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[merylsilverburg]

Hehe, I'm sure there are many people who share your apprehension Panuru. I'm not saying I'm positive the adaptation will be stellar but I'm hoping it'll be better than what he's been making. We'll just have to see I suppose.

[goodman]

Im a big fan of The Riches on FX (talk about dark comedy :p), and Eddie Izzard kicks ass for sure! He is doing a stand up tour through Dallas i think, but not sure if id be able to go or not. As for Alice, this could possibly be something that Burton does fairly well. I wasnt a fan of the original Willy Wonka movie of the 70's and Burton apparently pretty much messed whatever desireable elements of that with his Charlies Chocolate Factory. So like most he is hit and miss with whatever he takes on, but occasionally a "No war for old men" may just pop out!

[Pu the Owl]

Well, I was a fan of the original Willy Wonka movie. I don't know a thing about the original story of the book, so I can't say the first movie was loyal to it or not. The original movie was so much freaky, must have been Gene Wilder mainly - I don't think Depp was good for that role at all - and though it had sympathetic moments towards the characters, it was permeated with inflexibility and satire. And was very scary in some parts, at least if you watch it as a kid. Burton's movie on the other hand was so mild and watered-down... I did not know what to make of it. and the musical moments were a great disappointment

For the next Alice, I hope he's going to keep the satire and parody present in the original. In spirit I mean. I don't mind if the exact jokes are in the movie or not Alice must have its dark elements, but it's also a very funny work. We already have versions of Alice for the family and we also have versions for the grim. We lack something that is both, something more as Carroll intended it.

[merylsilverburg]

goodman, have you seen Izzard's shows on DVD? If not, I highly suggest you check them out, particularly "Glorious" which I think is the funniest by far.

Panuru: I'd be interested to know which versions of Alice you're talking about or know of. I only know of 3 at the moment: the animated Disney one (of course), this made-for-TV musical that I believe was only shown in the US, and this Czech version called which I haven't seen yet. I'm ashamed to say I haven't read the book ( ) but I plan on doing so.

As for "Willy Wonka/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" I also enjoyed the original movie as well. I read the book when I was really young but I've forgotten it now - I've heard others say Burton's version is accurate to the book while the original is not though. Burton's version isn't bad, the music wasn't terrible, and Depp wasn't terrible either; I think Wilder and Depp had their own unique visions of Wonka...but I think Wilder had more charm, darkness, and mystery - you don't know whether you can trust him or not - while when you see Depp...you know he has a backstory that is almost itching to get out...leaving a good chunk of enigma gone.

[Pu the Owl]

I think there are too many versions of Alice already, but none is very good IMO.

I liked the Disney version because I liked most Disney stuff as a kid. That one was nicely bizarre to be a "classic" cartoon. Not as much as Dumbo though - I think I am the only person I know to be completely crazy for the pink elephants part of Dumbo. I think I've watched that part gazillions of times... everybody else hates it, why?!

The Czech version you're talking about must be Svankmajer's Alice? I'm very fond of Jan Svankmajer. His Alice is very peculiar, very creative, but it's not like Carroll intended it, I'm afraid.

You don't have to have the perfect adaptation of a book, or books like in this case, because if you're expecting it you'll be disappointed. I know it. But I think all movies about Alice missed the point, or lack something. They choose one aspect or the other of the books. They never try to keep their complexity.

Burton has a thing for stories like Alice, it's true. All his movies are more or less about the same themes. I was sure either him or Terry Gilliam, or both, were going sooner or later to make their version of Alice. Gilliam sort of made it with Tideland. But though he mixed together pretty well fantasy and humour, he went too far and underlined the disturbing elements and the dark humour. Well, Tideland is a completely different story anyway, but I'm sure Carroll's books were one of its main inspirations. I'm waiting to see if Burton can make a good and balanced work without making it too weak or obliterating the insanity from it.

[goodman]

Originally Posted by goodman

occasionally a "No war for old men" may just pop out!

ermmm, "No country for old men" is what i meant but you know that right, lol. See its tough getting old :p.........

[Redpyramidhead]

Originally Posted by goodman

ermmm, "No country for old men" is what i meant but you know that right, lol. See its tough getting old :p.........

I just saw that. I enjoyed it immensely.


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