Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a 2005 musical fantasy film directed by Tim Burton
and written by John August, based on the 1964 children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. The film stars Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket, alongside David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor, Missi Pyle, James Fox, Deep Roy, and Christopher Lee. The storyline follows Charlie as he wins a contest along with four other children and is led by Wonka on a tour of his chocolate factory.
The film was Burton's first musical film since The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Filming took place from June to December 2004 at Pinewood Studios in the United Kingdom. Rather than using computer-generated environments, Burton primarily used built sets and practical effects, inspired by the book's emphasis on texture. Wonka's Chocolate Room was constructed on the 007 Stage at Pinewood, with a faux chocolate waterfall and river. Squirrels were trained from birth for Veruca Salt's elimination, and Deep Roy performed each Oompa-Loompa individually rather than one performance duplicated digitally.
The plot involves Charlie Bucket, a kind and loving boy who lives in poverty with his family near the Wonka Factory. Wonka announces a contest in which Golden Tickets have been placed in five random Wonka Bars worldwide. The winners will receive a tour of the factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate, while one will receive an additional prize. Charlie finds the final ticket and brings Grandpa Joe to accompany him on the tour. Individual character flaws cause the other four children to give in to temptation, resulting in their elimination from the tour while the Oompa-Loompas sing a song of morality after each. Wonka reminisces on his troubled past and how his dentist father forbade him from consuming any candy. After the tour, Charlie learns that Wonka intended to find a worthy heir and invites Charlie to live and work in the factory with him, provided that he leave his family behind. Charlie declines, as his family is the most important thing in his life. As Charlie and his family's life improve, Wonka becomes despondent. He eventually turns to Charlie for advice, and he decides to help Wonka reconcile with his estranged father. During the reunion, Wonka realizes the value of family as he and Wilbur finally reconcile. Afterwards, Wonka allows Charlie and his family to move into the factory together.