pure imagination

in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
composed by leslie bricusse and anthony newley
as sung by Gene Wilder



hold your breath
make a wish
count to three

come with me, and you'll be
in a world of pure imagination
take a look, and you'll see
into your imagination

we'll begin, with a spin
traveling in the world of my creation
what we'll see will defy explanation

If you want to view paradise
simply look around and view it
anything you want to, do it
wanna change the world?
there's nothing to it

there is no life I know
to compare with pure imagination
living there, you'll be free
if you truly wish to be




this song always makes me cry.
(especially the part when he's so touched,
that he removes his hat, and sits to marvel)
he just seems so goshdarn happy and hopeful,
knowing heaven is wherever you make it.

a film that needs to be visited at least yearly
[i recommend autumn (halloween. costumes. candy. insanity.)]

when i was younger, i loved how willy didn't fit into one box.
he was a candy man, but at the same time, he couldn't stand children.
he could be mean to the bad eggs, and then kind to the poor.
i completely appreciated that he did not hold back.

his morals appealed to me as well:
honesty- the most coveted virtue.
betrayal- chosen as the only unforgivable act.
and no fear- except that his life not be a waste.

mostly, my favorite quality was how he poked fun at everyone,
and saw the humor midst difficult situations.

now, i'm delighted by his great balance of life:
joy. anger. love. insanity. wit. loneliness. love. tradition.
his coin is variety. ...and a canyon-sized appreciation for irony.

wilder is the perfect actor for this cagey character written by roald dahl.
gene wins us over with quick wit and incredible timing.
his easy-going delivery allows willy to be natural and free,
so we believe our tour guide to be level-headed.
but as we join him, it becomes unclear whether he's laughing with you, or at you.
since people disappoint him, it seems he's mostly amusing himself.

above all, i believe this legend was sealed to gene,
because he equally beheld juxtaposing qualities,
which kept us guessing and contradicted our expectations,
ultimately creating a memorably complex character:
his versatile voice can screech loudly, then sing gently just a moment later.
his giant eyes twinkle light blue, and kindly urge you to trust,
but, right below, a wide cheshire-cat mad grin makes you unsure of his sanity.
and the cherry on top: an elegant top hat, which insinuates refinement,
yet it sits coyly atop his untamed hair.

it's unclear whether he's going to be sweet, or flip out. to include you, or mock you.
it all makes you wonder what's going on in that crazy brain.