"Twinkle, twinkle, little bat! How I wonder what you're at."
We're getting our first official peek at Tim Burton's upcoming Alice in Wonderland, set to be released in 3D next March. And well... wow.
I guess, as Erika noted last fall, we all knew Burton's phantasmagorical surrealism and Lewis Carroll's absurdist fantasy would be a good match, but... well, wow.
USA Today has an exclusive look at some of the film's stunning, panoramic production art, full of vivid, perfectly realized flowers with faces, giant mushrooms, dazzling animal topiary, and even a very cool, lumpy Tweedledee and Tweedledum. (You can jump right to the gallery here.) The stuff looks amazing, and I like the fact these designs have a sort of hazy feel. I hope that aged gauziness carried over to the actual sets and FX--too often Burton's finished product can look a bit plastic.
The new Alice is shot by Dariuze Wolski, the cinematographer for Burton's Sweeney Todd, as well as the Pirates of the Carribbean series and Dark City way back when. The production designer is longtime effects supervisor Robert Stromberg (this is his first PD role--he's also PDing James Cameron's Avatar), and the art direction supervisor is Stefan Dechant (Lady in the Water, and also Avatar).
Of course, the character everyone really wants to see is Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter and he's looking deadly, disturbingly perfect. And quite mad. Meet the Kabuki Carrot Top of your darkest nightmares!
The rest of the cast includes Mia Wasikowska as Alice, Burton's girlfriend Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Micheal Sheen (the Hardest Working Man in Sho-biz, '09 Edition) as the White Rabbit, Alan Rickman as the Caterpillar, and Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat. Cripsin Glover and Timothy Spall are also on board.
Although this is a Disney film, as he did with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Burton is clearly treading that line between beloved children's story and his usual creepy, macabre sensibilities: the Red Queen's moat is filled with bobbing heads. (Videogame designer American McGee trod this sort of Dark Alice path in his very gothic 2000 PC game, a film adaption of which has long been in production limbo.) But Carroll's books themselves are filled with the sort of dark, disturbing imagery kids always crave. And no, Miley, not with drugs and perversion, you pinhead.
Well, okay, to be fair to the pinhead pop star, yes anyone dealing honestly with Carroll these days has to admit that his interest in young Alice Liddell is troubling to us now. (Scholars have long debated the nature of Carroll's attraction to young girls--and lack of interest in adult women.) Burton and screenwriter Linda Woolverton (the Disney animated features Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Mulan) have side-stepped the issue somewhat by having their Alice be 17 years old, dragged on the day of her (arranged) engagement party back to a Wonderland she first visited a decade earlier but has forgotten.
As for Burton, I've always agreed with the stance that he is an amazing, imaginative visualist whose films, story-wise, are usually less than the sum of their dazzling parts. Lately he's been doing well by me with Big Fish, Chocolate Factory, and Sweeney Todd, but even those stick with me as wonderful moments, not brilliant overall films. Of course, Lewis's novel defies any sort of conventional plotting, relying more on logic and mathematical games for it's inner structure. But a Disney writer like Woolverton might give Burton exactly the sort of narrative grounding he so often needs.
I'm going to guardedly raise my expectations to "somewhat giddily hopeful" bordering on "I want to go there." This could be just the sort of uncommon nonsense we've been craving.
Follow me on Twitter. Breathtaking genius and mind-numbing banality, 140 characters at a time.
is that madonna on the first photo? LOL
Posted by: J | June 23, 2009 at 12:29 AM
AWESOME!! It's about time this story was updated!!! Anxiously awaiting it's release in March....
Posted by: Dana Deitrick Wilson | June 23, 2009 at 02:25 PM
If Jonny Depp is NOT in it, it might not be worth watching.
Posted by: Swifty | June 23, 2009 at 02:50 PM
It wouldnt even be worth watching if Jonny Depp wasnt in it
Posted by: Swifty | June 23, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Wait, so you're hating on BOTH Johnny Depp and Alice in Wonderland? I think you misspelled "Grumpy" in your post signature... LOL
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 03:11 PM
Johnny Depp is in it he is the MAD HATTER
Posted by: NayNay | June 23, 2009 at 03:14 PM
Buttons clan seem to put out great films with da same cast ..
Thanx for the great films .. This one should be good too
Posted by: Riddler | June 23, 2009 at 04:00 PM
You all are so DAMN stupid, Johnny Depp is not all that freaking great. I'd watch it even more if he WASNT in it. Right now I think he looks like a HORRIBLE Madd Hatter and Helena looks like a HORRIBLE Queen. They BETTER not ruin it or I will be furious. This is coming form an AIW fan who was one since I was 10. Im NOT a fan of Johnny Depp, stupid Depp. They COULD have found someone BETTER
Posted by: Emily | June 23, 2009 at 04:05 PM
So now we have "Grumpy" and "Enraged"? Any other Dark Dwarves out there?
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 04:08 PM
But seriously, I'd be interested to hear more about this anti-Depp sentiment some of you seem to share. I'm genuinely curious (and curiouser)... What is it about Depp that you dislike so much?
I guess I've always been a fan, both of his off-beat sensibilities and choices and his mainstream work, and he seems a perfect fit for the kind of Alice Burton seems to be making.
But enough of why I like Depp -- why do some of you dislike him? Is it his mannerisms? His role choices? His lack of hair grooming at awards shows? Or is he just over-exposed these days?
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 04:13 PM
Emily - Are you an Alice in Wonderland fan or a Disney Presents: Alice in Wonderland fan? Because based on the outright weirdness of the source material, I'd say the Burton/Depp/Carter trio's treatment looks perfect. I honestly can't figure out why you don't like Depp? And seriously, even if they did "ruin" it, what's the big deal? Is that really going to hurt you personally, or will you just forget about it after it goes to DVD?
Posted by: Jason | June 23, 2009 at 04:35 PM
Everyone has their own opion as to who they think are great actors and who are not. No reason to call people "stupid" because they like an actor and you don't. I happen to think that Johnny Depp is a great actor, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to be-little a person that does not.
Grow up......
Posted by: Passing through | June 23, 2009 at 04:38 PM
I thought this was pose to be the twisted dark Alice In Wonderland Movie.Now that I learned who's making the movie makes me wonder if its even worth seeing now.But knowing me I'll watch it,and end up being disappionted. Guess I'll have to wait,and see hope I'm wrong.
Posted by: Twisted Dark Alice In Wonderland? | June 23, 2009 at 04:43 PM
Johnny Depp is amazing and this movie will be amazing. For "Grumpy" and "Enraged" here is a quick history lesson. Disney ruined Alice in Wonderland the first time. Go ahead, look it up. This story goes back to the darker more adult story told in the book. Books? What a concept! Yes, books, where 99% of all our stories told today originated. Please don't attempt to take Disney's original Alice in Wonderland as original or historical. This is going to be a great film.
Posted by: Bryan Markham | June 23, 2009 at 05:01 PM
HUH?
Tim Burton is not twisted and dark? ... Who were you hoping for, Quinton Tarantino? (!!)
Posted by: Rachel | June 23, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Passing through - I'm not really sure who you are talking to here, but I wasn't trying to belittle anyone.
...well maybe a little, but only because of the forcefulness of their post, not for their views.
Posted by: Jason | June 23, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Angela Sterritt | June 23, 2009 at 05:22 PM
AIW sucks and so does depp!!!!Im not looking forward to next march at all....
Posted by: AIW sucks | June 23, 2009 at 05:47 PM
depp still sucks
Posted by: AIW sucks | June 23, 2009 at 05:52 PM
Johnny Depp is ok. I'd rather have Tom Petty as the Mad Hatter. Mad mad mad
Posted by: don't come around here | June 23, 2009 at 05:53 PM
I think JD has run out of the ability to create a new, different character. They all are starting to look like the same character. There has to be at least one more person who wants to get a role acting?
Is it that hard to act like a drunk queen and slur your words and raise your eyebrows, then prance around?
I guess so....
Posted by: Mark L | June 23, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Pretty upset..
Alice in Wonderland is a classic and I will always like the older version. I personally don't like Tim Burton therefore I dont think I will like this movie. He always messes them up and makes them creepy and stuff. I wouldn't waste my money on this movie in theaters.
Posted by: Lynn | June 23, 2009 at 06:24 PM
i'm looking forward to seeing the movie. i've always enjoyed alice in wonderland, and i'm a fan of tim burton and johnny depp.
johnny depp will be playing john dillinger in the upcoming movie "public enemies". you oughta see it before you discredit him. he's very capable of playing very different roles.
Posted by: mbm | June 23, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Interesting that the writer of this blog chose a quote from the Riddler (Jim Carrey, Batman Forever) to start this article with.
As for the casting...apparently, whenever Tim Burton gets called to direct, the next phone call he makes is to Johnny Depp. (Does ANYBODY remember him as Officer Hanson on "21 Jump Street?")
In addition, I think it is interesting that he chose Alan (Potions Master Severus Snape) Rickman to play the Caterpillar.
We shall see...we shall see.
Posted by: Penny | June 23, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Ah, sorry Penny, but Carrey's Riddler was the thief... stealing the quote from the original Lewis Carroll... :)
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 07:03 PM
"...quote from the Riddler..." REALLY, you should know better! Also, Disney insulted and maligned Alice last time around, please do not now insult my hero Lewis Carroll by perpetuating the base canard regarding his interest in little girls. He is/was the White Knight, shy and brilliant/foolish. His works live forever on their own merits, they don't need faux-salacious innuendo to increase their popularity
Posted by: FCShell | June 23, 2009 at 07:21 PM
We're all mad here!
Posted by: Lesa | June 23, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Oh, BTW: Timothy's last name is Spall, not Sprall.
Posted by: FCShell | June 23, 2009 at 07:51 PM
First of all, I just want to say to...how old are you? Are you really that pissed off about something so trivial? Who's your favorite actor? Someone with absolutely no dimension and can only play one sadass character? Sorry, Vin Diesel..I had to go there. I can only imagine. Personally, I don't think you can't help but appreciate at least some of the roles Johnny Depp has played. He's come a long way as an actor, don't you think? I mean this is a guy who was a typical teen actor from 21 Jump Street and Nightmare on Elm St and now is perfectly comfortable in any role you throw at him. (For those that don't understand--the reason for his being drunk and slurry in Pirates was because he modeled the character after Keith Richards from Rolling Stones--who was actually in the 3rd movie as his father). And yeah, he was in some bad movies, too, and Tim Burton's movie weren't all successful. But for the most part I think they seem to work well together. I couldn't imagine Burton picking another actor for his weird, cinematic, twisted vision. I thought Chocolate was a bad remake but from seeing the visuals for this film I think it's definitely the correct take for AIW. The film was already done as a kid's cartoon. It is an original dark novel for adults (with dark literary themes) and that is the way it should be for once. Finally! A director who can take a chance on reimagining it. I hope he doesn't mess it up. Can't wait to see it!
Posted by: Susan | June 23, 2009 at 07:53 PM
Right on, FC Shell -- my ability to mangle the spelling of actors' names (even of those I love) is mighty (I have to look up "John Doe") -- thanks!
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 08:02 PM
Ah, sorry Locke, that quote wasn't even a quote.
Posted by: FCShell | June 23, 2009 at 08:06 PM
"Ah, sorry Locke, that quote wasn't even a quote."
Hmmm? Sorry, not sure what you're referring to, FC...
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Your "Twinkle twinkle..." was correct, J.Carrey's was some random thing about "whos afraid of the big black bat". You really like both Gods & Monsters and Lion in Winter? You rock.
Posted by: FCShell | June 23, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Ah, thank you very much, FC!
Take note, everyone: I rock. Except for spelling. I totally un-rock at spelling... and sports. Spelling and sports... and math...
One of these days I intend to do a series of "my favorite movies" reviews, and Gods & Monsters and Lion and Winter are at the top of the list...
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 09:00 PM
HAHA!! I also thought there was a Madonna resemblance!
Posted by: humm754 | June 23, 2009 at 09:14 PM
How do you stand on the usual suspects like Kane or Casablanca? ...or for that matter, The Usual Suspects? No one can eat fifty eggs...
Posted by: FCShell | June 23, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Sorry, can't think about GOOD movies right now, FC--I'm off to the midnight screening of Transformers: Fall of the Risen or whatever... must harden brain and prepare for the horror... I'll get back to you on those later!
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 23, 2009 at 09:54 PM
I am sorry to break this to you :) but if you read the information about it, this movie is a Tim Burton movie and if you were going to even hope that the wonderful Johnny Depp wasn't going to be in this movie then why were you even planning on watching it. Also, I would just like all you people out there who sit here and trash talk people and try to make it look like it really means something to you by putting some words in CAPITALS to know that you are sad haters and you need to get over yourselves.
Posted by: Blurpin Frogs | June 23, 2009 at 10:00 PM
That looks really creepy!!! Did anyone else think the original alice in wonderland was based on an acid trip?
Posted by: Amanda | June 23, 2009 at 10:00 PM
I'm so excited and my birthday is in March. Tim Burton will do an awesome job, but I do hope he doesn't take that great scenery and give it a fake (or plastic as said above) look. He just the right dark creepiness to his style without scaring off the majority of viewers. It will be a hit and I hope his next work is redoing Snow White. That is supposed to be a creepy story too. And Anne Hathaway would be great as Snow White!
Posted by: kim bodene | June 24, 2009 at 12:24 AM
who cares it's a kids movie anyway and I will have to agree Johnny Depp does suck
Posted by: brian | June 24, 2009 at 01:08 AM
I myself am totally excited to see this movie! Tim Burton ROCKS! and so does Johnny Depp, all these people hate'n on him are just so jealous of his talent & superior good looks! Nobody is twisting your arm to see the movie, so PLEASE....SHUT UP!
Posted by: Patty | June 24, 2009 at 02:03 AM
"Did anyone else think the original alice in wonderland was based on an acid trip?"
Well, Amanda, Miley Cyrus seems to think so... or rather, she thought it was about ecstasy. (Which is completely off base, even as a mis-informed rumor, given the tone of the book compared to the effects of E.) However, neither drug existed until at least 75 years after Lewis wrote his books.
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 04:07 AM
Tim Burton is the man and if Johnny Depp can work in whatever he's doing he does! That said they are the best team up ever. And everything Tim Burton ever put of from Vincent has been a hit.
So hope he keeps it up.
Also just to say Vincent Price was the best actor before just so there's no speculation!!
Later
MiMiC BoNEZ
Posted by: BRiAN HEiL | June 24, 2009 at 05:03 AM
I can't wait! I love Tim Burton's work and I love Alice in Wonderland. Anxiously awaiting...
Posted by: Glamgirl | June 24, 2009 at 07:55 AM
JD Rocks!! from everything like edward sissorhands, the lover in water for chocolate, john dillinger, gilbert grape, sweeny todd, capt. sparrow, etc. he is sure to do a great job in AIW. I do agree tho, he can drop the ball sometimes 'charlie and the choco factory' was one of the worst films ive seen in awhile.
i cant wait to see the new AIW, especially with mushrooms in my belly!
Posted by: trippin to see AIW | June 24, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Okay some of you people really need to take a second amd spell check please........ If you don't like Depp don't watch the movie.That will solve your problem and if the movie does suck Johnny Depp will still be in other movies and still be richer than you. So don't hate on him.He has been around long enough for a reason. CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MOVIE!!!:)LOVE JOHNNY DEPP!!!
Posted by: Cristine | June 24, 2009 at 08:22 AM
God He's going to Destroy the entire series... Willy Wonka comes to mind. I'm not even usually a "classics" fan... but what Tim Burton did to that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was ridiculous trash. I'm not saying Johny Depp was to blame for the dancing version of wonka, but WTF?! lol
Alice in Wonderland is my favorite series, and unless TIm Burton has changed... I think that is about to come to an end.
I wish American McGee has pulled his stuff together and gotten "ALICE", produced, but apparently lets be honest... THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN! its been 9 years!?
Posted by: AJ | June 24, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Anything Burton chooses to do is guaranteed to be "interesting" at the very least imo
And Depp can handle ANY role he's given and do so in a solid and professional, entertaining manner. Saying that he's tapped out and type casts...one need look no further than Michael Mann's new film Public Enemies:
http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810021973/trailer
Depp has an incredible "range" and does a memorable and incredible job in any role he's given.
This adaption of Alice looks to be more honest and closer to the original story than anything we've seen on film so far. (that i'm aware of)
I for one am very excited to see it!
Regards
Stu
Posted by: Stu | June 24, 2009 at 08:31 AM
the one on the first picture looks like Elija Woods.
Posted by: mili | June 24, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Can anyone that disapproves with this movie name a better actor or director to do it. These statements are so unsupported, that you might as well say the world sux. Boo hoo! The only problem I can find with the movie is the words strange and Disney in the same sentence. But they did make Tron, Blackhole, and Pirates. Not bad movies. Would be nice to see some new people, but there is not an overabundance of strange actors out there.
Posted by: grimm | June 24, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Theories about Depp-haters:
1. They hate him just because he's a well-liked actor. Hating someone widely considered great makes them feel superior and unique. In reality, they aren't unique. Just because you're in the counter-culture, doesn't mean you're an individual. You're just in a secondary group.
2. They've only seen one of his films and it wasn't their "thing." Chalk it up to unfair expectations.
3. They've only seen a few of his films (Pirates of the Carribean) and think he's a typecast -character actor.
4. They've interpreted his penchant for strange characters as playing the same one over and over again. While he does seem to prefer a certain style, that's understandable. Everyone prefers something. However, "similar" doesn't equal "same." Additionally, he's played plenty of varying characters in smaller films, it's just his most publicized that are similar.
5. They are fruit-bat crazy.
6. They are trolls.
Posted by: Jason | June 24, 2009 at 09:32 AM
SHUT UP!!!! I LOVE Johnny Depp! He is a fantastic actor! It is great to see what diverse roles he can do so well. From Benny and Joon to "Pirates"...there are so many...he is a great actor in my opinion. I can't wait to see this movie!!!
Posted by: Ronda | June 24, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Personally I can't wait to see it. I love the story and Tim Burton, this is going to be twisted....love it!
Posted by: Fawn YoungBear-Tibbetts | June 24, 2009 at 09:43 AM
TO ALL POSTERS, IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE PEOPLE IN THE MOVIE, "DON'T GO SEE IT" SIMPLY STAY HOME. DISNEY HAS RUINED MANY GOOD BOOKS BY ANIMATING THEM AND NOT BEING TRUE TO THE STORIES PRESENTED.
Posted by: Matilda | June 24, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Johnny depp has surprised and impressed
Me many times before. So I'm sure in this film
he still has a few tricks under sleeve
Posted by: | June 24, 2009 at 11:45 AM
...i'm in total agreement with the earlier post----bring on Mr. Petty as MadHatter...what an awesome video and an even better theatrical endeavor for a stellar performer...heck, why not let the Heartbreakers contribute to the soundtrack and let Zimmy sing the theme...dream on ziggy!
Posted by: ziggyboy | June 24, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is more based off of the book than the original. I didn't like it at all when it came out, but it was only because of the oompa loompas. I got over it and appreciated the actors and the story. If you really can't stand someone, don't watch anything they are in. Be open minded and give it a chance! I'm way excited to see this.
Posted by: nennzy | June 24, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I'm reading all these comments and realize some people may not like the dark creations of Burton and thats ok. But thats why I love his movies. They are dark and creepy and keep my attention. If you don't like creepy then don't see a Burton film...it's as simple as that.
And the Depp comments...how has he messed up any movies? I don't understand these comments. I can't think of one movie that Depp has been in that he "messed up". Yes, not all of his movies are the greatest but I can't think of any that were total flops either.
Just saying...
Posted by: Nick | June 24, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Tim Burton's style is very unique. You wouldn't want him to be like anyone else...that's what makes him special. Now for Johnny Depp...please stop hating. The man is awesome. His style of acting keep fans coming, so be happy for him or are you jealous. Keep peace in the world.
Posted by: Carolyn Rubin | June 24, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Wow, who knew Alice in Wonderland (or I guess Johhny Depp and Tim Burton) would be the cause of the most comments I've seen on here in months! I think many of you hit the nail on the head when you said Tim Burton is dark and twisted, so is Alice, match made in heaven! I've never heard anyone have so much Johnny hate before either, yowza! Usually everyone loves him, 12 year old girls, 40 year old moms, 25 year old boys, gay, straight, whatever! He is a superb actor and can handle any role given to him. Are you all seriously going to judge the whole movie based on 4 photos?
Posted by: kristin | June 24, 2009 at 01:21 PM
Well, it SAYS that comments are moderated and will not appear until the author (I imagine, of this blog) has approved them...so why have some of these comments been approved? Some are downright hateful.
Anyways, people need to lighten up, especially Mr. Furious over there. Acting like life owes you a good movie. Life don't owe you nothin. Quit drinkin the Hater-ade.
At any rate, I think this looks like a fun movie. Strange that Tim Burton is using Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp in everything, but maybe they've become good friends and think each other's styles complements the other's. I read the Alice's Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking-Glass And What Alice Found There books when I was younger and I don't feel that their sheer ABSURDITY has ever really been done justice in films. Disney's version is a good film for kids, but it's too cutesy, too Candyland. Those books can give you nightmares, if you have a good imagination. There is some SERIOUSLY, SERIOUSLY CREEPY imagery in those books, and I think this will probably be the closest match I've seen yet (although I never did watch Jan Svenkmeyer's version...).
Posted by: Wazzizza, foo? | June 24, 2009 at 01:35 PM
did you guys not read the article?
Johnny Depp plays the Madd Hatter!
This movie is going to AMazing!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Olivia | June 24, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Hating on an actor or actress won't get your comment unapproved... I agree it's frustrating when a discussion of opinions about movies and movie actors (and books) turns into childish name calling at other commenters, but my policy here has always been to edit out any profanity and then, for the most part, let you guys hash it out amongst yourselves.
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 02:07 PM
As for Alice, Burton, and Depp, my feeling has always been that those who prefer the perfectly fine cartoon Disney version will always have it. This is an Alice for those of us who crave to see something new and different, something darker.
As I've said, I always have mixed feelings about Burton's final product, but every film is still fascinating and imaginative enough to keep me coming back--and getting excited about--more.
Uh, Tom Petty as the Mad Hatter... because of a music video he made 20-some years ago? Ooooookaaaay... LOL But seriously, I CAN see the argument that the Hatter should have been played by someone more of a grotesque caricature, more in line with the Sir John Tenniel illustrations--someone like Timothy Spall, for that matter.
But we're not excited about just any adaptation of Alice, we're excited about BURTON'S adaptation, and I'm thrilled to see the visual (and possibly narrative) liberties he's taking with the conventional ideas about how these things and characters should look.
No one is saying Burton's version should or will become the "definitive" Alice. It won't erase Carroll's book, or Tenniel's illustrations, or the 1933 live-action version (with Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and WC Fields), or the Disney cartoon, and so on.
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 02:20 PM
And to AJ, I'd be hard-pressed to see how a single Tim Burton film can "destroy" a "series" from a book that was published more than 100 years ago. He didn't "destroy" Dahl's book with his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory--if you don't like Burton's, watch the Wilder version or read the book again.
But you're upset McGee hasn't gotten HIS Alice film off the ground? Um... I mean, I LOVE the McGee imagery and would also LOVE to see HIS Alice film, but let's be honest, McGee's Alice is an even MORE extreme departing from the tone of the original text.
(And if you guys think this debate is heated, wait 'til we get closer to the release of Guy Richie and Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes! see Erika's piece here: http://blog.redbox.com/redblog/2009/05/sherlock-holmes-action-hero.html)
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 02:27 PM
I agree that Tom Petty should be the hatter, if not then at least another role in the film
Posted by: Silly Sandwhich | June 24, 2009 at 02:50 PM
johnny depp is an awesome actor and has the ability to portray any character that is given to him. i am sure he will do as good of a job as this character as he has in his other films. hope is around for many more.
Posted by: elaine gonzalez | June 24, 2009 at 03:07 PM
Tom Petty does have the looks, but does he have the personality? He always seems laid back to me.
Posted by: Jason | June 24, 2009 at 03:37 PM
How come everybody on here is fighting about johnny deep? johnny deep this johnny deep that, and y is everybody debating on weather the movie will be good or not? everybody has different opinions. GOD JUST WAIT TILL THE MOVIE COMES OUT, WATCH IT, AND THEN U COULD SAY ITS GOOD OR ITS NOT.
Posted by: J3NNIF3R AND J3SSIC4 | June 24, 2009 at 03:46 PM
A friend of mine is in the Tea Party scene... this is going to be a GREAT movie!
Posted by: Donna | June 24, 2009 at 03:46 PM
Uh, someone remind me why we're talking about Tom Petty having to be in this film? LOL
I hate to speculate, but I'm beginning to suspect that the "Don't Come Around Here No More" video might be the ONLY brush with Alice some of you of a certain generation have had?
Because other than that, what POSSIBLE reason is there to even mention Tom Petty acting in an Alice adaptation? I mean, sure, he was da bomb in The Postman, but still... No one's going to say Chris Isaak has to be in a From Here to Eternity remake because he made out with a woman on the beach in the "Wicked Game" video, are they? Please tell me they aren't... Or that the Beastie Boys should be in a cop movie because of "Sabotage"? (Though Ad-Rock did try to have an acting career for a short while there.)
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 05:41 PM
This should be visually stunning & creepy all at once.
However, my 12 yrs old daughter wants to inform you all this is a complete lie!!!! To know the story of Alyss (this is her real name, not Alice) Heart you will need to read The Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd & Arch Enemy by Frank Beddor. I suggest you do this before seeing this movie, you'll never look at it the same way!
http://www.lookingglasswars.com/home.html
Posted by: Alyss Heart Fan | June 24, 2009 at 06:26 PM
I can't believe nobody said it, maybe I just didn't read it, isn't Tim Burton (who I like) capable of screwing up a childhood classic?? I dunno.. CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY???
This sounds like the sequel. I hope it's better than that. The only reason I'd see it in theatres is the 3-D. Which makes me think...
Posted by: Nathan | June 24, 2009 at 07:06 PM
I don't hate Burton's Chocolate Factory -- I don't LOVE it, but then I never LOVED the Gene Wilder version. I guess my attitude is always, if you're going to remake something, show me something new--either give me a faithful adaptation that hasn't been truly done before, or go wildly off the rails and surprise me. Sure, most of the time the surprises turn out to be bad, but honestly, I'm all FOR epic mistakes rather than playing it safe.
And what I love about this very small look at Burton's Alice is he seems to be doing BOTH: going back to a more faithful approach to some of the book's wierdness AND coming up with new visual takes on it.
I am in no way "betting" Burton's Alice will be as magnificent as many of us are hoping it will be--as I've said, he's pretty consistent at disappointing expectations. You're right--he is VERY capable of screwing stuff up. But what's great about Burton is he's always right there on the EDGE of something AMAZING, even if he rarely acheives it. And so again, it's wonderful to THINK of what this MIGHT be.
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 07:43 PM
I was the OP on the Tom Petty post. Uh, I was kidding. I read the blog and the song started running through my head. I had to look up the video on youtube because it'd been 20 years since I've seen it. I didn't realize how cool it was when I was a kid!
Yep. We're all mad here.
Posted by: don't come around here | June 24, 2009 at 08:40 PM
I think you mixed up my post & name at June 24, 2009 at 05:41 PM with the next one.
Alyss Heart Fan should've been with mine, not Locke Peterseim. Can you please fix?
Posted by: Alyss Heart Fan | June 24, 2009 at 09:33 PM
Ooooh, we found the Petty culprit!
See what happens, kids? You make a little casting joke and it becomes a chat room debate, then an Interwebs rumor, and eventually someone in a studio says "hmmmm, why not?"
That's exactly how Liz Taylor ended up in the Flintstones...
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 09:37 PM
What does the ordering and authoring of the posts matter, Alyss Heart Fan? Everyone knows *I* write all the comments anyway... you're all just online figments of my fevered imagination... Like right now -- I'm arguing with myself about this...
(Hmmm, the Interwebs as Wonderland... THERE'S your new book premise...)
No, actually Alyss, the name of the commenter comes BELOW the comment -- I know, it is genuinely confusing and you're not the first to make that error.
But while you're here, Alyss, can you tell us more about the "complete lie" and the Beddor books--I'm looking them up on Wiki right now and they sound great. Can you (or your daughter) give us a quick description of their premise?
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 24, 2009 at 09:46 PM
I've never even seen the music video in question. I just think that appearance-wise, Petty would make a good mad hatter. But like I said, he doesn't have the over-the-top personality to go with it.
As for the Chocolate factory, Each one had it's incredible moments, and each one had a few that fell flat. Personally, I like the Charlie from the second better. I also think Depp did a great job with Wonka. I just wish the boat scene in the second had included the monologue from the boat scene in the first and not been so cartoonish. Other than that, I thought the Oompa Loompas were WAY better in the second. The songs weren't nearly as catchy as in the first, but they were still fun to watch.
Posted by: Jason | June 25, 2009 at 08:21 AM
Remember -- "Willie Wonka" was a silly, funny movie. It was remade as "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory". It had a darker feel. Burton & Depp are like that. Now Tarantino -- sick and twisted. But these styles and qualities of actors/actresses, producers & directors are WHAT sets them apart from their mundane peers. Face it -- they're making great movies for those of us who like them and that's their job.
Posted by: Boalady | June 25, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Emily,
Put on your "big-girl pants", pick up the shattered pieces of your sheltered, pitiful life, and go on.
Posted by: Emptybarnes | June 25, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Okay, folks. I DID publish that last post from Emptybarnes. I didn't really want to, but I've always said publish this stuff (except profanity) and let you guys sort it out.
But come ON.
Really?
Oh, I know, I know... "Emily" started it by saying "You all are so DAMN stupid, Johnny Depp is not all that freaking great," and yep, that was a moronic comment on Emily's part. But--and this is why I publish comments like that--it DID start a long, interesting and mostly thoughtful discussion about Depp. In hindsight, yeah, I think I should have just edited out the "You are all so DAMN stupid" part, and in the future I will.
But both of you, really? We can't have a lively, passionate discussion about actors we like and dislike without calling names?
I'll say this in Emily's defense: She stupidly called names, but then at least she EXPLAINED why she was upset and in doing so raised interesting topics of discussion. Emptybarnes, what did YOU contribute to the discussion?
Sorry folks--I want to just publish most everything (except profanity) and let you guys talk it out, but in the future comments like Emptybarnes' comment that are ONLY personal attacks and have NOTHING to say about any other topic will probably just not get published.
-- Locke
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 25, 2009 at 02:03 PM
J DEPP IS GOOD AT WHAT HE DOES EVEN IF THE ROLES HE TAKES ARE NOT THE NORM AS FAR AS ACTION OR THRILLER ETC. YOU DO HAVE TO CONSIDER ALL THE OTHER GREAT ACTORS OUT IN THE MAINSTREAM AND J DEPP HAS BEEN THE CONSTANT FOR WELL OVER TEN YEARS. NOT MANY ACTORS CAN DO WHAT HE DOES, HOWEVER I BET IF YOU PUT HIM IN OCEANS TWELVE,MATRIX OR EVEN 300 I BET HE WOULD STILL PUT ALL THE EFFORT INTO HIS ROLES AND MAKE THE PART HIS OWN.. JUST THINK WE NEVER REFER TO THE NAMES OF THE MOVIES HE'S IN, WE REFER TO THEM AS A DEPP FLICK , CASE CLOSED.. I'M OUT IZZYDHAMUS
Posted by: ISRAEL | June 25, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Yeah, I don't think his comment really qualified as anything but Majoritrolling.
Majoritroll - noun or verb.
1. As a noun: A person who makes inflammatory statements against those perceived as trolls or at least rude.
2. As a verb: to make inflammatory or derogatory statements about a person who dissents from the majority opinion (whether through derogative statements or actual conversational points) without including any actual value in any part of the post.
Posted by: Jason | June 25, 2009 at 03:17 PM
Reverse Troll - See Majoritroll.
Posted by: Jason | June 25, 2009 at 03:18 PM
...i guess i opened a can of worms with my Petty infatuation...i wonder if anyone figured out who "Zimmy" was...i'll give you a hint--('85 tour)...
Posted by: ziggyboy | June 25, 2009 at 06:13 PM
This looks like it is going to be great I know I can't wait Johnny Depp and Tim Burton are the best
Posted by: Lisa Higgins | June 26, 2009 at 12:43 AM
If Alan Rickman is in it i will deffenitly be seeing it. He wasn't just in harry potter, his real claim to fame(in my opinion)was his role as the terrorist in die hard. but back to burton
i can't wait to see this movie. all tim burtons films are "dark" and "creepy" it's just haw he is. if you don't like his films why see it?
Posted by: fellowelf | June 26, 2009 at 04:26 PM
"Johnny Depp is not all that freaking great. I'd watch it even more if he WASNT in it. Right now I think he looks like a HORRIBLE Madd Hatter and Helena looks like a HORRIBLE Queen. They BETTER not ruin it or I will be furious. This is coming form an AIW fan who was one since I was 10. Im NOT a fan of Johnny Depp, stupid Depp. They COULD have found someone BETTER"...
...you DO realize that this AIW movie will mostly likely not take the same steps and expectations everyone has as the disney cartoon film, right?!? If you hold it to the cartoon, you may be in for a disappointing surprise. Remember how everyone got upset because Star Trek did not follow the same plot everyone was expecting from the TV show? The writer made it that way to tell the stories to people who "were not original die-hard fans"...probably the same thing Burton will be doing here...so beware, you may get your panties in a twist!!
Posted by: Michi | June 26, 2009 at 06:50 PM
Hey zerxies, if you're wondering why your comment wasn't published:
"in the future comments... that are ONLY personal attacks and have NOTHING to say about any other topic will probably just not get published."
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | June 27, 2009 at 01:17 PM
i remember johnny depp from 21 jump street, he also had a movie in the 80's with the guy that plays don epps in the show numbers, and also the original nightmare on elm street so he can play different roles and he has been around for a lond time. i also love tim burton movies i've been watching them since i was little. i can't wait to see it!
Posted by: vampiregyrl_83 | June 27, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Was'nt Marilyn Manson sposed to play some sort of character in this movie??
Posted by: vampira | July 06, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Vampira, Manson is involved with directing and starring in a very different Alice project, Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll, which, as the title suggest, will focus more on Carroll.
It's a small-budget independent film (really!? Manson as Lewis Carroll? You mean Disney's not pouring tens of millions into this?) that has been struggling in development for about five years now. Currently shooting has not yet begun and does not have a scheduled start date.
Posted by: Locke Peterseim | July 06, 2009 at 05:31 PM