed by Paul King and featuring Chalamet, Nathan Crowley takes the reins as the production designer. This film serves as a prelude, introducing Wonka to the world before he assumes the role of the maestro candymaker in the previous two installments. In contrast to its predecessors from 1971 and 2005, this iteration forgoes the colossal and playful chocolate factory elements. Instead, it centers around a chocolate shop, a pivotal stepping stone in Willy’s journey towards becoming the world’s best chocolatier.

The film’s standout was undeniably the cherry blossom tree adorned with luscious chocolate cherries-an enchanting, rotating masterpiece that epitomizes pure magic. Many elements in the shop were edible, handcrafted by real chocolatiers, totaling 1895 confections, as shared by Crowley with Home Beautiful. Unlike its predecessors, Wonka’s wonders extend beyond the chocolate wonders. The intricate design manifests in an island city featuring a weathered castle, ornate town square, majestic cathedral, and the renowned Galeries Gourmet. This European city, though unspecified, seamlessly blends architectural styles from Belgian, Czech, Dutch, French, German, and Swiss influences.

Whether it’s helmed by King, Burton, or Stuart, Wonka through the ages share a common thread-an exultation of ambition and the artistry of bringing seemingly impossible visions to life. Beyond being delectable confections, every Wonka film stands as a testament to the transformative power of production design and art decoration in the storytelling realm.

Originally published at https://www.architecturaldigest.in on December 23, 2023.