# Alice in Wonderland

> The playful gothic style of the director of Edward Scissorhands and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory seems perfectly matched with author Carroll’s famous books about a girl called Alice and her curious fantasy adventures.

By Ben McEachen · 20 July 2010 · Reviews / Gaming

Canonical: https://insights1.uca.org.au/articles/alice-in-wonderland/

## **(PG) WDSHE DVD/BD**

Amazing that Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll didn’t team up years ago. The playful gothic style of the director of *Edward Scissorhands*and*Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* seems perfectly matched with author Carroll’s famous books about a girl called Alice and her curious fantasy adventures.

Burton’s *Alice in Wonderland* (based upon two Carroll novels) presents the visual smorgasbord expected of such a spectacular undertaking, but there’s also an unexpected sense of missed opportunity.

After Alice (excellent Australian actress Mia Wasikowska) plummets into the weird, wonderful “Underland”, Burton unleashes a giddy gallery of Carroll’s characters.

Strangely for a film founded on the notion of finding a person’s true identity (Alice is continually questioned about whether she is “the real Alice”), few of the rich, fascinating figures on display stand out or leave a distinct impression.

What might stir viewers more is how *Alice in Wonderland* — which is dark, odd and kooky, yet unthreatening enough for older kids — becomes a hero quest charged by issues of purpose and predetermination.

Alice struggles with being told her fate has been set out by a magical scroll. Hmmmm. Can you think of another book which people have trouble accepting as the most critical guideline for how their life should be?

**Ben McEachen** is the Reviews Editor of Empire Magazine