Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (1 Viewer)

[Brian Borst]

I thought that was already known. I have never read any of the books (just seen the Disney film, and that's probably not the truest adaptation out there) but a simple adaptation sounds a bit boring. Everything being shuffled around could be better for the movie. And I'm really psyched that Crispin Glover is in this. He's always great.

 

[Brian D H]

Hard to say since it hasn't been done. The main things to know about the books are:

1) The books were meant to be read one chapter at a time, with each one being it's own self-contained mini-encounter for Alice. This aspect does not work well on film and most versions have tried (most unsuccessfully) to create a cohesive story.

2) The first book attempts to unify the chapters with an overall theme of playing cards throughout the book. This theme is done throughout, but not consistently and doesn't really come to the forefront until the climax at the end with the Queen of Hearts.

3) The second book uses a Chess theme which is (IMO) much more successful. Each chapter represents one specific move on a particular game of chess (the entire game and all moves are detailed in the appendix). Alice is not aware of this fact at first, but hints are given by the characters she encounters and the fact that the entire landscape looks like a chessboard (each square is about a half mile across or so). Alice starts out as a pawn and is eventually promoted to a queen. Since every chapter is part of the same chess game, the book feels much more unified, while maintaining the same set-up of individual mini-encounters. You can see why I was much more interested in a focus on the second book's theme.

I could envision a chess themed movie with favorite encounters from the first book added on without hurting the narrative. Unfortunately, as soon as you have any card-themed characters, it pretty much ruins that idea. I am worried that it will (once again) feel like a bunch of disconnected individual encounters.

 

[BrokenAmbience]

i really want to see this i just love his pale characters look

 

[MatthewLouwrens]

I was about to post, but Brian D H said pretty much everything I had to say. So I'll just agree with him.

 

[DavidPla]

Tim Burton talks about Johnny Depp, 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Dark Knight' | Hero Complex | Los Angeles Times



Alan Rickman is rumoured to be playing the Caterpillar and Michael Sheen's role seems to be the Cheshire Cat.

http://www.zdonk.com/zblog/visits-to...in-wonderland/

Christopher Lee has also been confirmed. No role mentioned but I'd assume the White Knight.

 

[Josh.C]

Burton must have signed a life contract with Depp.

 

[DavidPla]

The Mad Hatter (Burton style!) Real or fake?



First Look at Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter? - ComingSoon.net

 

[mattCR]

At first I thought this was American McGee's Alice, which I keep thinking would be an interesting potential story. But so far, no one has managed that kind of adaptation worth a damn.

 

[Radioman970]

I really hope that is fake. But maybe they will be doing to nifty alterations with cgi to make him look cartoonish.

 

[JonZ]

@ that Depp picture

 

[Sean Laughter]

"There is no Johnny, only Zuul!!!"

 

[ScottR]

The 1985 mini-series kept the two stories separate. Night one was Alice in Wonderland and Night two was Through the Looking Glass. I thought it was the most faithful adaptation to date. Sure it is '80's with a very '80's television cast but it still works.

 

[Brian D H]

God, I hope not. If you don't at least have a nod to the character designs from the original Tenniel illustrations than it's just not Wonderland. Sorry.


... OK, I guess they have a nod in the costume. But the face is NOTHING like the illustration. Where's the nose, the teeth? What's with the makeup?

 

[Radioman970]

*slams frig door and calls the Ghostbusters*

 

[Greg_S_H]

Not entirely on-topic, but American McGee's Alice is getting a sequel! And just dig this concept art!





(clicky for biggie)

Ea Partners: The Return of American McGee's Alice Set For PC, Consoles

 

[Radioman970]

Cool Greg! Geez, they've already sold one of those. Hopefully I'll have to upgrade my PC!!

 

[Greg_S_H]

My PC can't even adequately run Half-Life 2. :frowning: I've not even attempted any of the new games for a few years now.

 

[Brandon Conway]

Cast photos and some concept art: First look: What a weird 'Wonderland' Burton's made - USATODAY.com

 

[Shawn Shultzaberger]

Wow! Those images are mesmerizing in an odd way. I think this movie might be a visual delight.

 

[Greg_S_H]

Those images of Depp and Bonham are deeply disturbing.