The Unexpected Brilliance of Willy Wonka

The new film adaptation of Willy Wonka, titled "Wonka" and starring Timothée Chalamet, attempts to explore the enigmatic chocolatier's backstory and answer lingering questions about the character. However, the article argues that the appeal of Willy Wonka lies in his mystery and mystique, and attempting to fill in the gaps in his biography detracts from his charm. The article compares the new film to previous adaptations, including the 1971 version, which understood the importance of keeping Wonka at a distance to maintain his allure. Ultimately, the article suggests that Wonka's attempt to unravel the mystery of the character is a mistake.