Tim Burton and Walt Disney Team up for a 3 D Alice in Wonderland Spectacle

A Huge bulk of my childhood was dedicated to fairy tales and children’s stories. Learning how to read came first before even knowing how to play a street game, since I grew up without any siblings or kids around to play with. I had every 35-page illustrated hardbound book any child could imagine, and I spent most of my time reading, watching and daydreaming, almost imagining I’m a character inside the book. Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland was definitely one of my favorites, it wasn’t like any other story I’ve read. It has left my imagination pondering like a child in a toy store. The stories and unusual adventures were a kid’s invitation to wild and eccentric world and after watching the cartoon, I sure loved to go there. I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve imagined being just like the girl that fell under a rabbit’s hole and just the thought of it is like sweet licorice to the taste buds of my thoughts. As I grew older and began to write, I’ve constantly referred to the aesthetics of Alice in Wonderland. Most of the children’s stories that I’ve written all had a character who’s indulging in the unseen boundary of possibility and imagination.

My love of uninhibited creativity flowed through watching countless films, and many of my favorites were directed by mainstream surrealist Tim Burton. His movies always addressed the unusual sense, capturing every sequence in settings that we see regularly in episodes of our dreams. Who could forget the way he directed Danny de Vito as Penguin in Batman Returns, The ultimate cult animation Nightmare Before Christmas or the countless Johnny Depp noirs from Edward Scissorhands to Sweeney Todd? He recently finished a stop-motion animated movie of Frankenweenie, a modern revival of the 1984 cult short film about a dead dog brought back to life by his master. It has been recently announced that Hollywood’s eccentric master is to direct a 3-d Walt Disney film version of Alice in Wonderland, working closely with screen playwright Linda Woolverton who also gave us Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. For Alice’s series of weird adventures Burton is also said to produce the film using the same CGI technique he used in Corpse Bride, which will include live action and performance capture (like in Beowulf). On an interview, Burton was obviously thrilled and excited to direct the classic, “The stories are like drugs for children, the images are like whoa, y’know”. He followed by saying that he wishes to stay true to the essence, describing the untamed visual and unusual narrative of Lewis Carrol. The most exciting part is the visual anticipation on how a modern cinematic genius such as Burton will present the images and metaphors in the story.

Rumors quickly spread as to who will play everybody’s favorite wanderer. Similar announcements regarding Dreamworks’ plans to make film versions of Alice and Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass to be directed by Spielberg jumped in and out of the web constantly like a perplexed piece of pop corn. As early as last year, Dakota Fanning has been invited to enter the wonderland, and now that rival Disney bagged the deal, it’s no surprise that she is Burton’s rumored lead. Dakota Fanning probably has the best resume any 12-year-old actress has. On page one you’ll find I am Sam with Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer, War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise. On page two you won’t be surprised to come across Cat in the Hat with Mike Myers, Hide and Seek with Robert DeNiro and a long enumeration of heavy blockbuster hitters. As far as I’m concerned, she’s all set for a lifetime achievement award and may choose to retire at the age of 16. The little blondie also ranked fourth in Forbe’s list of Richest Celebrities Under 21. She may be perfect for the role, but it would also be interesting if Abigail Breslin a.k.a. Little Miss Sunshine plays Alice. There is still no news as to who will voice the characters. 3-D Alice in Wonderland is currently in pre-production preparing for the official shoot in May and is set to be released in March 19, 2010.