Returning to Wonderland

For some there is nothing more mysterious, marvelous, quizzical and yet strangely logical than the writings of Lewis Carroll. For those with a lifelong yearning, a hunger for something more... a marvelous thing has happened.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland has opened to a storm of controversy, with many surprised to find the story a departure from the original text. I myself had trepidations once I saw that Alice was a woman rather than a girl and that this story did indeed seem to cover new territory.

Well all my doubts were whisked away as I entered the masterfully conceived, beautifully rendered and spectacularly realised wonder that was to unfold. Where I had feared a cringing homage to the Disney cartoon or a mish mash of the contents of the two original books I was instead delighted to enjoy a fun, engaging and mesmerising balance of old and new. There is enough of the original story to make die hard fans feel comfortable and a few literary nods to the text. Alongside this is a rich and well balanced new mythology which is supported by marvelous performances and a restrained yet beautiful use of 3D.

The only confusing decision was that the Queen of Hearts is referred to as the Red Queen... whereas in the text there are royal families White, Red, Hearts, Spades, Clubs and Diamonds, in keeping with the dual themes of chess and playing cards. This can be forgiven however as it was required by the storyline that the queens be sisters and how could the writer forgo the delicious exclamation of “Off With His Head!”. Helena Bonham Carter revels in the roll, as do all the other cast members, striking a fine balance between pantomime and a childlike exaggeration of affairs.

For some the world of Lewis Carroll is more than a storybook-land. The twisted logic, the intricate interplay of words, puns and puzzles give a sense of depth and awe. For some these texts allude to something large and wonderful, something illusory and amazing. It is an escape of sorts but also a place of belonging for those who perhaps do not buy in 100% to the here and now. The idea of an other-world, an ether-place where although nonsense prevails the danger is real. A world which parallels our own but in which a holy emphasis is placed upon spirit, curiosity and of course on Wonder.

I embrace this new addition to the tales of Wonderland. It is a miraculous opportunity to revisit old friends and ideas, to take another trip and gain new perspective on an old home.