Tim Burton's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory serves as an allegory for how children are treated in the presence of a respected icon. While Johnny Depp denies it, there are clear parallels between his portrayal of Wonka and Michael Jackson. They're both wealthy, eccentric, and lonely. They both had weird hairdos and effeminate voices, were abused by their fathers, owned a massive property specifically designed to appeal to children, and made an army of deranged midgets do their bidding.
Now, aside from Charlie, the kids who get into Wonka's factory are little shits, but who can blame them? Kids are inherently annoying. Their parents should be the ones keeping them in line. Instead, they put the fame and fortune that would come with Wonka's prize above their offspring's own safety. From the moment Augustus Gloop is sucked away into a river of chocolate and nearly drowned, their first priority should be to get the hell out of Candy Dodge. But they all keep trudging along while their kids meet ironic fates. You can understand the kids not caring -- they're entranced, like they're in some kind of store that provides something kids are really into. A math store, maybe. But while a loving parent would no doubt sue and/or beat the shit out of a regular schmuck who turned their daughter into a giant blueberry, here they grin and bear it because of the potential reward. Even Grandpa Joe, who told Charlie not to sell his ticket because the experience would be worth more than money, is starstruck.
Warner Bros. Pictures
"Why yes, I would like this delicious bribe, thank you!"