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Q&A: Tim Burton Drew Inspiration From Creepy Kid's Show Hosts

Julie Wohlberg | Of Merge

Dressed in a black button down shirt and black slacks, director Tim Burton looks like he would be uncomfortable in the Nassau heat. However, this director, with his signature mop of curly hair and blue-tinted glasses, seems perfectly at ease with his Goth attire as he sits for a chat with reporters about working with Johnny Depp on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:

You're working with Johnny for the fourth time now. What's the attraction?
Tim Burton: Well, you know, Johnny and I have this sort of process where we speak in the abstract to each other and yet can still somehow understand each other....
Click here to listen to Tim Burton's full response.

What do you think about allegations that Willy Wonka bears a resemblence to Michael Jackson.
Burton: Well, here's the thing. Michael Jackson likes children, Willy Wonka can't stand them. To me that's a huge difference. We never talked about that at all. The truth is, I never made that connection for the reason I just said. Willy Wonka really can't stand children.

Are you worried about that perception?
Burton: No, because it says really more about the people making that perception. As I said, I can't think of any larger difference it's almost like night and day. If you look at what I'm saying, the response of somebody liking children and somebody who just can't stand them to me it's like night and day.

Would you like to work with Johnny Depp again?
Burton: Well, I love working with him. But I don't think he or I would just make a movie just to make a movie together. But I think that if the part was right, of course. I love working with him.

Will you work on the sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, if the studio asks you to make it?
Burton: No. And you can quote me on that.