This week, USAToday released new images from the upcoming movie: Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and the images seem to pull from the most twisted, creepy and nightmarish side of the Lewis Carol classic. This is, however, not the first time we have seen Alice in all her curiously twisted splendor. How will this new tale fair for our good friend, American McGee and his circus of weird!
In October 2000, the world was introduced to a much darker version of our beloved Alice in Wonderland in the EA title ALICE - Designed by American McGee. Alice is a twisted tale of a much older version of our heroine who’s house is burned down and parents are killed after her second adventure in Wonderland. The grief and guilt of this event leads Alice to attempt suicide (not your Disney version of Alice here!) and is is institutionalized in Rutledge Asylum. Years later, the White Rabbit summons Alice to assist in saving a radically altered Wonderland, now under the rule of the Queen of Hearts. The Cheshire Cat serves as Alice’s companion throughout the game, frequently appearing to guide her with cryptic comments. Wonderland, being a creation of Alice’s mind, has been corrupted by her insanity.
The success of the title prompted talks for a movie adaptation of the game in December 2000. Wes Craven signed on to develop the film with Sarah Michelle Gellar and director Marcus Nispel also both attached to the project.
Various script changes and studio shuffling have occurred since 2000. As of June 23, 2009 - IMDB has the movie slated for a 2010 release.
Then along comes the gothic master - Tim Burton to steal Master Mcgee’s thunder.
Although the images released are a much more colorful version of the tale, it does make one wonder if McGee has met his match. It is hard to imagine that this Burton/Disney collaboration will release this Wonderland without a video game title attached to it.
With a sequel to American McGee’s Alice announced February of 2009 and the American McGee movie still being slated for 2010, how will Mcgee stack up against Walt’s world of Wonderland gone weird and will America’s fascination with the dark and twisted be what potentially makes both of these films a huge success? Or, will we have another Willy Wonka on our hands?
Take a glimpse at the stills from Burton and game footage from McGee and let us know your thoughts on these two dueling curiosities!
TIM BURTON:
AMERICAN MCGEE:
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
My hope is Burton’s Alice will be cooky, semi creepy, twisted and fun. It should be a fun movie, and probably not scary.
I REALLY REALLY want McGee’s Alice to be a very creepy and psychologically damaging. The content of the game gives the potential to be terrifying and insightful. It has the elements to make a fantastic horror film, and I hope they make one with it (if it ever comes out!)
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I think Burton’s will wind up being less scary/more funny. I always figured McGee’s would be downright frightening if it ever made it to the big screen.
The Sci Fi Channel is also putting together and Alice film actually because Tin Man was so successful.
June 25th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
I’m excited to see both!!! I always love Burton’s work, and have been eagerly waiting for Alice to come to the big screen.
But I do have a littl fangirl squee moment! Is that Anne Hathaway as the White Queen? I heart AH!
July 13th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
I’m sure Burton will make a movie with great production design. Everything else is hit or miss.
I’m sure he’ll never reach anything as crazy as Jan Svankmeyer’s version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfnsnmsPClc
October 13th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
the image of burton’s mad hatter is very disappointing.
I’m am anxiously awaiting mcgee’s Alice!!!!!