1933 Film (Director: Norman McLeod)
The 1933 version of Alice in Wonderland was not the first time Carroll's books had been adapted to the screen, but it was, at that time, the most extravagant. The film was a star-studded affair from Paramount, with established names portraying various characters that Alice encounters on her bizarre journey.
When reading some reviews of the film on the web, filmgoers looking to play Spot the Star were sorely disappointed, and I agree in that sense, but not in terms of viewing a story. The film is in black and white and in my opinion does lose some truth to the spirit of Carroll in terms of initial bright, striking features. On the other hand, the production designs based on Sir John Tenniel’s famous illustrations are impressively faithful to the book that adds a very inventive, oddball and whimsical feel.
What I’ve taken from this is how blatant the odd features are in this version of Wonderland. At times the viewer can be very athletically surprised how in ones face the scenes are portrayed. Also with this creative direction the viewer can follow a steady story, understand the characters features… But personality of characters old dress-up and dialogue can defiantly be described as ‘weird’ by most.
2010 Film (Director: Tim Burton)
Tim Burton’s new take with this movie imagines Alice returning as a 19-year-old to this strange land, to find that it is plunged in gloom. The tea party is still going, but all the dishes are wrecked.
It is very difficult to tell if this is an intentional answer to Carroll's original jokey Wonderland or just part of the inevitable gothic darkness that most associate Burton conjures up.
But working off of that, Burton's visual design is of course highly distinctive; the new vision through 3D visuals, character design, and performances along side top quality green-screen work make being inside the Queen Of Hearts Castle or sat at The Hatters Tea Table a very interesting and mind spinning experience. (Even though here I have to raise a complaint against the subliminal corporate-branding which makes the White Queen's palace look like the Disney castle logo.)
The great thing about this movie in terms of my research is that Burton is more of an image-maker than a storyteller. Noting down inspiration on his take of Wonderland is a huge influence to follow and steer away from at the same time to allow me to create a further wonderland of my own. Moreover you are able to view how far the setting of Wonderland has come.
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