Monday, March 15, 2010

Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland'


"A wholly unremarkable movie", intoned my friends, as the credits rolled.

I had been interested in watching this movie, since I like Tim Burton's work and I liked 'Alice in Wonderland' (oh, BIG fan). Ergo I was very keen to see his take on one of the most famous children's book of all time.

Burton has always been one for developing memorable characters. Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts and even the prissy White Queen are incredibly well designed. Same cannot be said of the story, it seems as if Burton got so caught up in the beauty of his film that he forgot to write a story line.

The story goes some-what like this: Alice(Mia Waskowska) is now nineteen (and looks about sixteen), and is in an awkward situation. She has a proposal of marriage from a rather dull but rich man. While she mulls over this dilemma, she is distracted by a waistcoat-wearing, pocket watch holding rabbit, and falls down the self same rabbit hole, as she did when she was 6. This time however things are much different in Wonderland. The Red Queen(Helena Bonham Carter) is terrorising the land with her 'darling' Jabberwocky, a fantastic monster(another good character). There is a prophecy which foretells that Alice will kill the Jabberwocky and give the crown back to the White Queen (Anne Hathaway; (who should stick to being a brunette, white-blonde suits her not)). She finds an ally in the Mad Hatter(Johnny Depp; who might try playing normal people for a change) and other strange creatures on Wonderland. Does Alice manage to triumph over her difficulties and kill Jabberwocky? Of course, she does, silly! And does she take charge of her own life when she gets back to her world? Naturally!

Oh Mr. Burton, you can do so much better...

4 comments:

Unknown said...

the Red Queen is played by Helena Bonham Carter not Helen Mirren..
i dont mean to nit-pick.. but since i m a fan who s gonna watch the movie just for her , felt like it s my duty to correct.. :D

Anagha said...

Actually LOVED Helena Bonham Carter's Red Queen. Can't say much about most of the rest though.

Having said that - if you like Burton's work - try watching "Big Fish"... wonderfully fantastical movie... :)

Aditi said...

@Sneha: my mistake, you are right. Changing it right away.
@Anagha: Yes, the Red Queen is great! Apparently Helen Bonham Carter took inspiration from her 4-year-old daughter, Nell, to define the Queen's characteristics..
And yes, I have watched "Big Fish" , really enjoyed it.

Gauri K said...

Hi Aditi,

Just by luck, I had a chance to peek into your blog... and I am really happy that I did. :)

Your illustrations are too good. I saw some of the older posts too....Your imagination and expression is really nice and colorful.

I enjoyed my time here.....:)
Keep up the good work.
Gauri