Matilda is a beloved fantasy comedy based on Roald Dahl's classic 1988 novel of the same name. Directed and co-produced by Danny DeVito from a screenplay by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord, the film stars Mara Wilson as the extraordinary Matilda Wormwood, alongside DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris.
The story follows Matilda, a brilliant young girl with neglectful parents who discovers she possesses remarkable psychokinetic powers. As she navigates life at school, Matilda uses her newfound abilities to stand up to her cruel family and the fearsome headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, while finding an ally in her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey.
Matilda premiered in U.S. theaters on August 2, 1996, through TriStar Pictures.
Genesis: Development on Matilda began in 1993, when Universal Pictures acquired the rights to adapt Roald Dahl's novel. After budget disagreements stalled the project, TriStar Pictures took over production, with Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord writing the screenplay and Danny DeVito directing.
DeVito and cinematographer Stefan Czapsky gave the film its distinctive storybook look through wide-angle lenses and exaggerated perspectives inspired by Terry Gilliam's films. Actress Miriam Margolyes also auditioned for the role of Miss Trunchbull before Pam Ferris was cast.
Ferris endured several injuries during filming, including chalk dust in her eyes during the climactic blackboard scene and a finger injury while performing the sequence in which Miss Trunchbull swings Amanda Thripp by her pigtails.
Filming took place throughout Southern California, including the Crank House in Altadena as Miss Trunchbull's home and the Pasadena Public Library as Matilda's beloved library. The portrait of Miss Honey's father is actually a photograph of Roald Dahl.
The production was also touched by tragedy. During filming, Mara Wilson's mother, Suzie Wilson, was diagnosed with breast cancer and died just months before the film's release. Danny DeVito arranged for her to see the completed film before her passing, and Matilda was dedicated to her memory.
Box Office: Matilda was released in theaters on August 2, 1996, earning $8.5 million during its opening weekend and ranking third at the box office behind A Time to Kill and Independence Day. The film grossed $33.5 million in the United States and Canada and $47 million worldwide against a $36 million budget. Although it underperformed at the box office, the film found lasting success on home video and has since become a cherished family classic with a devoted following.
Critics responded positively to Matilda, praising its charm, faithfulness to Roald Dahl's spirit, and DeVito's imaginative direction. The film holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned a score of 72 on Metacritic. Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave it a "B+" grade, and critics highlighted its memorable villain, Miss Trunchbull, and its unique blend of humor and heart.
Source: Wikipedia
The story follows Matilda, a brilliant young girl with neglectful parents who discovers she possesses remarkable psychokinetic powers. As she navigates life at school, Matilda uses her newfound abilities to stand up to her cruel family and the fearsome headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, while finding an ally in her kind-hearted teacher, Miss Honey.
Matilda premiered in U.S. theaters on August 2, 1996, through TriStar Pictures.
Genesis: Development on Matilda began in 1993, when Universal Pictures acquired the rights to adapt Roald Dahl's novel. After budget disagreements stalled the project, TriStar Pictures took over production, with Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord writing the screenplay and Danny DeVito directing.
DeVito and cinematographer Stefan Czapsky gave the film its distinctive storybook look through wide-angle lenses and exaggerated perspectives inspired by Terry Gilliam's films. Actress Miriam Margolyes also auditioned for the role of Miss Trunchbull before Pam Ferris was cast.
Ferris endured several injuries during filming, including chalk dust in her eyes during the climactic blackboard scene and a finger injury while performing the sequence in which Miss Trunchbull swings Amanda Thripp by her pigtails.
Filming took place throughout Southern California, including the Crank House in Altadena as Miss Trunchbull's home and the Pasadena Public Library as Matilda's beloved library. The portrait of Miss Honey's father is actually a photograph of Roald Dahl.
The production was also touched by tragedy. During filming, Mara Wilson's mother, Suzie Wilson, was diagnosed with breast cancer and died just months before the film's release. Danny DeVito arranged for her to see the completed film before her passing, and Matilda was dedicated to her memory.
Box Office: Matilda was released in theaters on August 2, 1996, earning $8.5 million during its opening weekend and ranking third at the box office behind A Time to Kill and Independence Day. The film grossed $33.5 million in the United States and Canada and $47 million worldwide against a $36 million budget. Although it underperformed at the box office, the film found lasting success on home video and has since become a cherished family classic with a devoted following.
Critics responded positively to Matilda, praising its charm, faithfulness to Roald Dahl's spirit, and DeVito's imaginative direction. The film holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned a score of 72 on Metacritic. Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave it a "B+" grade, and critics highlighted its memorable villain, Miss Trunchbull, and its unique blend of humor and heart.
Source: Wikipedia
Watch Matilda’s Opening Scene titled “Matilda Is Born”:
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