Episode 30: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory aka Things Roald Dahl Hated (with Maz Fornasier)

TRANSCRIPT HERE

Who can build a sunrise? Sprinkle it with dew? Not Roald Dahl that’s for sure. Maz Fornasier returns to discuss the 1971 cult movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, based off the 1964 novel by Roald Dahl*. Come with us as we explore the racist origins of the Oompa Loompas, the eccentric character of Willy Wonka, and the themes of fatphobia, classism, and ableism throughout the story on film. We also ask the question - did Roald Dahl actually hate children? 

 

*And no, we will not be talking about the 2005 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, because the world is talking enough about John Depp. 

CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of ableism, racism, antisemitism, body shaming and fatphobia, mention of sexual assault, lots of swears, we both use the terms “dumb” and “stupid” relating to antisemitic comments a few times, apologies.

 

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REFERENCES

• Tessa Dahl: Roald Dahl's daughter on life with her father, the best-selling children's author | Daily Mail Online
• Roald Dahl: Inside His Anti-Semitism and Complicated Legacy | Time 
• Gene Wilder And His Alzheimer's Secret (forbes.com)
• From pygmies to puppets: what to do with Roald Dahl's enslaved Oompa-Loompas in modern adaptations? 
• The Oompa Loompas Were African Slaves In The 1964 Book 
• 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' Star on Being an Oompa-Loompa (VIDEO) 
• My life as an Oompa Loompa: 'Willy Wonka was my first and favourite film' | Movies | The Guardian 
• From pygmies to puppets: what to do with Roald Dahl's enslaved Oompa-Loompas in modern adaptations? 

NOTE: This podcast is not designed to be therapeutic, prescriptive or constitute a formal diagnosis for any listener, nor the characters discussed. The host is not representative of all psychologists and opinions stated are her own personal opinion, based on her own learnings and training (and minimal lived experience). Host and co-hosts do not have the final say and can only comment based on their own perspectives, so please let us know if you dispute any of these opinions – we are keen for feedback!

Editor: Stephanie Fornasier

Music: Michael Watson

Artwork: Bronte Poynts