Six Great Roald Dahl Films
This Sunday, September 13th, British legend Roald Dahl would have been 104 years old. Nevertheless, the impact of his writing has withstood the test of time, as adaptations of his work continue to be made (a new version of The Witches is due next year) , and older adaptations continue to be cherished. Whether he was known for his childrens novels or for his more mature short story mysteries and thrillers, Dahl has left his mark on multiple mediums, including cinema. Let’s celebrate with six of our favourite film adaptations based on his works.
6. Matilda
Danny DeVito’s direction is so child friendly, and he really sells Dahl’s words to a younger, wide-eyed audience. Matilda is the understanding of the complexities of adults through a smart girl’s mind (her psychic powers also help), and DeVito matches Dahl’s ability to really understand the kinds of tales children would be most interested in, and how to connect them as much as possible.
5. Revolting Rhymes
The combination of the two animated short films released by BBC One, Revolting Rhymes is a great replication of what Dahl’s collections would feel like on the big screen. These off kilter fables are suitable for all kinds of audiences, and BBC One’s treatment of them is relatively neutral, allowing for Dahl’s words and illustrator Quentin Blake’s original concepts to shine (though these images are refined).
4. 36 Hours
We needed at least one adaptation of Dahl’s adult short stories, and one of the features that comes to mind is 36 Hours, based on "Beware of the Dog”. Even though Dahl achieved so much in a small capacity, George Seaton’s version tries to expand on what Dahl is stating about the damnation of information, and the plaguing of those that hold it in times of war.
3. James and the Giant Peach
Henry Selick’s adaptation is so interesting, because it is hell bent on being identical to Dahl’s original James and the Giant Peach novel in a few ways. The most noticeable way is how the stop motion animation is so true to Lane Smith’s original artwork (as a massive fan [still] of The Stinky Cheese Man, I approve!). The split between live action and animation here is a noticeable portal between worlds, and James crosses this divide very nicely.
2. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
So, I went with both versions of Dahl’s story, and here’s why. Willy Wonka is a further deviation from the story, but is held up with the magic of Gene Wilder as the titular character, as well as gorgeous moments like the unveiling of said Chocolate Factory. Charlie is more dark like the novel, and some of the questions of morality transfers over a little bit better. Either way, both renditions are lovely in their own ways.
1. Fantastic Mr. Fox
It’s strange that Fantastic Mr. Fox is easily the best Roald Dahl adaptation, because Wes Anderson completely makes the film his own. However, in a way, Anderson never forgets what makes Dahl, well, Dahl, and he infuses his own interpretations of these qualities into his extended vision. Adding slight portions of Dahl’s more mature storytelling in here as well (more so the sarcastic dialogue and the occasional grimness for comedic sake), Anderson’s stop motion flick is a screwball comedy that takes Dahl’s gift and runs with it. It’s splendid, mischievous, cussing fun.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.