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With more than 250 million copies of his classic books sold, Roald Dahl is a literary icon. Dahl is often referred to as one of the greatest voices of children’s literature, and with good reason. Also, a genuinely good person, Roald Dahl’s legacy lives on through his charity, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which according to the website, provides care for seriously sick children by providing nurses who travel to them, instead of the kids having to come to the hospital. Books like Matilda, Charlie and the Charlie Factory and The Witches were brought forth by the British writer, who was also a wartime fighter pilot, proving he was versatile in many things.
Maybe James and the Giant Peach is more familiar, or the BFG, perhaps Fantastic Mr. Fox. Whichever story it is, it’s proven that Roald Dahl’s writing has touched millions of people in one way or another. Many of his works have been made into movies, rightfully so, and most of them have been justifiably done, with great casts and good screenplays that stay close to the original works. Whether it’s live action, stop-motion, or a remake, Dahl’s movies are just as important as his books. That being said, here are five of the best performances in a Roald Dahl adaptation.
5 George Clooney – Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
This stop-motion animated film, directed by Wes Anderson, gained 46.5 million dollars at the box office, and for good reason. Before Fantastic Mr. Fox came out, there weren’t many films like this one, with the depth of the plot it had and the cast to voice these characters. George Clooney shines in this movie because of how he plays Mr. Fox, a middle-aged father who wants more for his family and wants to get out of the “poor” neighborhood he currently inhabits. Clooney brings a comforting nature to this character as he voices the fox, showing special attention to his nephew instead of his son, and cuddling up to his wife, played by Meryl Streep. While this was a stop-motion flick, George Clooney and many of the other cast members acted out the scenes in real time while they recorded, so the sound was more authentic.
4 Anjelica Huston – The Witches (1990)
In this 90-minute flick directed by Nicolas Roeg, Anjelica Huston stuns as The Grand High Witch. The Witches is a horror-comedy intended for a children’s audience, while conveying how much these witches absolutely hate children. Mixed with a balanced level of terror and laughs, Huston steals the show with the iconic switch into her natural witch state. Huston was the perfect pick for this role, especially with her history of playing Morticia Adams in the Adams Family, gaining that already creepy but intriguing vibe. Recently, there has been a remake of The Witches, starring Anne Hathaway, but no one can do it like Huston does.
3 Johnny Depp – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Johnny Depp has proven time and time again that he can and will transform into any type of character imaginable, and his portrayal of Willy Wonka in this remake, is not excluded from that list. It was peculiar and a bit weird, but Depp made Wonka his own and flipped what viewers knew of the beloved character. Adding those extra elements to this character is what makes it stand out in Roald Dahl’s movies, not conforming to what was already done, but taking it in an entirely different direction. It really worked for Depp, who added this iconic character to his roster and truly has stuck to him, much like Jack Sparrow. Depp brought new life to Wonka within this remake, and it’ll be interesting to see how Timothée Chalamet incorporates this adaptation into his own Wonka, which is a prequel to Roald’s story, says People, that is to be released in March 2023.
2 Gene Wilder – Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (1971)
While Johnny Depp has a memorable performance in the remake, nothing can top the original adaptation of Willy Wonka with the late Gene Wilder. Wilder made this character; gave him the footing for future remakes, and many fans state that they prefer Wilder to Depp’s performance as Wonka because it’s just so classic. The boat scene in particular, as Wonka takes his guests down the chocolate river and things get creepy, as Wilder starts to sing to them; the lights making some passengers dizzy and many on edge as the boat gains speed. Wilder had swag and grace as he strolled through the factory, giving the day-long tour to the winners of the competition, pleased with how each child reacted to the candy until only one remained; Charlie. Wilder’s performance in this original adaption is truly something memorable.
1 Mara Wilson – Matilda (1996)
Danny DeVito directs and stars in this classic movie adapted from Roald’s works, and its impact is still being seen today. Mara Wilson, at just nine years old, played Matilda better than anyone else could have possibly fathomed. Wilson was fantastic with her timing and wit, portraying a gifted young girl who wanted to be loved by her parents, but instead, found it from her teacher, Miss Honey. She is the hero of her own story, standing up to Miss. Trunchbull, and managing to also protect the friends she meets along the way. Wilson was fantastic in this original adaptation, viewers rooting for the young girl as she gets to leave her parents and is adopted by a woman who will actually care and love for her in the way she deserves.
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